From Film to Digital: A Photographer’s Evolution in Alaska

Lately, I've been diving deep into the rabbit hole of my adventure photographs. As I look back at the pictures I’ve taken over the years, I often think, “What was I thinking back then?” Clearly, I wasn’t thinking at all. I’ve been fortunate enough to have many adventures across Alaska, experiencing places most people never will. As I review these photos, two questions come to mind: why did I take most of them in .jpg instead of RAW, and why didn’t I take more photos? Let me explain.

 When I first arrived in Alaska in 2006, I had an SLR Minolta film camera. It was a fantastic camera but still used film, which meant I had to wait for my photos to be developed. Meanwhile, my friends with digital cameras enjoyed instant gratification, making me quite envious. As summer progressed, my girlfriend took pity on me and bought me a Samsung 815 Pro Camera, boasting 8 megapixels and a 400mm zoom lens. It was an amazing camera for its time, and I still have it for sentimental reasons.

 Entering the world of digital photography, I had no idea about the differences between RAW and .jpg formats. I loved the immediate gratification of .jpg, while RAW intimidated me. I stayed in my comfort zone with .jpg, frustrated by my camera slowing down during high-speed shots in RAW and the larger file sizes that ate up memory card space. Now, I look back and see so many photos that could be better if they weren’t in .jpg.

 Another reason I avoided RAW was the post-processing in Lightroom. I was intimidated by the process and wanted a clear guide on adjusting each image. But, my friends, such a guide doesn’t exist. It’s all about perspective and the result you desire. With countless hours on YouTube and Lightroom tutorials, I am now comfortable, though I’m always learning new techniques.

 While exploring Adak and St. Paul, Alaska, I had endless photographic opportunities. Initially, I bounced from one subject to another, never taking the time to capture one subject fully. For instance, American Bald Eagles were everywhere on Adak. Their novelty wore off quickly, and they became a nuisance. Now, looking back, I wish I had taken more photos of them. Always take more photos from different angles, focal lengths, and focal points. Carry extra memory cards, so you never run out of space. You can delete the bad ones later, but you can’t recreate the missed moments.

 I am 100% self-taught, always searching for books and magazines to improve my techniques. One particularly helpful resource was the UK magazine “Practical Photography,” now sadly out of print. It shared valuable information and creative techniques.

 Starting out, I relied heavily on quick settings and the dreaded “Auto” mode. The camera’s preset modes seemed helpful, but I’ve learned that understanding your camera gives you much more creativity. ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture work together to create the perfect image. A high ISO gives you grain, a slow shutter speed results in blur, and depth of field depends on the F-stop and focal length. Now, I often use manual settings but rely on Aperture Priority and Shutter Speed Priority when time is short.

 A few years ago, I upgraded to a Canon 70D with an APC sensor, which was faster than my Canon T2i Rebel. Since then, I have moved up to a Canon Mirrorless R5 camera, which I completely love. Throughout my journey, I realized that the quality of the lens, or “glass,” is crucial for the final image quality. You are better off spending more on a great lens and less on a camera. I started buying Canon L USM series lenses, despite their higher cost, because their results far outweigh the price.

 Currently, my gear includes:

- Canon R5 camera

- Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens

- Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM Lens

- Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

- Canon EF50mm f/1.4 USM Lens

- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Lens

- Shimoda Action X30 Camera Bag

 I primarily use the 100-400mm for wildlife, while the others depend on the shooting context. The 50mm prime lens is great for its natural point of view and forcing creative framing. I pack my gear in a Shimoda Action X30 Camera Bag, which offers customizable compartments and easy access.

Wrapping Up

Photography has been a journey of learning and growth for me. From starting with film and transitioning to digital, to finally understanding the importance of RAW and mastering post-processing, every step has been filled with discoveries. I’ve realized the value of taking time to capture the perfect shot and the importance of using the right equipment. But most importantly, I've learned that the best way to improve is to keep experimenting and never stop learning.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, remember that the best camera is the one you have with you. Master it, understand the fundamentals, and don’t be afraid to push your limits. Always be prepared with extra memory cards, shoot in RAW, and capture the world from different angles and perspectives.

 Photography is more than just taking pictures; it's about capturing moments, telling stories, and sharing your unique view of the world. So, grab your camera, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.

 Happy shooting, and may your photographic adventures be as fulfilling and exciting as mine have been.