Has Photography Changed Me?

Graeme Nicholl
Aug 8, 2017 · 4 min read

A look back on my journey into mobile photography.

I got bored waiting at school one morning and decided to start taking photos in places that I thought I had already become familiar with. This is one of my favorites from that morning because of the atypical nature of the composition, especially the lens flare and over-exposed sky. Taken with my Google Pixel.

I used to look at people taking photography classes at the art camp when I was 10 and wonder “what’s the point?”. I thought photography looked too difficult, had too many rules, and took too long to do. Most of all, I had little in the way of understanding what photography was all about. Let’s say I had a laundry list of preconceived notions. Now, hardly a day goes by when I am not either thinking of my next photo, planning what it will be of, or actually going out and taking it. I realized recently that I didn’t know why I continue to pursue photography, so here are some of the things that I learned on my journey into mobile photography after some reflection.

Taken in between classes of a large planter hanging over a stairwell. Taken with my Google Pixel.

One of the first things I noticed once I started actually taking photography seriously was that I was getting out of the house more and suddenly had a good reason to go on hikes and leave the city. That said, I also started looking at the places I was already going to with different eyes, giving me an excuse to wander around and slow down a little.

Another change I noticed early on was that mobile photography appealed to my minimalist tendencies. All I really need is my phone. Of course, I do sometimes use other gear, such as the Moment Tele Lens, but I don’t need to carry around heavy camera equipment to get the shot. In a way, I was already set to pursue mobile photography just based on the materials and increasing interest in the subject.

Some other things I noticed were the ability to incorporate photography into my life in small amounts and the fact that there was a readily available platform for me to show off my photos; Instagram. The two combined really pushed me to leave my comfort zone in a way that wasn’t painful. Up until I created my Instagram account (@graeme_nicholl), I had no social media and like photography, didn’t really see the point. Now I have a record of all of my favorite shots and all the things I have learned along the way. Bringing an Instagram practice to my life has given me a tangible way to see my photography’s progression, not to mention a portfolio of sorts. When treated as a “professional” tool, Instagram is incredibly useful (quotes because I am by no means a professional :) Maybe someday).

Lastly, only recently have I discovered that mobile photography provides a way for me to organically pursue something fulfilling when I have other tasks and goals to complete, but won’t see the results of right away. College, work, and other things could either get in the way, or I could choose to find something that gives me a break from stress. Photography has definitely become my way to take a breather from everything else I have going on. That said, what I have found and enjoyed is that there is no real instant gratification with mobile photography. I have to work for it, but the result is that much sweeter for it.

Above all, there is usually at least one amazing photo to look at at the end of the day. If nothing else, I can be content with the knowledge that I created something completely my own. When that happens, I feel like I’m winning in life.

So has photography changed me? Yes- and in ways I never expected when I began my journey almost a year ago. I expected to see the world a little differently, expected to learn new skills. But finding something I really enjoy without forcing it? No. A way to feel better about myself? No again. As an affirmation to all who know the joys of taking pictures with your phone;

Cool phrase on the back of the Moment Photo Case. Taken with my Google Pixel.

*None of these views are in any way sponsored by the companies mentioned in this article. All views are my own.*

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