Whitney Blodgett Discusses Her Photography Hobby
Software as a Service developer, Whitney Blodgett has been one of the leading figures in the establishment of new aspects of Online retail over the last few years and has seen her own company grow by more than 150 percent over the last two years alone. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Whitney Blodgett’s work as a SaaS developer, began on a small scale with local business leaders looking for assistance launching their Web-based programs. In the last few years, Whitney Blodgett has grown her business to take in clients on a national and international scale through the excellent service her company provides for clients.
What is your hobby?
I enjoy photography in all its forms from creating a portrait to heading into the countryside and takes photos of whatever I see around me. Although I class photography as a hobby, it has become a significant part of my life as I travel more and more for work. I take my digital SLR camera everywhere with me and have developed an increasing interest in nature photography as I never know what I will see on a shoot.
How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?
Throughout my childhood, a camera was always being used by my parents to record our family trips and special events, and I suppose I just picked it up. When I got to the University of Georgia, I took a few classes and had carried a camera with me ever since. I even use my Smartphone when I am working if I see something of interest and want to take a photo.
Tell us what you love about it.
I love everything about photography as I think it combines my developers need for accuracy and the creativity I have always held inside. Looking back through the images I have captured, I feel as though I am progressing with my hobby and the results are easy to identify with the naked eye.
Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?
I recently joined the Atlanta Photographic Society and had enjoyed meeting people with a shared interest. One of the things I am looking forward to with the club is heading out on some field trips and exchanging tips and information with my fellow photographers.
Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.
As my business has progressed, I have been able to invest in some impressive cameras, but my latest investment was the most costly, and I think the best I have ever bought. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a professional standard camera I am enjoying exploring, and the 70 to 200mm lens I purchased with the new body has been invaluable in recording the best in nature across the U.S.
Where do you buy most of your supplies?
The majority of my purchases have been made through Online Sites such as Amazon and eBay, but I do enjoy exploring smaller independent camera stores I find across the world. I was recently in a junk shop in Atlanta and found some old cameras and equipment which really caught my eye and have led to a whole new area of interest for me regarding photography. Hopefully, I can find some traditional SLR cameras and equipment and try out some older techniques in creating my own prints.
Are there any good books for beginners?
The book I remember being most inspiring was “A Year With My Camera: Book 1” by Emma Davies which was filled with practical advice and many different tips. I think a book like this is a good option for anybody who is looking to develop an interest in photography along with any photography books showing the work of professionals who can inspire through their work.
How has this changed your life?
My word, that’s easy to answer. Before I started taking an active role in photography, I was stressed and moving at breakneck speed all the time, but now I feel I have the ability to take a step back and look at what is happening around me as I’m always looking for the best photos and composition.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Pick up a camera and take some pictures. It doesn’t matter how bad you think your first attempts are you will improve simply by practicing and having fun learning about different ways to compose an image and get out into the world around you. All the research and reading in the world can only take you so far before you have to put what you have learned into practice.
Are there any other hobbies you have?
I have recently been interested in developing some skills in calligraphy and have been enjoying learning another skill which helps me build my patience and inner peace. There’s no way of rushing the completion of a calligraphy assignment, and I have learned many life lessons from this hobby.