It's So Simple

Last week I had an amazing experience at my first bridal show.  I stressed for the entire week prior to the show about more business cards with a new design, a backdrop that fit my budget and simplifying my wedding packages to fit the needs of the growing digital age.  I drove my husband nearly nuts by placing my anxiety on him.  Thankfully, he graciously (and ever so sweetly) cheered me on.  Most of my nerves were not about my presentation, but more on what my presentation said about me.  While I wanted to present as a professional photographer, I also did not want to come across as a snob who was out of touch with meeting basic photographic needs.  At the end of the day, I decided to put forth my best effort.  During the show, I talked with many different brides and I was proud of my presentation and truly began to believe in my work and my skills. (It’s amazing how long you can do something and still grapple with your ability.)  As a result, I was able to relax and be myself.  I found myself at such ease discussing brides’ weddings with a desire to help them capture the most important day of their lives.  The simpler I made my verbal presentation, the better response I received.  It was such a pleasant experience.  With greater confidence (and hopefully less stress) I look forward to the next show and am determined to make it an even better one.

*Here’s a picture I took with my phone. It doesn’t do it justice.*

The Balancing Act

Since I have been a mother I have learned more than I ever thought possible in this short amount of time.  Since I’ve been back at work (2 weeks and counting), I have learned one of the most important things to master, is balancing time and attention to my work, my other work, my daughter, my husband, my home (chores), and myself.  If I fail to purposely balance my tasks, something becomes deficient, and then everything is out of whack.  Designating time and attention to myself is of primary importance because I cannot care for anyone else, if I do not first care for myself.  For me I must devote time to my relationship with God first and as I allow Him to be of primary importance I find that I am able to have peace and everything falls into place.  God must be the heaviest weight on the scale in order for me to have success in any area of my life. 

--Matthew 6:33

Share the Love

When I was a child one of my favorite times in school was on the day of show and tell. My classmates and I would each bring in something we thought was worth sharing and tell what made the object so special. Photography does the same thing; however, the photograph must do the showing and silent telling. Regarding wedding photography, I have learned that love is most important object to show and tell. There is nothing quite like photographing two people in love. At first they may be nervous simply based on the fact that the photographer is directing them to do certain things (i.e. hug, kiss, snuggle a little closer), but typically as the photo shoot progresses, the two relax and the story of their love unfolds. Great photographers know exactly what to say to help the couple “tell” their own story, but it is an art that hinges on the photographer’s ability to be amusing, affable, and authentic. When the photographer shows him or her true self, those he or she is capturing reciprocate with ease and the photograph provides insight into the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of those captured.

Avoid the Digital Graveyard

Much of photography today has migrated from film onto the memory card.  While viewing a picture on a camera, cell phone, or computer screen is nice, nothing quite compares to the hard copy secured in a family photo album.  Too often I find myself taking pictures and never putting forth the effort to have the picture printed.  Perhaps too much emphasis is placed on the façade of recalling memories and not on truly appreciating a photographed memory.  While the digital age may present the idea that printed pictures are not necessary, it also diminishes the worth of the pictures by granting access by many different vehicles.  The exclusivity of the use of film increases the value placed on each frame.  While a digital photographer (such as myself) may take 5-7 frames of a similar pose, a film photographer would take 1-2.  The film photographer places great value on each frame because the manipulation and development of film requires a bit more time and resources.  Printing pictures demonstrates the value assessed in the photograph.  And as we place great value on our fond memories gone by, we begin to place greater value on our present experience and memories yet to be made.

How Low Can You Go?

I believe one of the most interesting aspects of photography is capturing objects that allow you to see them in different ways.  Showing common (even mundane) objects from different angles provides for a better appreciation.  Because I spend most of my time on the floor during playtime, I have begun to photograph items down low and up close.  On an outing at the park I was able to do just that.  Instead of exploring the beauty of trees and bodies of water the impetus to exhibit reality from the perspective of a little one (whether child or animal) overtook me.  I recalled my childhood and how simple objects comparable to pine cones and tree roots were much larger than they are now.  Getting lower in this fashion connects me to my daughter and seeing things from her perspective.  It reminds me of simpler times and changes ordinary phases into absolutely extraordinary experiences.

Harness the Inspiration

As a mom, I am always doing my best raising my daughter and constantly asking my mother questions.  As a wife, it is my ultimate goal to ensure that my family’s needs are met (to the best of my ability).  As a photographer, it is my goal to stay focused on my craft and cultivate my own creativity.  I enjoy reading magazines, forums, and ebooks that provide information about the trends of the photography industry.  They also provide great instruction, inspiration, and insight into running a successful photography business.  However, juggling my aforementioned responsibilities often leave me with much less inspiration that I desire.  The art of photography requires the ability to make the world around us worth remembering.  It is nice to take routine tasks, such as playtime, and make it worth remembering.  Even though I don’t always have external sources for great artistic ideas, I love seizing the simple inspirations that are often disregarded.  Something as simple as capturing how a child plays with a toy demonstrates the child’s personality in several ways.  So while I grapple with my responsibilities, I am learning to find inspiration in much simpler places.

Down Through the Years

Yesterday, I took some time to look back at my old work.  I admired some portraits and cringed at others.  I can remember thinking, “wow, what a great shot!” and then editing the shot to oblivion.  I used to think that those I was photographing wanted me to make them look absolutely perfect.  I used to think that bags under the eyes, wrinkles, and blemishes were all imperfections that I was to remove through editing.  I then looked at pictures I took and edited of an artist and her family.  I remember her asking me not to edit out all the blemishes, but to leave them.  I could not believe it!  Who wants to remember the blemishes? But her request changed how I process what I see.  I realized the blemishes may not be totally desired, but excessively altering the art of what is uniquely natural creates a synthetic imitation.  And why would anyone accept a replica when they can have the real thing?  I desire to help people remember how they looked, felt, and experienced the world at the time of the photograph.  It’s not always about creating perfection, but about preserving the memory.