I was inspired to start creating my own photos by spending countless hours sifting through works of such talented artists.

It started with 6 rolls of film and a $3 Canon Sureshot that I bought from Goodwill before I went away on a trip to Havana, Cuba for a couple of weeks.

All my rolls were practically throw aways, nothing I’d ever be proud of, except for one which is the first photo on my Flickr, which was literally a fluke. A beautiful capture none the less, but a fluke. I told myself I’d keep shooting until I was satisfied and I’m still holding true to that statement. I challenge myself to go out and shoot, and to strive to get better.

This picture was taken almost two years later, and I adore it, and I think if only I hadn’t bought those rolls of films, or that $3 camera (which I still use), then I wouldn’t have been where I am, however amateur I am. So, aspiring photographers, keep shooting.

This post is by 1000 Scientists as part of Photojojo’s Show & Tell.