When All Else Fails...Experiment!

Selling art can be hit and miss, especially when it comes to photography.  Digital photography has revolutionized the way people take and make photographs and now everyone has a camera, even if it is only a phone camera.  (By the way, I'm not knocking those phone cameras.  Some of them take some pretty nice photos and if any cell phone companies would like me to test their cameras...why I'd be happy to!)  What does this mean to photographers?  We have to be even more creative.

First things first, if your art isn't selling, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to make dramatic changes right away.  It especially doesn't mean you have to drown yourself in a gallon of ice cream smothered in all the toppings because you have allowed negative self-talk to convince you that you are the worst person/artist/entrepreneur...fill in the blank...ever and now you need some serious comfort food to fill the void!  (I know how artists can get; we do tend to be a little sensitive, to say the least.)

There is a list of questions that can help in the decision making process on what step to take next. Is there variety?  Are you presenting a large selection of your work?  Is the price right? What are other artists doing?  Is their art selling?  Are you marketing your work appropriately; taking full advantage of social networks?

If you have taken an honest look at yourself and your work, and it still isn't going anywhere then it's time to make a change.  For me, it's experimenting, which I'm now in the process of doing so I can't tell you how it will turn out yet.  I'll have to get back to you on that later.

What I do know is the old saying, "If you do what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten" seems to hold true so being creative and using your imagination is a good way to go.  There's always a way, as I'm learning, to take something old and make it into something new.

         This is my first experiment.  Where oh where will it go?

Truth is, it's fun to try something new.  Why not give it a try?  There's nothing to lose!

Painless Portraiture

Formal portraiture has its place, and, if you have the know how and the patience, there can often be worthwhile and dramatic results.  It's not one of my strongest or, let's face it, one of my most favorite areas so I focus more on natural settings and lighting.  No studio needed.

This isn't to say that it's not worth learning, only that I have a fairly good sense or understanding of what works for me and who I am working with.  It is a matter of preference on my own behalf.

You don't need a studio to take a great photo.  This was done on a couch.  No fuss.

Some of the best photography, in my humble opinion, is spontaneous.  When life is happening in all of its unexpected glory that's when it lights up for me.  If you are working too hard at it, you are missing the point.

Going Beyond Formal Portraiture

Stuffy, forced smiley photos are a thing of the past.  Portraits are and will be fun if done right. Since my background is mostly Photojournalism, I abhor traditional portraiture where everyone stands at attention and "Cheese!" stands for cheesy because that is the look you will get but, hey, if that's what you are going for than so be it.  Who am I to say different?

Not to mention, if you are dealing with children and animals in a strict setting, well, all I can say is....good luck with that!

Wouldn't it be better to try a different approach like my examples here?  What is wrong with traveling around the park, a zoo, or a farm with mom and dad and getting the photos that do more than capture a phony smile but capture a glimpse of Soul as well?  The children will be much more agreeable (well, usually...), and mom and dad will be relaxed.  It's a win/win situation in my eyes.

Environmental portraits show more of a person's lifestyle or what they love in an environment fitting to it.  Wikipedia defines it as:  "...a portrait executed in the subject's usual environment, such as in their home or workplace, and typically illuminates the subject's life and surroundings...."

If you do need to do the occasional formal photography, meaning posed, don't be afraid to let the person be themselves.  They will usually be uncomfortable at first so talk with them but don't stop taking photos.  Tell them to move into different poses that feel natural as they speak with you and, if they feel they can't, then direct them softly while continuing the conversation.

Keep their mind off of the camera and focused on something they love or a topic they enjoy.  Play with the subjects you talk about.  Mix in funny jokes or stories or if you any aren't good at telling jokes, ask them if they know any.   Or "What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you?" also works.

Question them on their views about more serious things like some recent event on the news. Watch their emotions change and as they do, their expressions and posture will transform also.  If they tell you about their dog who just died, allow them to open up about it.

Most important:  always end on a positive note or even a surprising one.

The shoot will be rewarding, not just for them, but for you as well because you are not only actively taking their photos but you are listening with an open heart and you are viewing them as the delightful, multi-faceted Soul they are!  You cannot do this without walking away a better person yourself, and the photos will be fabulous!

More on portraiture to come!

Back in Business!

Ride 'em, cowboy!  We just might rustle us up some dinner after all!  *wink*

Yes!  Woo hoo!  Yippee ki yay and all of that!  See More Divinely Photo (Etsy store) is back up and running. Forward march!  

That bridge successfully crossed!  Whew!  *wiping sweat off of brow*

You're cute and all but I can't keep you.

Now that we have that monkey off our shoulder, we can move onto more pressing items like "Where did that monkey come from?" and other fun stuff.  

Let's save that for another day.  

Not to procrastinate or anything but today is a beautiful day and I, for one, would like to finish up in time to enjoy it! We can pick up here tomorrow.  Have fun, y'all!

Think You Know It All...Think Again

Photo Credit: Steve Carver

There's always another step, another level, another perspective...truth appears to be a subjective, continuous, spherical, eternal staircase, that builds and grows within us. (What is truth for me, may not be truth for you, and that's okay. Practicing tolerance is encouraged in all of life, including business and, if it isn't, than perhaps it would be wise to consider it.)

The fastest way to stop another level of understanding?  Thinking you have all the answers.  It doesn't leave room for anything else.  It's virtually a graveyard for the mind and Soul.

How do we generate more ideas? Here's a few suggestions: feeding your mind with books (preferably ones that make you think or stretch you a bit over easy reading - save those for the beach or when you need a short break from "reality"), learning a new language, writing, meeting with other like-minded people, visiting art museums, yoga, contemplation, spending quality time with your family, eating well, tapping into your creative side by drawing/painting or any other art that speaks to you, even if you think you don't do it well. (There's always paint by numbers!  Hey!  Don't knock it!  You may actually get hooked.) It's all connected, and I assure you if you take care of ALL of you then all of you will take care of you.

