The Journey of a Photographer: From a Spark to a Passion
Discovering My Passion for Photography
The journey into photography is one I never expected would define so much of my life. It all started in 2021, when I decided to go beyond capturing moments with just a phone. I bought my first camera, a Nikon Z50, and began what I thought would be a casual hobby. Little did I know, photography would soon become more than a pastime; it became a passion that reshaped how I see the world.
With my first camera in hand, I also ventured into the world of photo editing. I started with Adobe Lightroom, discovering how small adjustments could bring a photo to life. As my confidence grew, I took on Adobe Photoshop, unlocking even more creative possibilities. Learning these tools was challenging, and to this day, I don’t know all the functions—but the process of learning has been just as rewarding as capturing the images themselves.
Looking back, it was a simple conversation about photography with someone who was close to me that planted the seed. That conversation was the spark I needed, igniting a desire to explore this art form. Sometimes, all it takes is a moment of inspiration to change the trajectory of our lives. Of course, I didn’t act immediately—I bought my first camera two years after that conversation.
This was the first photo I ever took with a professional camera—a moment that marked the beginning of my photography journey. Captured on June 12, 2021, it was taken from the car as I spotted a stork nearby. I wanted to test how the camera worked, and this simple shot became a special memory, reminding me of the curiosity and excitement I felt starting out.By the end of 2021, I switched to a Sony A6400, thanks to a friend who introduced me to this remarkable camera. It wasn’t a hard decision—I was instantly captivated by its features and its sleek, modern design. The compact build and intuitive layout made it a joy to hold and operate, elevating the entire shooting experience. It was also the camera I could afford to buy, considering the prices of electronic equipment. This new addition brought a renewed sense of excitement and growth, reminding me that passion evolves as you do.
Today, I’m using the Sony A7IV, a camera that continues to amaze and inspire me every time I hold it, not only because of its exceptional capabilities but also its thoughtfully crafted design that feels like an extension of my creative vision. But this post isn’t about the gear I use or an advertisement for the Sony brand. It’s about something deeper—how one tool can awaken a passion and transform the way you see the world. Still, if you were to ask me what gear to start with on your photography journey, I’d personally recommend Sony.
Finding Direction in Moments of Doubt and Fatigue
Like any creative pursuit, photography has its ups and downs. There were moments when I felt burned out, questioning whether I should continue. The routine began to feel tiresome—going out to shoot, editing photos, and engaging on social media platforms like Instagram.
Instagram, in particular, became a double-edged sword. While it offered a platform to share my work, it also felt limiting, and my activity became sporadic. I’d post actively for months, only to take extended breaks. Yet, I always found myself returning to photography, drawn back by the passion that started it all.
Over time, I realized my lack of engagement wasn’t just about Instagram—it was a reflection of a deeper struggle with motivation. One factor I’ve identified is the downtime at work. When I don’t have something to focus on or create. Without something to engage my mind, I start to feel stagnant. Ironically, it’s during these idle moments that ideas begin to form—sometimes too many at once—but I often can’t bring them to life due to a lack of resources.
Another contributing factor is the monotony of photographing the same places over and over again, particularly Warsaw. I used to think I’d never get bored of the city, given how many unique spots there were to capture. But over time, my perspective shifted. Where I once went out every week, now I’m content to shoot once every couple of months. Part of this change is also due to the fact that, in the early days of my photography journey, there were more people to go out and shoot with. But now, the city feels emptier, and the enthusiasm that came from exploring with others has faded.
Photo taken on Zakynthos, Plakaki Beach
My first trip to Greece in 2022, specifically to the island of Zakynthos, marked an unexpected turning point. Before the trip, I had no desire to go—I don’t like the heat, and Greece wasn’t on my list of places to visit. But once I was there, something shifted. The island’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature opened my eyes to something new. The sense of freedom I experienced was remarkable, and suddenly, the heat no longer bothered me.
However, returning to the bustling city after this transformative trip took a toll on my mental health. The contrast between Zakynthos’ serenity and the city’s chaos was stark, and it left me feeling emotionally drained. That experience affected me deeply, but I’ll save those reflections for another time.
The trip left such a lasting impression that I returned to Zakynthos in 2023—this time by choice and with a deeper sense of purpose. I wanted to explore more of the island, and this second visit allowed me to see nearly all of its beauty. Where the first trip felt too short, the second gave me the time to fully immerse myself in the experience, further fueling my passion and appreciation for the stunning landscapes.
I don’t like stagnation. Ideally, I would be out exploring and discovering new places, but working full-time makes that difficult. Passion might drive you, but it doesn’t always align with the demands of daily life. I started to feel stuck, unable to break free from the rut. Yet, I’ve noticed that when we are pushed to our limits, new ideas start to emerge. We instinctively try to find a way out, and in that process, our creativity gets a chance to shine.
One important lesson I’ve learned is that passion requires effort and persistence. When you give 100% to what you love, you can achieve incredible things. Even when the path seems unclear, starting and continuing are what make dreams attainable.
