Milestones of the Photographer's Journey Through Life

[Markw]

Hi all. I'd like to think I'm getting up there a bit in experience and know-how in the world of photography. As such, I'm starting to notice certain milestones that most beginners, including myself at one time, inevitably go through. So, my question to you is: What milestones do you think at least 85% of photographers go through before they eventually end their photographic journey? There are many more, and they come much more rapidly as a beginner, but it seems that passing all of these milestones which may happen every other month or so, inevitably get you to the time that the milestones only come once a year, or two, or five, or even ten years apart, but are all the more sweet and rewarding when they do come. I'm not at that part in my own personal journey yet, but I can see how it will pan out, generally speaking. So, feel free to chime in with any milestones you might think would go well. If there is a general concensus, I'd be more than happy to have an ongoing list on this here post! :mrgreen:

Here's the list. Not necessarily in order. (Eligible to change at any time without notice )

• Attain first DSLR and inexpensive lens; think you look much cooler to everyone who sees you carrying it around (everyone besides more experienced photographers generally do!)
• Attain first Nifty Fifty and take loads of not-so-great photos to show off the shallow DOF you've never been able to do before. (longest phase for me!)
• Attain first 70-300mm lens or similar and think you are super cool because the lens is sooo massive extended, epecially with that nifty hood!
• Place super strong vignettes around EVERYTHING.
• Firmly believe selective color is the coolest thing since sliced bread.
• First sold photo
• First photo in local publications
• First photo in national publications

Those are all I can think of so far.
Feel free to suggest your own!
Mark

 

[fokker]

When I read your post, two things immediately came to mind - this graph:

And this tongue-in-cheek letter to a prospective starting out photographer:
http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/05/letter-to-george.html


For me personally, I was always about the full-frame camera and I was so happy when I got my first one. Now I'm on my second and I don't think I'll ever be able to go back to APS-C....

 

[ann]

Have seen this before, but am wondering where a copy can be found. Would love to post this in my class room.

 

[Markw]

Wow. That was quite an article! It truly was GREAT as far as I'm concerned. Very beautifully done.

Mark

 

[Derrel]

How about one's first sold photo?

How about one's first photo in a local newspaper?

How about one's first photo published in a national magazine?

 

[Markw]

Agreed. Will be included.

Thanks Derrel!
Mark