Hello, and let me start with a short introduction of myself.

Where do I come From

My name is Anna Shtraus, I am from Russia (technically from the USSR, but it is a long story), and I live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. One could describe me as a person who suffers from travel addiction, but in fact, I don’t suffer; however, my wallet does, while I am quite enjoying this state of affairs.

*post 2020 – not even true any more.

My Photography Journey

It all started around 2006 (or even before that), when my parents generously gifted me my first point-and-shoot camera. I have explored all the creative functions of that little camera, mostly documenting changing seasons and life around me. It was a Canon Ixus that I still nostalgically love.

In 2009, with my first salary from my corporate job, I bought a Canon 1100D with a kit lens and started learning about aperture, shutter speed, and other essential elements of picture making. Literally, I would take the camera manual and use my office lunch break to see what the heck they were talking about in there. I have to say, in the long run, it seems a better approach to learning about camera functions than going to University to obtain a photography degree. Some of my friends, who have their esteemed degrees, seem to still not know how cameras work.

My Gear

I have been fiddling with the buttons of different cameras for quite some years now, being a long-term Canon user, both DSLRs and mirrorless. I used different cameras from Fujifilm system, I also own a few film cameras from Pentax and Olympus, and enjoy developing film at home. My new street photography friend is Ricoh GRiiix, and of course, the iPhone of somewhat a modern model.

My Philosophy

I believe in positive thinking, in loving what you do, doing what you love, and in beauty hidden everywhere. I try to live with passion and show the beauty of the light through my camera lens.

Thank you for stopping by and let’s enjoy what the world has to offer together.

Love,

Anna