Working Past the Blahs...

Inertia happens but you don't have to make it a lifelong friend.  Show up and make the most of it. Know "this, too, shall pass" and move on.  Even a little step is better than no step at all.

When feeling weary or discouraged, a turn around is just ahead so proceed in its direction.  Do what you must do to work through the emotions (journal, paint, walk, go out with friends, volunteer...whatever works for you) but don't stop.  If a temporary rest is needed, do it, but give it a time limit.

If you're really burned out then perhaps a vacation is in order; take it!  Do whatever is necessary to get the juices flowing again but at the end of it...get back to work and do it with all of your love.

A vacation can give you new perspectives, leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. 

It doesn't matter where you go as long as it leaves you with a higher view.

Photographing The Heart of the Wild

With animals, perhaps more so than people, patience is needed.  They won't necessarily pose for you, although I swear some have, so another technique is needed.  Some photographers will take photo after photo and hope for the best and, others may patiently wait for that unforgettable moment spending even hours awaiting it.  Is there another way?

How do you photograph beyond what you see with your eyes?  How do you take a photograph with your heart?

There is a space most creative people, unconsciously or consciously, relax into when they are painting, dancing, inventing, or even simply manifesting a solution. In this gap everything changes.  Words fail to portray what that space is but I can tell you it's silent and you become almost hyperaware.  I refer to it as the "zone."  In the zone, time melts away and the way you discern your environment morphs.  This is the closest description I can give.  

In this field there is "magic," it is, to me, where all life connects and where "miracles" are made. It is where we are all one and that includes the biggest and smallest of creatures.

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.