You can click the buttons below to view my current SCA Photography course called "Nice Shot! Basic Photo Habits for Beginners," or look at examples of my photos.
My SCA Photography Story
When I first joined the SCA, I felt out of place. It's not that I didn't feel a sense of belonging, but something seemed to be missing from my experiences. I wasn't a fighter, and I couldn't devote enough time to A&S activities. I went to events, watched the combatants, and went home. I know a lot of people join the SCA just for a chance to get away from work and the real world, and if that's their goal, fantastic! But that wasn't my goal. That didn't mesh with my personality. I've always been shy, but I've always been a doer. That is what was missing... something for me to really DO! Thus, photography became my hobby-within-a-hobby!
2007-2009: My first SCA camera was an inexpensive point-and-shoot, a Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera. I took photos at our Baronial fighter practices and any events that I was able to attend. I saved them to my computer, sometimes uploaded a couple to Facebook, and that was that. After a year or so, I grew annoyed at the quality of my photos. I felt like my camera's life was reaching an end... my pictures were too blurry and my camera was incapable of getting the action shots that I was hoping for. I just couldn't afford to drop a bunch of money on a new camera.
2009 -2014: Fortunately, my loving Lord Gustav surprised me with one of the best gifts I have ever received - a Nikon D5000! It had so many buttons I didn't even know where to start. I figured out the basics after some practice and lots of patience with myself. It was definitely different carrying this camera around at events. It was heavy! I began posting more and more photos online, and eventually started making minor edits (cropping, white balance, saturation, etc.). The quality of my photos improved drastically and I used that camera for years. By the time I moved on, I still didn't know how to use all of the features. I moved on because I had difficulty in low-light conditions and I wanted the opportunity for better overall image quality. I will admit that I still have difficulty talking about camera settings and using the technical jargon. I do much better focusing on the act of finding my subjects and letting my photos tell a story. I still have my D5000 as a backup camera.
2014-now: I recently upgraded to a Nikon D7100. I've also invested in new lenses over the years, and my event lens is the 18-200mm Nikkor VR lens. The lens works great at events because I can take photos at both near and far distances without the hassle of changing my lens (I used to swap between my 18-55mm and a 55-200mm - so this lens combines the two). This camera is superior for the low-light courts and indoor events! I look forward to capturing more memories in the near future.
And now, after eight years in the SCA, I have finally found the time to explore A&S activities. I will now have to balance my love for photography with learning new skills in the arts. The journey continues!
2007-2009: My first SCA camera was an inexpensive point-and-shoot, a Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera. I took photos at our Baronial fighter practices and any events that I was able to attend. I saved them to my computer, sometimes uploaded a couple to Facebook, and that was that. After a year or so, I grew annoyed at the quality of my photos. I felt like my camera's life was reaching an end... my pictures were too blurry and my camera was incapable of getting the action shots that I was hoping for. I just couldn't afford to drop a bunch of money on a new camera.
2009 -2014: Fortunately, my loving Lord Gustav surprised me with one of the best gifts I have ever received - a Nikon D5000! It had so many buttons I didn't even know where to start. I figured out the basics after some practice and lots of patience with myself. It was definitely different carrying this camera around at events. It was heavy! I began posting more and more photos online, and eventually started making minor edits (cropping, white balance, saturation, etc.). The quality of my photos improved drastically and I used that camera for years. By the time I moved on, I still didn't know how to use all of the features. I moved on because I had difficulty in low-light conditions and I wanted the opportunity for better overall image quality. I will admit that I still have difficulty talking about camera settings and using the technical jargon. I do much better focusing on the act of finding my subjects and letting my photos tell a story. I still have my D5000 as a backup camera.
2014-now: I recently upgraded to a Nikon D7100. I've also invested in new lenses over the years, and my event lens is the 18-200mm Nikkor VR lens. The lens works great at events because I can take photos at both near and far distances without the hassle of changing my lens (I used to swap between my 18-55mm and a 55-200mm - so this lens combines the two). This camera is superior for the low-light courts and indoor events! I look forward to capturing more memories in the near future.
And now, after eight years in the SCA, I have finally found the time to explore A&S activities. I will now have to balance my love for photography with learning new skills in the arts. The journey continues!