Today is the fourth day I havent taken a photo. I actually plan to take one today and I have the perfect picture outlined in my head.
I just haven't felt like picking up my camera since Saturday. And its OK. I'm not going to beat myself up about it.
However, I am realize a few things about when I don't take my photo a day.
1-The days don't seem quiet as rich. It's almost like looking forward to creating that one photo is the icing on a rather plain, boring cake. There are so many options and opportunities to be creative with the photo and when I don't take it it's like I'm a non-creative being.
2- When I go to bed at night I don't really feel I've accomplished anything. Whereas, if I MAKE myself take that one photo, even if I've neglected the rest of that day's "to do" list, I can go to bed feeling like I've done something.
3- It's MUCH easier to take a photo a day if you have specefic events or special occasions that you're going to. All during the Christmas holiday's, I was so busy with friends to visit, holiday lights to see, holiday baking, etc. etc that there was a constant plethora of interesting things to photograph. Now that it's January, there aren't that many events going on.
So, having a break from the camera is ok. Like I mentioned above, I'm not going to beat myself up or feel like I have to start over on my 365 day journey. I just have to know I can't stay in this place forever.
Sara
PS. What about you? Have you taken on a photo project for 2012 and are getting behind or have skipped a few days? If so, I'd love to hear your remedy for getting back on track.....
Showing posts with label confession. Show all posts
Showing posts with label confession. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Guilt Tripping - When it's a Good Thing
At the end of September, I found an amazing website called www.365project.org. In a nutshell, you commit to taking one photo a day for a year and posting it on this site. I HAD to do it. I wanted to practice and grow my photography and begin thinking outside the box. So, I set up an account and began (entheusiastically) snapping away and posting every day. But as the days passed (really, it wasn't that many, maybe a week at the most) my entheusiasm began lagging. Sure, I was still snapping every day (or every other day) and posting them when I could but my initial excitement was gone.
My last picture was posted on October 3, 2011. My friends, that was 2 months and 11 days ago.
Honestly, I haven't given the project any but a passing thought during the past two months. But that changed when last night one of my good friends posted on my 365 facebook album, "are you still doing this? your last picture was October 3rd....."! Bring on the guilt.....And, of course the motivation.
So that got me thinking, I'm glad she made me guilty (not intentionally of course) because now I plan to pick up my camera today and begin the project again.
Which brought up some more deeper thoughts. We don't see guilt as a good thing. Normally it's associated with something negative. But when guilt leads you to DO SOMETHING or CHANGE SOMETHING in your life to a positive, then it's a good thing.
On the spiritual side, guilt and shame and sorrow over the wrong things you've done can lead you to repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." When God shows you that you have done something wrong and it needs to be changed and you follow God's recipe for forgiveness (1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.) then you can begin living your life anew, in a positive way!
Bottom line, I am thankful for my friend's unintentional guilt trip.
Sara
My last picture was posted on October 3, 2011. My friends, that was 2 months and 11 days ago.
Honestly, I haven't given the project any but a passing thought during the past two months. But that changed when last night one of my good friends posted on my 365 facebook album, "are you still doing this? your last picture was October 3rd....."! Bring on the guilt.....And, of course the motivation.
So that got me thinking, I'm glad she made me guilty (not intentionally of course) because now I plan to pick up my camera today and begin the project again.
Which brought up some more deeper thoughts. We don't see guilt as a good thing. Normally it's associated with something negative. But when guilt leads you to DO SOMETHING or CHANGE SOMETHING in your life to a positive, then it's a good thing.
On the spiritual side, guilt and shame and sorrow over the wrong things you've done can lead you to repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." When God shows you that you have done something wrong and it needs to be changed and you follow God's recipe for forgiveness (1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.) then you can begin living your life anew, in a positive way!
Bottom line, I am thankful for my friend's unintentional guilt trip.
Sara
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
True Confession: I am Sara Vogt and I am Addicted to Photography Blogs
Yes, right now photography blogs are my # 1 addiction (after editing photos of course). If you're looking for some interesting tips, a look at life from a fellow photographer or just need something to read to give you a break from whatever important task you were doing, check out the blogs below. You won't regret it..... =)
1- http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/ - This blog is amazing! The Pioneer Woman offers some free actions for Photoshop but also offers contests, food photography info (and recipes - I think), as well as photo "how to" articles.
2 - http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/ - Offers many techiniques and ideas for photography. There is a very informational forum (or so I've read) but it requires a fee to join.
3- http://blog.brookesnow.com/ - This photographer shares her battle with choosing to create images that are meaningful to her and not get wrapped up in the commercialism of Photography. Very insightful and inspiring.
4- http://www.brandcampblog.com/ - If you're looking for ways to build a better Photo business, this resource is very helpful. Very down to earth and address very pertinent topics. It's my favorite right now, I love browsing the archives.
Happy Blog Reading,
Sara
1- http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/ - This blog is amazing! The Pioneer Woman offers some free actions for Photoshop but also offers contests, food photography info (and recipes - I think), as well as photo "how to" articles.
2 - http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/ - Offers many techiniques and ideas for photography. There is a very informational forum (or so I've read) but it requires a fee to join.
3- http://blog.brookesnow.com/ - This photographer shares her battle with choosing to create images that are meaningful to her and not get wrapped up in the commercialism of Photography. Very insightful and inspiring.
