I took this picture with my first digital camera, an Olympus with an unheard of 10x zoom and only 6 megapixals. This was taken sometime in 2001.
Art is a creative expression that connects the person to the life they are living, the moment, the movement, the feelings they are moving through. Photography can be personal, intimate. It can be connective and bonding, as with documenting a child within the family or a photographer documenting a family in a paid photo shoot.
My first attempts at posing a model, using that same camera. This is Caleb, my son nearly 8 years ago. If I were to do this same shoot today with my expereince I am sure it would look different as my future shoots will look different from the ones I do today, yet I cherish my first attempts at photography as a hobby rather than just documentation.
I was recently dismayed by a poem written by a photographer who claimed she had the ability to discern a professional photographer from those who "own a camera." On one hand, I understand her tale of proffesional photography woe: it is frustrating I am sure to hone the craft of photography, perhaps studying it and practicing it extensively in libraries reading photography literature, gleaning photography websites, and even taking classes, then to start and sustain a business only to have the neighbor next door buy a DSLR camera (or in my case a HDSLR), see the results of a better lens making for a crisper picture and decide they are going to charge for their phtography; thus the fear of a potential client being wooed to the lower price and slightly mediocre picture (how's that for a run-on sentence? See I can be creative in my writing too!)
Another wonderful modeling attempt with baby Caleb. I was more concerned with the sun being in his eyes than the shade creating dark shadows. Look, I even threw in some flower props!
On the other hand, I am that "neighbor" who bought a HDSLR camera with the hopes of being a paid proffessional. All you know is that I just bought a camera. But you never asked me how long I have been using phtography as a hobby, or seen my progression, or the encouragement I've gotten from first family and friends, then honest-to-goodness proffessionals. And I've gotten criticism too. Mostly from my own comparisons, but I use these moments to focus on a skill I am lacking, to practice and refine my own personal photography style.
I saw this quote today on Paint the Moon Photography, which in turn inspired this post:
"Comparison is the thief of joy." - Theodore Roosevelt
And then they asked, "Being inspired is wonderful - but beating ourselves up by comparing ourselves to others is usually self-defeating. Your thoughts?"
I would completely agree with this statement. Humans love to copy new ideas, yes, but each copy becomes something uniquely new and insprired. Even Plato, one of the greatest philosophers of our time pondered this human trait to copy, create, and inspire.
And boy have I been inspired by some really amazing and graceful photographers, some long-time hobbiests, some professional, and even a few naturally creative photographers new to the craft.
But what inspires me the most?
My life
My boys with their cousin, Luke visitng from San Diego
My youngest's impish smile inspires me.
Seeing my niece grow into a beauitful young lady inspires me.
The love of my family inspires me.
Photographing an 800lb bison on the plains of our great country inspires me.
Watching a soon-to-be mother gracefully navigating the plains of South Dakota inspires me.
Seeing the face of one of our great fore fathers etched forever into stone by the hands of many men and women of our great country inspires me.
Knowing that I am only human, in this human life, with the Grace of God and the gifts He has blessed me with, big and small, inspires my photography.
I can only hope I can inspire others and be as encouraging and graceful to new photographers as many have been towards me, and continue to be on a near daily basis. You know who you are!
P.S. I apologize for the spelling errors. My computer refused to allow the Spell Check to run and thus I am too tired to go over each word so late in the night. But alas, I will try again tomorrow. Until then, be gentle on my poor spelling errors. cheers!No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit. ~Ansel Adams
P.S.S. As I was lying in bed last night I began to think about this woman's "I Am a Photographer" poem again and wondered if her sentiment wasn't a two edged sword: scorning the audacity of the new photographer breaking into the business without the same business practices as her, as well as, the same photography as her current work.
To that I say, first, instead of browbeating newbies, encourage them to start a business, website, taxes and such. Be not afraid to offer your own advice and expereince when you first began. I am sure it was difficult for you once too. And second, there is no one photography. I do not do studio photography, mostly because I do not have the space or money to explore it further, but also because I love the outdoors and natural light and prefer it over bright lights and posed spaces. But that is just me. I admire those who can manipulate a person or persons in a tight space with flashing lights and equipement. Kuddos to you! I prefer a more candid photo, although I am not opposed to a posed shot when the occasion calls for it. To each their own.
In the end, I would say, if you can't say something nice, then do not say anything at all. Focus on your own work and business and your heart will reflect in your work to which you will gain like-minded clients. And I say, fair thee well, fellow peer. I will be over here taking pictures and loving every moment of the process.
