Becoming a Photographer
By definition, a photographer is: “A person who takes photographs, especially as a job.” It is interesting to me that, in a sense, a photographer is merely a person who takes photographs. Under that definition, a very large percentage of people in the contemporary world are—in fact—photographers. However, I think that most would agree with me that there is more to being a photographer than just being the person behind the camera.
As a child, the first big ask for a birthday present that I recall was for a camera. I forwent all gifts for a year—with the exception of Christmas—in order to get a newest technology 3.2 Mega Pixel Sony Cybershot. From that moment on, which happened around age 12, I don’t remember ever being without a camera. I can’t say that my creative journey started at said age—although I wish I could. For me the breakthrough happened at a stage when I was searching for my independence as I transitioned into adulthood. After quitting college (as an Architecture student) I needed an excuse that sounded like a plan for what I wanted to do with my life. Cue in Photography! I even came up with a crazy explanation that Architecture and Photography were not all that different: they both use light, texture, and perspective to create something. All that to say that I went from camera owner to photographer at age 22 when I needed an escape plan (from college). At that time I had no idea of the vastness of the world that I was opening. And by that I do not mean “the world of Photography”, rather the world itself.
It has been nearly nine years since I opened that can of light. Through that time I have explored several areas of the craft. I have had a hard time landing on what type of photographer I want to be. Whenever I am asked “what is my favorite thing to photograph” I feel quite immature by answering with “I don’t know”. The thing is, at the end of the day, I feel most comfortable with the simple dictionary definition of photographer.
I am Alejandro Molina, and I am a person who takes photographs.
The following photographs* are a sampling (in chronological order) of the last nine years with a recurring scene that is very dear to me.
*Click/touch on an image to expand.
