About Angie
Photography Guide for Beginner Photographers
My camera and I are shielded from the rain, and I’m heading out to take photos.
A long time ago, or so it seems, the seven-year-old me received a "Snappy" camera from my Grandma. Grandma knew something I didn't; thanks to her, a lifelong passion was born.
There was rarely a time when my camera wasn't far away. I considered numerous subjects to be fair game: my stuffed animals, landscapes, animals, nature, siblings, and, years later, a usually willing family. My dad was the perfect co-adventurer with his simple film camera, and we both loved capturing memorable moments.
Fast-forward to 2002, and I feel the exhilaration of finally owning my first "good" film camera. Soon, however, excitement gives way to apprehension, and this contrasting world of photography emerged. I stared in total confusion at the buttons and dials.
"Now what?" I thought, and "what's this?"
Shortly after, I found myself registered for a beginner workshop to photograph mountain wildflowers in Jasper National Park, hoping for answers.
I had little interest in photographing flowers at the time; however, I love the mountains, I love photography, I had questions, and that was enough for me. I also love learning, and many workshops followed over the years, with various subjects, mostly nature and sports-based.
Later, I transitioned to the world of digital cameras, forever appreciative of the patience and experience with using film. A 24-exposure roll of film was a treasure to savor; now, space for 24 images on a memory card is almost reason to break out in a sweat.
A few years after the "now what?" and "what's that?" emerged a passion for inspiring beginner photographers like you and helping you overcome some of the frustrations I experienced along the way. On this website, you will realize that photography can be easy and fun to learn, and the technical language will not seem nearly as daunting.
I love learning from past and present experiences and spending happy hours in the field, discovering what worked and learning from what didn’t turn out as planned and sharing them with you.
Through my online course and growing library of blog posts, I will do my best to be supportive and remove the guesswork and confusion surrounding learning photography. The best part for me is encouraging aspiring photographers as you learn to take great photos, confidently push buttons, turn dials, and turn heads with your impressive results.
On cold northern Alberta days, my kitchen window frosts with the most fascinating designs, and I take advantage of the opportunity to keep warm and get my photo fix with my macro lens. After wrangling my way to sitting on the kitchen counter, feet in the sink, and feeling like a pretzel, here I am.
My mission is to make photography and learning about your camera fun and attainable, leaving you feeling inspired and excited about embarking on extraordinary photography adventures as you capture boundless memorable moments.
The beginner photography tips and resources I share on my blog, in my book Making Photography Easy and Fun, and in my online course, 37 Ways to Improve Your Photos in Minutes, result from compiling what I wish I could have found in one place when starting my journey.
I will do my best to remove the guesswork and confusion and be supportive as you enthusiastically embrace your newfound talents. Before you know it, you will confidently push buttons and turn dials as you learn how to take great photos without knowing “everything.”
Over the years, I have learned as much from what did not turn out as expected as from what did, and I’m willing to share my bloopers with you as a benefit, with my insights and why something didn’t turn out. Rest assured, professional photographers in all genres worldwide also have a collection that didn’t turn out, wasn’t accepted for an assignment, or didn’t make the portfolio collection.
That being said, enjoy your adventure and celebrate the photographer in you! I'd love to hear from you if you have questions about learning photography with me. Please feel free to contact me here.
More about me:
I’m always thrilled to find pollinators on the native plants I’m planting on my acreage.
It’s not always about taking photos. I love visiting the Canadian Rockies and National Parks, meandering or riding my bicycle on the trails beside clear mountain streams.