self development blog

Always Seeking to Improve

black and white photography, Portrait photography

A shot that I took in Lodi recently. This was a spur of the moment shot of my cousin as we explored the nature park around Lodi Lake. This shot is plain to me but I do like the look in my subjects’ eyes. I will go back to this shot and plan something better. I would like to take a tighter shot with more focus on the eyes. I will need to work on my backgrounds as well as my editing. I’m looking forward to the process.

I finished work late today but I was highly motivated to work on my passions. Thus I spent the last thirty minutes editing photos and writing this post. Currently, studying product photography before I jump back into portraits. I built my own makeshift light box to dabble with my Gundam models. My next post might be about that, we will see soon. Going to be taking this more seriously and get out of my comfort zone by taking more portraits of different people. I still have to get comfortable with my new camera (Nikon D5200) and with portrait photography but it is something that I really want to try yet it strikes me with fear so I truly know that is my next step.

I want to see what happens when I put 100% of my heart and effort into this. Even if I fail I’ll be proud of my effort if I gave it my all.

Peace,

D

Photographic Journey

black and white photography, Portrait photography

Took my little cousin to Lodi Lake in Lodi, CA to check out a restaurant and to walk around the lake. I’ve been introducing more and more photography principles to him as he has an interest in the field. It’s an interesting process as we can bond over our shared passion for this craft. I handed down my super zoom camera to him and once he has a better grasp of photography and wants to continue to pursue it fully then I’ll buy him a beginner level dslr. However, I don’t want to spoil him so I’m going to make him work for it.

I really love this field! At times I am swarmed by thoughts of self doubt but I step back and give myself a moment. I’ll look at my wall, which has my photos taped on 1/3 of it and just reflect. I know I’m not the best but I’m not trying to be. I am simply creating the shots that I want to and trying to be the best me that I can be. If I never get into Magnum Photos then so be it. I want to pursue this field out of genuine love even if I fail. Really just want to see how far I can go and tell a few stories along the way.

Updating this blog is a hassle until I actually sit down and write. I sometimes want to take the easy way out and just update a photo then go back to whatever show that I am watching. But I really can’t do it and don’t really want to do that. I want to present the world with what I can truly do but I believe that at times I try to do as little as possible so I can have a reason as to why I failed. 2021 is my year and I’m going to face all of my bad choices in hopes to create the right choices for me.

Been taking Skillshare courses on relevant topics which has helped me grasped certain issues I’ve had in the past and I’ve gained a lot of practical knowledge from the site. I will continue to take classes that will help me on this journey of mine. I am in the process of re-designing this website and I’m going to be more attentive to it. I have a few photo ideas that I want to flesh out. So beware that I will be having updating this more with content. Going back to my prolific creation roots.

Life is a Complex Beauty

architecture photography, black and white photography

I find comfort and risk in taking photos like this one. It is a simple photo of a darkened hallway but I find myself drawn to taking these kind of shots. I like the beauty of the darkness and gorgeous contrast of the light finding it’s place in the hall. I have a few photos on my bedroom wall so I can always look and reflect on certain shots. A lot of them look like this or have similar effects. I am proud of myself and proud of how far I’ve come from my childhood point and shoot days.

For a moment there I was struggling with self doubt but still kept my head up. I had to really take a step back and tell my self doubt that “I’ve got this”. It’s worked so far. It’s a struggle but I will continue to pursue my freedom. Sure, I’ll get lost at times but I will just pave another path until the day I can truly say that I am free and that I am home.

Waiting

black and white photography

A shot I took while taking photos of the beautiful water in San Francisco. I’ve reviewed my photos from my trips and I have noticed what I need to improve on. I will focus on improving my photos especially developing my post-editing skills.

Took my new lens out for a spin early in the morning. I played with it and enjoyed the process. Been a while since I took my camera out so it felt like a breath of fresh air. Might post some of the photos here once I upload them to my Google Drive but we will see. I plan to do another photo walk on my next day off which will be Tuesday.

