The First Week is Complete

I can’t believe I’ve already made it through the first seven days of my photography challenge. When I started this journey, I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d stick with it past the first few days. As a developer, I’m used to logical, predictable outcomes. Photography… is not that.

What I’ve Learned So Far

1. Light is Everything

This sounds obvious in retrospect, but experiencing it firsthand is different. The same coffee cup photographed at 8 AM versus 6 PM looks like two completely different objects. I’m starting to understand why photographers talk about “golden hour” with such reverence.

2. Composition Rules Exist for a Reason

I was skeptical about the “rule of thirds” at first—it seemed too rigid for art. But after a week of experimenting, I can see how it creates more dynamic, interesting images. Though I’m also learning when to break these rules intentionally.

3. Practice Really Does Make Progress

Each day, I’m getting slightly more comfortable with my camera settings. What took me 10 minutes to figure out on day one now happens almost automatically. It reminds me of learning to code—that gradual building of muscle memory.

The Struggles

Technical Overwhelm

Coming from a development background, I initially wanted to understand every technical aspect before taking photos. Aperture, ISO, shutter speed, focal length—it felt like learning a new programming language. I had to force myself to just start shooting and learn through experimentation.

The “Instagram Comparison Trap”

Scrolling through photography hashtags can be demoralizing as a beginner. Everyone’s work looks so polished and professional. I had to remind myself that I’m seeing curated highlights from experienced photographers, not their learning journey.

Weather Dependency

Seattle’s winter weather has been… challenging. Three days of rain limited my outdoor shooting opportunities. But this pushed me to get creative with indoor photography and natural window light.

Unexpected Discoveries

Mindfulness Through the Lens

The biggest surprise has been how photography forces me to slow down and really observe my surroundings. As someone who usually moves through the world thinking about code problems or project deadlines, having to look for interesting light, textures, and compositions has been meditative.

Seeing Potential Everywhere

I’m starting to notice photographic opportunities in mundane moments—the way steam rises from my morning coffee, interesting shadows on building walls, the gesture someone makes while talking. It’s like developing a new sense.

Technical Skills Transfer

Some concepts from programming are helping with photography. Understanding how different settings affect the final image feels similar to how different parameters change function outputs. Both require systematic thinking and experimentation.

What’s Next

For week two, I want to focus on:

  • Exploring different subjects: So far I’ve stayed in my comfort zone with still life and landscapes
  • Practicing in challenging light: Instead of avoiding harsh midday sun, learn to work with it
  • Studying photos I admire: Analyze what makes certain images compelling
  • Sharing work for feedback: Scary, but necessary for growth

The Development Connection

This challenge is already influencing how I approach learning new development technologies. The deliberate daily practice, the acceptance of imperfect early attempts, the focus on fundamentals over fancy techniques—these are lessons I can apply to any skill.

Check out my daily progress on the challenge page and see the growing collection in my gallery.

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