4- http://www.brandcampblog.com/ - If you're looking for ways to build a better Photo business, this resource is very helpful. Very down to earth and address very pertinent topics. It's my favorite right now, I love browsing the archives.
Happy Blog Reading,
Sara
Friday, December 9, 2011
Confidence - That Quality That Makes A Person Successful...Or Not
8:53 AM
I lack confidence. That's a scary confession but it's the truth, so why not admit it?
I have been an aspiring photographer since I can remember but I began my business in April 2009 (www.saravogtphotography.com). When I had my first session, I was extremely nervous. Questions and doubts surged through my mind: "Will these people click with me?" "Can I really take a good picture of them?" "What if they hate the photos I produce of them?"....And on and on it went.
I prayed before every session. I still do. Even though it has gotten a little easier meeting and shooting new people (and those I know but don't really know) over the past 2 years and 8 months, I still lack confidence. A LOT.
When I'm at a session and I switch to Manual Mode, man, does that feeling of nervousness, doubt and inadaquacy fill my mind! I forget the things I new, I forget poses I'd like to try. All I can think of is, "can I produce work that these people will love? Me, Sara Vogt, a small-town southern girl with one year of college and a southern drawl...." and then I begin wondering, "They'll think I don't know a thing about what I'm doing because I'm fiddling with these dials and telling them to wait while I get this right...." Yup, I do that.
I guess in a sense it's not a bad thing. At least if you're wondering if they'll like something or if they'll think you're stupid you see there's room for improvement. That's one way of looking at it..... But I typically don't look at it thru that rose-colored filter. I typically see it as, "I really don't know what I'm doing and I'm shooting these people for money!!!"
Really though, in all honesty, unless those you're photograping are photographers themselves, they don't really see all those things that you're worried about. They just see you as a Photographer who knows about their camera and who is trying to create the perfect photo for them!!
That should ease my mind (and yours), right? It doesn't really help. But that's where having and building confidence comes in.
Lately, before each session I go into, when I hear those doubts and insecurities tapping down the drive to the front door of my mind, I begin reminding myself of all the other sessions (successful ones, I might add) that I've held. I remind myself of all the new people I've met and connected with (there really isn't ANY client I've had that I haven't connected with in some way) and all the positive feedback from those clients. I remind myself that I did it last time, so I can do it again! And then, I pray. For wisdom, for understanding of my client's needs, for strength, creativity of thought and for remembrance of the things I've learned.
I'm working on my confidence. It's not always in place but it's coming along. And as Phillipians 4:13 says, "I can do all things thru Christ which strengtheneth me". I can do EVERYTHING thru Him.
If you're new to photography, or even an old hand at it and still have days where you lack confidence, I hope this helps you to know it's not just you and that you can create confidence by remembering what achievements you've made in the past and practicing being proud of the images you create for others.
Sara
I lack confidence. That's a scary confession but it's the truth, so why not admit it?
I have been an aspiring photographer since I can remember but I began my business in April 2009 (www.saravogtphotography.com). When I had my first session, I was extremely nervous. Questions and doubts surged through my mind: "Will these people click with me?" "Can I really take a good picture of them?" "What if they hate the photos I produce of them?"....And on and on it went.
I prayed before every session. I still do. Even though it has gotten a little easier meeting and shooting new people (and those I know but don't really know) over the past 2 years and 8 months, I still lack confidence. A LOT.
When I'm at a session and I switch to Manual Mode, man, does that feeling of nervousness, doubt and inadaquacy fill my mind! I forget the things I new, I forget poses I'd like to try. All I can think of is, "can I produce work that these people will love? Me, Sara Vogt, a small-town southern girl with one year of college and a southern drawl...." and then I begin wondering, "They'll think I don't know a thing about what I'm doing because I'm fiddling with these dials and telling them to wait while I get this right...." Yup, I do that.
I guess in a sense it's not a bad thing. At least if you're wondering if they'll like something or if they'll think you're stupid you see there's room for improvement. That's one way of looking at it..... But I typically don't look at it thru that rose-colored filter. I typically see it as, "I really don't know what I'm doing and I'm shooting these people for money!!!"
Really though, in all honesty, unless those you're photograping are photographers themselves, they don't really see all those things that you're worried about. They just see you as a Photographer who knows about their camera and who is trying to create the perfect photo for them!!
That should ease my mind (and yours), right? It doesn't really help. But that's where having and building confidence comes in.
Lately, before each session I go into, when I hear those doubts and insecurities tapping down the drive to the front door of my mind, I begin reminding myself of all the other sessions (successful ones, I might add) that I've held. I remind myself of all the new people I've met and connected with (there really isn't ANY client I've had that I haven't connected with in some way) and all the positive feedback from those clients. I remind myself that I did it last time, so I can do it again! And then, I pray. For wisdom, for understanding of my client's needs, for strength, creativity of thought and for remembrance of the things I've learned.
I'm working on my confidence. It's not always in place but it's coming along. And as Phillipians 4:13 says, "I can do all things thru Christ which strengtheneth me". I can do EVERYTHING thru Him.
If you're new to photography, or even an old hand at it and still have days where you lack confidence, I hope this helps you to know it's not just you and that you can create confidence by remembering what achievements you've made in the past and practicing being proud of the images you create for others.
Sara
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