I’m focusing on gaining skills and my health during this world event. Taking time to read and improve my mental health. Now, I will just need to focus more on my physical health so I can truly become the best version of myself.

Just a quick post as I felt writing but have to get prepared for work now.

Peace,

David

Reflection

black and white photography, Portrait photography

A shot of my friend as we wait for our boba milk teas at Cafe Hana in San Francisco’s Japantown. I’m grateful that my friends don’t mind me taking photos of them while on our trips. It helps me practice my skills and makes me energized when I capture a good shot.

Yesterday was a very productive day for me. I was able to completely clean my room and get most of it organized. Did work for my side hustles & made a little cash. My investment portfolio is up at the moment. I’ve been studying investing practically everyday and I’m learning how to apply what I learn successfully.

I’m taking to reflect on my life and current choices that I need to make. I’m doing the little things that will improve my life because they eventually will turn into something big. I have a lot to achieve and no excuses to not go after what I want. Now is the time while I am still young.

On a side note, really need to learn how to edit photos better. I’ll be going back to my Golden Gate Bridge photos and re-editing them as I am not satisfied with them. It’s good motivation for me to actually start to dive into gaining more in-depth knowledge about the editing process.

Well got work in a few hours, so I’ll end it here with a good night/morning.

Peace,

David

Little By Little

Uncategorized

A portrait I took of my friend as we waited for a light to change in San Francisco. Working hard to improve my portrait skills in order to improve as a photographer and hopefully find myself in a studio. I like how his hoodie is, it adds a little detail in this shot. I’m proud of the progress that I’ve made with my photography but I definitely know what my weak points are.

Currently, I’m researching new lenses for my nikon D3300. I’m thinking about a 35mm or a 55mm. I’ve been using the kit lens this whole time and would like to see what I can do with a new one. Tomorrow, I will decide which one to get after watching a few YouTube videos. I want to get two lees, one for portrait photography and a versatile one for street, portraits, and travel. I’m planning to go on many trips once this pandemic is over.

Also make get a second camera, one good portraits or video. Looking to shoot short films and videos and I’m not the biggest fan of the video side of my Nikon plus would like a flip out screen. It’s something that I will decide soon after doing some more research.

Making a plan to do 23 & Me, so I can finally see my ethnic makeup. I’ve been told many things by family members in the past but none of them seem truly fruitful so I want to take the test. Plus I’ve always been interested in this kind of thing. I will order a kit in the upcoming weeks.

Things are starting to roll for me, I’ve started to instill discipline in myself and better my work ethic. I’m proud to say that my room is clean and organized. Started to work out again and I am watching what I eat. I need to just start writing again, seeking writing projects, growing my photography platform, re-design this site, design a portfolio site, put together a professional photography portfolio, publish a book, and learn Japanese. I’ve got a lot on my plate and I will get it all done as it’s what I truly want.

Working hard to improve myself and in effect my life. Decision making is hard but it’s a must.

Peace,

David

Different

black and white photography

I wanted to capture this subject but never could find a good angle until I took this shot. I like the texture but would go back and try to make a more interesting composition.

Had a semi-productive day. I sold off some of my shares in the stock market and holding out on buying anymore for a while. It’s tough to be patient but with the market how it is I’m going to have to be. Listening to top investors like Warren Buffet & David Tepper talk about being bearish which lead to my decision to hold what I got and adapt to the market.

Finally, finished reading The Prince by Niccolo Machievelli. It’s a very good political philosophy book that I would recommend to any one that wants to start a business or simply loves philosophy. My goal is to read 100 books this year and I’m at 18 right now. Next up will be No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert Glover.

Was able to clean and organize my room some more. I have to re-design my desk which I’m struggling with. However, I’m trying to be more decisive and simply getting things done. Will be reading Marie Kondo’s “Joy at Work” to fix the work side of my desk.

I am proud to say that I have been able to fight off some doubt and stay the course. I’m working hard to battle my inner demons and improve my mind and body. Doing research on diets and exercises to maximize my time. I’ll also be studying video production and editing on top of photography and Japanese. I would like to direct films in some capacity in the future so I’ll be working hard to produce my own material.