In moments of doubt, I began searching for ways to channel my energy into something meaningful. I wanted to create more than just photographs—I wanted a platform where my work could live and connect with people in new ways. For me, finding ways to reignite my passion has been an ongoing process, and while there’s still much work ahead, I remain hopeful.
This introspection and determination eventually led me to explore new ways to express and share my creativity. This is what sparked the idea of building an online store and portfolio website, along with a blog where I could document my journey and reflections. However, the path to bringing these ideas to life wasn’t without its challenges.
Building Something New: An Online Store and Website
In March/April of 2024, I created my first portfolio website. It was simple, but it required significant effort. I spent about a month working on it, striving to create something meaningful for myself and to share with others. At first, I was satisfied with the result—it felt like a fresh beginning. But as time went on, I lost interest in the website. Something felt incomplete, and in my eyes, it wasn’t attractive enough.
Looking back, it was a learning experience. The site lacked direction, offering little more than a collection of photographs with minimal text. It felt empty. In hindsight, it might have been helpful to receive constructive critique earlier—it could have spurred me into action to create a new website sooner. But I believe everything happens in its own time for some reason.
This dissatisfaction affected my passion as well. It was one of those moments when I drifted away from photography, questioning what I wanted to do with it and where I was heading, uncertain of my path.
The idea of creating an online store to sell my work lingered in my mind for quite some time. Yet, doubts crept in—‘Who would buy my photos?’ I wondered. My self-doubt often takes over, leading me to scrutinize every detail of my work. Are the edits too bright or too dark? Are the tones balanced just right? This perfectionism drives me to improve, but it also makes me second-guess myself more often than I’d like.
At times, I feel like my gallery doesn’t fully reflect my potential—I often regret not capturing more landscapes during my travels. These thoughts can be discouraging, but they’ve also pushed me to see things differently: perfection isn’t the goal—growth and exploration are. Every photo I take, every edit I make, contributes to my evolution as a photographer.
Tastes are subjective. Some people might love my work and might want to purchase it, while others might not connect with it at all. The only way to find out is to start.
While I was working on adding my prints to the shop, another idea began to take shape: creating T-shirts designed especially for photographers. I thought, ‘Why not create something that I would personally love to wear, but that could also resonate with others who share the same passion?’ It felt exciting to expand beyond prints and offer something different yet meaningful.
When the idea of launching a business finally crystallized, I approached it with renewed energy. Creating my new website was a challenging but fulfilling process. This time, I’ve had a clear vision of what I want to achieve. The result is a platform that feels authentic, with a fresh design and purpose that genuinely satisfies me.
Overcoming Fear and Taking the First Step
Starting something new is always daunting. There are fears to overcome, doubts to silence, and opinions to navigate. I’ve learned that the hardest part is often taking the first step. Too often, we let fear dictate our choices, keeping us in a safe, familiar bubble. But when you push past those barriers, amazing things can happen. Even if things don’t work out, you’ve already won by trying. Every attempt is a learning experience, and every small effort brings you closer to your goals.
As one of my favorite quotes says:
“Life begins where fear ends.”
This simple yet powerful idea resonates deeply with me. It’s like fear was designed to keep us in check, within the familiar boundaries where we feel “safe.” While this may be useful for survival, fear often becomes a mental barrier that holds us back when applied to personal growth, dreams, or new opportunities. Overcoming that fear—trusting in yourself enough to try—is the first step to achieving something meaningful.
While fear can sometimes protect us, it often stands in the way of growth. Trusting in yourself and embracing the unknown is the only way to discover what’s truly possible. After all, life is too short to be ruled by hesitation or to dwell on things beyond our control.
Final Thoughts
If at the beginning of my journey with photography someone had told me that I’d create a blog and share something so personal and reflective, I probably would’ve laughed—but here I am, embracing the process, finding new ways to grow through the words I share, and hoping my story might inspire you in some way. There’s a first time for everything, and this is mine.
I wanted to enrich my website with more than just its design or an online store. I realized that I want something deeper—something that helps me grow in what I love to do.
Through creating an online store, exploring new ideas like T-shirt designs, and reflecting on my journey in this blog, I’ve found new ways to merge creativity and connection. These ventures have challenged me to think beyond the camera, teaching me that passion isn’t confined to one medium—it’s about embracing growth and sharing it with others.
If there’s one message I want to leave you with, it’s this: Start. Whatever your passion may be, take the first step and pour your heart into it. The journey won’t be easy, and there will be moments of doubt, but perseverance will pay off.
Passion has a way of guiding us through challenges and helping us discover our purpose. So listen to your inner voice, silence the fear of failure, and take that leap. You never know where it might lead.
Your passion might not immediately yield the results you envision, but every step forward builds something greater. For me, photography isn’t just about pictures; it’s about expressing a part of myself and connecting with others in a meaningful way. So, here’s my invitation to you: Explore the reflection I’ve written about fear and courage. Maybe it will inspire you to take your first step toward something that’s been waiting for you all along.
