Through the LENS: a perspective of heart…

Hobby /hob by/
: pursuit outside one’s regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation.

I started experimenting with photography in the late 1980s. By the early 1990s, I had established Amy’s Ink Photography. The name “Amy’s Ink” frequently arouses interest regarding its origin. In fact, most people are eager to know, “Why does the business name include ‘Ink’?”

How I chose my business name is quite straightforward. My photography business was modest in size, yet I had a consistent client base. Digital photography services were not yet on the market, so I owned one of the best photo printers available. This   was before the convenience of self-printing at stores like Walmart or CVS, or the swift and economical services provided by companies such as Shutterfly. At that time, my clients would buy specific photo print packages as part of my photography services. I did all the printing in my home office, which led to an accumulation of various types of photo paper and a large stock of ink. While pondering over a suitable name for my business, surrounded by my supplies, particularly the ink, the name ‘Amy’s Ink Photography’ came to mind.

Ever since I can recall, creativity has been a part of me, often with a pencil in hand, sketching on any almost any surface I could find. Throughout junior high and high school, I took every opportunity to enroll in art classes, delving into various styles, mediums, and techniques, including color theory and the history of art. In college, my artistic journey expanded into graphic printing and design. It was only in my mid to late twenties that I picked up a camera instead of a pencil, thus quickly becoming mt passion.

When photographing events, I often find myself in what I refer to as “automatic setting,” a term borrowed from photography. Like many photographers, I can swiftly evaluate the space, distance, and focus. Yet, this doesn’t guarantee that I’m constantly in the optimal position to capture fast-moving subjects. I’m honing my positioning skills, but often, it’s the fortunate choice of where I stand at any given moment that makes the difference.

I,  also,  often find myself in a deeply personal creative space. Perhaps you understand what I’m saying, or it may seem a bit odd. Let me elaborate. I feel a connection to my subjects, even if it’s not reciprocated. This connection drives me to capture the “perfect” shot, the most distinctive angle on every occasion. If I fail to do so for any reason, I am profoundly disappointed. Conversely, when everything aligns, I am extremely satisfied.

Initially, when I review my photos, I can quickly discern whether I’ve captured that “perfect” shot, my ultimate goal. I aim for just one “perfect” shot, yet often I end up with several. Naturally, this requires taking hundreds of photos. The emotional depth intensifies once I download them to my laptop and start editing. Each photo narrates its own tale, and through editing—be it cropping, adjusting the light, or accentuating and muting certain colors—I strive to amplify that narrative. The photos become an extension of myself, and by choosing to share them with the “world,” I’m also unveiling the deepest recesses of my heart and soul. It’s a decision I grapple with: to share an image or keep it private? If you’ve seen my work, you’ve glimpsed into my being, where images reside without titles or labels, resonating with pure emotion.

Being a photographer is an honor that I regard with great seriousness. What started as a hobby in this profession has now, I hope, become my legacy.

Legacy //leg a cy//

: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor

Here is a list of my cameras, arranged from the first to the most recent, each accompanied by a photo it has captured.

Recently, I’ve embarked on a journey as a wrestling photographer, similar to WWE but on a local scale. This new chapter has been exhilarating. With an abundance of photos that I cannot possibly share in one place, and unable to select just one that encapsulates this segment of my professional journey, I invite you to visit my Amy’s Ink Photography Facebook Page for a comprehensive view.

“As Always”: I’m eager to hear your views on “Hobby or Legacy” and your personal experiences. Feel free to leave a comment, send an email, or reach out to me on Facebook. If you find this blog enjoyable, don’t hesitate to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. I appreciate you taking the time to visit and share a moment with me. Until next time, see you!

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