Now’s the time for me to produce my own work and not expect to work half ass on the things I love. Will be disciplined and work hard towards my passions and hopefully have the life that I’ve always wanted.

Here’s to your success. Peace,

David

Peace With You

street photography

Took this shot inside the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco with my Samsung J7 Sky. It’s a simple shot but it truly represents the atmosphere present in the garden.

I had a pretty decent day at work. I was able to get a lot done and make a decent plan for me to try to implement. I’ve made sure to cut out some distractions and cut off excess baggage that I don’t really need in my life.

Haven’t heard from any employers so I’m continuing to apply to new jobs. Was told today that everyone in my department will be getting 40 hours a week for a while. Which I hate but I love because I can earn a bit more money. I’ve started to make a schedule on things I want to buy in order to make sure I can take care of myself and stay independent plus financially secure.

I’m still in the stock market, slightly worried because of the negative news and some of the YouTubers I’ve watch have sold their stocks and bought new ones. I’m staying the course now as I really don’t want to take a loss on my investments. I’ll still put some money in every paycheck but I will be cautious and adapt to the market.

Looking for a new phone too. Haha I’ve been rough with the J7 to the point that the front camera is wrecked and the camera quality isn’t that good anymore, the speaker is shot, and there is a lag whenever I receive a call. Thinking about trying out an iphone but I’m still deciding on that.

Going to go all tomorrow as well. I’m off so I can have an even more productive day.

Have fun and peace,

David

New Places

architecture photography, black and white photography

Shot of the entrance to the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. I was able to take this shot as it was right after it opened. Luckily for me not a lot of people were there and I was taking one of my friends there for the first time. It’s a simple architecture shot of a place with such peace and beauty that’s hard to create. I like the empty space on the upper left side, it helps give the shot balance as below it the shot is crowded.

Finished 3 hours out of a four hour shift as I was just done with the people and the place. I have work tomorrow at 4:30 am, then two days off. I’m going to be applying to so many jobs and annoying people until I can find a job with a better work environment and a better life and work balance.

Still not certain where I’m going with this site or my life. I’m growing my audience slowly which is how it should be but at times I get impatient. Can’t say that I enjoy social media like Instagram & Facebook. It’s the shit in my sandwich that I have to tolerate to get anywhere as a photographer, writer, and whatever else I choose to pursue.

I know that I have to work harder and I’m doing my best in order to do that. I’ve been studying too much and need to focus on this site and my other endeavors. Now is kind of the perfect time since we can’t really go anywhere due to the virus. I’m tired of this life and I really need to make the effort to escape. So before I hit the hay, I’ll be reading, cleaning my room, organizing my room, exercising, answering questions I have for myself, preparing for tomorrow, and formulating a strategy to implement.

That’s it for me for now, I have to get things cracking. I’m thinking about experimenting with the format of my posts but we will see. Gotta go to new places!

Thank you for your time,

David

Plateau

black and white photography, street photography

Bruce Lee street art I captured on one of my trips to San Francisco. It’s okay shot, I remember struggling to not capture the story next to the wall. I will try to level up my editing game and get rid of the parking meter.

The title of this post was inspired by a Bruce Lee quote. “There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”. I find myself struggling with developing a fitness plan plus a career in photography and writing. I am still working hard to discipline myself, I have to change my diet and start exercising regularly before it’s too late.

I’m not going to allow myself to stay on this plateau for long. Going to be investing into a new diet plan and weights to improve my workouts. I’ve been thinking about buying a bike but there were no options at my store as people have been buying them like crazy. Will have to get back to practicing boxing as well. The key will be sticking with a new diet even when I’m at work.

I realize that what I want to do in life is going to take a hell lot of effort and hard work. I have to fully commit myself and pursue it everyday no matter what. I have to get it through my thick ass skull that I need to get uncomfortable and work. Nothing is going to fall on my lap. The time is now or I’ll forever regret it when I lay on my deathbed.

I wish you all success and a good time,

David