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.

Mommy's Little Helper

One great thing about being a mom photographer is that you always have someone to take pictures of.  My little one is just growing so quickly and now that she reaches for everything, she often attempts to grab, and drool on, my camera.  I am always pleased when I am able to get a shot of her where she is actually sitting still.  Getting smiles these days are a challenge, but most of her pictures are beautiful without a smile.  I am also happy to get these shots well before wedding season really begins and I am busy editing the hundreds of pictures that I take at each wedding. This last session, I thank Nick, Jr. for keeping her somewhat occupied while I photographed her.

New Year New Day

Another new year ahead of me and an exciting year of photography awaits.  Looking back, last year was rather quiet for photographing weddings.  At the same time, my life has been full of our new baby and acclimating to a new city and state.  Now that the adjustment period is coming to a close, I look forward to great weddings this year in both Columbia and Richmond.  Growing the photography business is so rewarding and I am so thankful for the opportunity.  This year brings the desire to become more visible in the local area and savvy regarding social networking.

Stay tuned for information regarding weddings and my development.