Philadelphia Art Museum, 2010 

The mistake we seem to make is when we get so lost in one aspect of our life, so much so that we forget all else. When any one part of us is being sacrificed for too long then we can expect diseases or illnesses of the mind, body or emotions to ensue.  It's a cry for balance, to let us know there is a part of us that is out of whack and needs attention. Don't wait that long!  It could be too late.  (Of course, it's not a guarantee that you won't ever get sick but it sure will decrease your chances; it will also increase your ability to heal if your health does lapse.)

Think you don't have the time?  It's your choice but it seems to me to be a pay now or later kind of system.  Do the right thing(s) now or pay later.  Have fun with it!  Experiment. Add a little here and a little there and see where it takes you.  Let it expand you and the rich rewards of that expansion will effect all areas of your life, bringing more joy than you ever imagined possible.

What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do

So you think you are stuck, huh?  By definition is that even truly possible?  Even if you were in quicksand, a downward pull would keep you in motion; of course, that may not be the direction we were hoping for.

MacMillan Dictionary defines "stuck" as:  "caught or held in a position so that you cannot move; unable to solve a problem and keep on moving; in a situation that you do not like but cannot avoid; forced to have, use, or deal with someone or something that you do not want."  (I particularly enjoyed that last definition.)

We don't live here anymore.  I'm sure there's a more peaceful way to handle it.

"Forced" is a mighty strong word and, unless held by gunpoint like in the Old Wild, Wild West, I'm not quite sure I would agree. For me it robs us of the right of choice and the responsibility of said
choices.  There are always possibilities, even in what appears to be a disagreeable situation. Unlimited potential abound if one is in the right frame of mind and heart to see it!

For instance in this example of "forced," an attempt to run away or hide could be made or perhaps to fight back.  Well, you see what I'm saying...  Not wishing anything of the sort on anyone else, myself included, but to point out another perspective, only one of many.

Is it possible that the feeling of being "stuck" is only the inability to take action at that time, either as a form of procrastination or fear, or because the next step has not yet appeared to the conscious mind? If so how do you move beyond the inertia and into a place of more potentiality?  Is it merely making the resolution to proceed with what is already in place or to confidently step into a larger room?  

The answers are unlimited, and I am allowing for them but cannot yet share them as they have not formulated enough for me to do so.  Is there a technique that would aide us on that journey?

In the book, "The Spiritual Exercises of ECK," (ECK is simply another name for Holy Spirit), there are many exercises given.  This simple, easy to understand book can be used by anyone who would like to conquer fear, to learn how to use their imagination properly, tame their mind and emotions, and to master their fate, to name a few.

In this particular technique (not in the book but has been adapted from a similar exercise), imagine yourself in a small room.  Walk around the room in a circle.  As you do, you notice a doorway with golden light shining through it, walk through it.  Walk confidently into a larger space.  In this area, there is a big, blue, comfortable chair.

A guide (you can choose one you are familiar with: Jesus, Buddha, or any Master who you feel helps or guides you...it doesn't even have to be a religious figure) appears and invites you to sit in it. He or she is seated across from you and a consultation begins. You may ask, "What is my next step?" or "How can I overcome this obstacle?" or whatever comes to mind. Listen as you are given a more expansive view.

Afterwards do not question what has been given, unless of course it is harmful, just absorb it and then you can decide if it is worthy to act on.  This is one way of moving beyond fear and inertia. Numerous others can be designed to suit your situation.  Use your creativity and play with it; make it your own.  Having fun is key!

Success is a Verb

Success is perpetually in motion.  There is no destination, unless designated.  What do I mean by that?  If your definition of success is to create a multi-million dollar company and that target is achieved, you may consider yourself successfully at your destination if you choose to stop there.

What if you decide to go beyond that?  Will you set new objectives?  Having reached this landmark in your life, do you now set a new intention for a multi-billion dollar company? What happens when victory reigns over this creation as well?

“Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.”

― Albert Camus

In order to keep the momentum going, I would think that it now has to flow outward. For one to keep receiving, balance may need to be attained. There are many who could benefit from the successes being built: family, employees, and community. After all, how much money does one really need? How many houses, cars, TVs, etc are necessary?

What good are all these material things if you will not live long enough to enjoy them?  Or your family or health has been sacrificed at the expense of them?  A void of loneliness or low self-worth cannot be filled with things, eventually when playing with all the toys is finished, you will long for what we all come to long for...divine love.  Arrival here means a need to give out to balance the flow of what you are receiving.

Will your ambitions be for the love of power or for the power of love?  It is a choice that will be made continuously.

In the last post I promised to expand on criteria for success and I have not forgotten. What does it take to be successful?  If the only measure of success is how much money has been accumulated in the bank, the boat may have been totally missed, in my humble opinion.

Success, for me, is more often in the simple day to day happenings: the tiny moments that we can take for granted like a cup of coffee mindfully enjoyed on a quiet morning, an intimate walk barefoot on the beach, a shared smile or hug, or the knowingness that I have made some progress big or small in my life or in those around me.  It is knowing I make a difference simply by being here right now.  It is gained in numerous, subtle ways.

For others it may be just waking up in the morning, getting the children out of the house to play instead of staring at electronics all day, or finding ten minutes of sheer silence in their chaotic world.  It could be losing those last 10 pounds or finishing their To Do list. Success comes in all shapes and sizes.  It's a merely a matter of perspective and attitude.

What is the criteria for success? This author thinks it may be purely subjective but what do I know?