"...It is a natural resurrection, an experience of immortality." - Thoreau
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
For The Record | Personal Reflection
I thought this would be easy. Really, I did.
I thought maybe I'd get a couple of entries. And then we'd probably spend twenty minutes or so reading through them, deciding how in the world we pick someone's story over another, and then we'd just pick one. Like drawing a name out of a hat, except the hat is filled with slips of paper that latch on to your grasping fingers like magnets because they're all so compelling.
They are each, and every one, an example of people - couples - who have sacrificed. Who have shared. Who have struggled. Who have overcome. And most importantly, who have and do continue to love.
So instead of a couple of entries, there were thirteen. And instead of twenty minutes, it was two hours. And then some. Because even when you think you've made a choice, knowing you have the freedom to change it over the course of the next 12-14 hours makes you run something over and over again in your head. All day I've sort of been sitting in a proverbial puddle of that something that you feel when you want to just sell everything you have and do something with your life that impacts other people and other people alone. Impacts people in the same way many of the couples nominated do. And many of the incredible people doing the nominating.
You have all been so thoughtful and giving of yourselves and it is truly inspiring.
But for the time being, I can't sell everything. But I can give a lot.
So I will give what I can, and then look for ways to fill in the other gaps.
And with that, we would like to thank...
of Franklin, TN for the gift of their story inspiring our own. As a way of saying thank you, you are now the recipients of an entirely and completely complementary portrait session showcasing the two of you. It will be such an honor to capture the life and hearts of such an amazing pair!
And thank you, Amanda, for your willingness to share their story!
But, surprise, it doesn't stop there.
In the mix was an unexpected entry about an uncommon couple that was rather striking. A mother and daughter. And aptly put, Kim, the nominator shared that love "isn’t just reserved for those of us with romantic feelings for one another." And we liked her idea that maybe, their love and their story should be celebrated as well.
So, we're maybe doing a little forward-thinking to Mother's Day, but we want to thank...
of Spring Hill, TN for adding a touch of what is at the core of love - no matter who it is shared with. You two are now the recipients of an entirely and completely complementary portrait session showcasing the two of you, to be taken and shared in honor of Mother's Day in May.
Thank you, Kim, for challenging us to think even more deeply about the stories that matter and inspire!
Thank you all, again, for sharing in what I thought was going to be just a nice little contest. But it was so more than that; it was a reminder to watch and observe people, to know them deeply, and to look for ways to bless their lives.
For your giving hearts, I have a little something coming your way, so please keep an eye on your inboxes.
In the meantime, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and whatever your philosophy is on Valentine's Day - we can all use a little more love. So be it and live it and share it.
I thought maybe I'd get a couple of entries. And then we'd probably spend twenty minutes or so reading through them, deciding how in the world we pick someone's story over another, and then we'd just pick one. Like drawing a name out of a hat, except the hat is filled with slips of paper that latch on to your grasping fingers like magnets because they're all so compelling.
They are each, and every one, an example of people - couples - who have sacrificed. Who have shared. Who have struggled. Who have overcome. And most importantly, who have and do continue to love.
So instead of a couple of entries, there were thirteen. And instead of twenty minutes, it was two hours. And then some. Because even when you think you've made a choice, knowing you have the freedom to change it over the course of the next 12-14 hours makes you run something over and over again in your head. All day I've sort of been sitting in a proverbial puddle of that something that you feel when you want to just sell everything you have and do something with your life that impacts other people and other people alone. Impacts people in the same way many of the couples nominated do. And many of the incredible people doing the nominating.
You have all been so thoughtful and giving of yourselves and it is truly inspiring.
But for the time being, I can't sell everything. But I can give a lot.
So I will give what I can, and then look for ways to fill in the other gaps.
And with that, we would like to thank...
of Franklin, TN for the gift of their story inspiring our own. As a way of saying thank you, you are now the recipients of an entirely and completely complementary portrait session showcasing the two of you. It will be such an honor to capture the life and hearts of such an amazing pair!
And thank you, Amanda, for your willingness to share their story!
But, surprise, it doesn't stop there.
In the mix was an unexpected entry about an uncommon couple that was rather striking. A mother and daughter. And aptly put, Kim, the nominator shared that love "isn’t just reserved for those of us with romantic feelings for one another." And we liked her idea that maybe, their love and their story should be celebrated as well.
So, we're maybe doing a little forward-thinking to Mother's Day, but we want to thank...
of Spring Hill, TN for adding a touch of what is at the core of love - no matter who it is shared with. You two are now the recipients of an entirely and completely complementary portrait session showcasing the two of you, to be taken and shared in honor of Mother's Day in May.
Thank you, Kim, for challenging us to think even more deeply about the stories that matter and inspire!
Thank you all, again, for sharing in what I thought was going to be just a nice little contest. But it was so more than that; it was a reminder to watch and observe people, to know them deeply, and to look for ways to bless their lives.
For your giving hearts, I have a little something coming your way, so please keep an eye on your inboxes.
In the meantime, I hope you all have a fantastic weekend and whatever your philosophy is on Valentine's Day - we can all use a little more love. So be it and live it and share it.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Drawing Inspiration | Nashville Portrait Photography
It's rare to find people who give away knowledge for nothing in return.
And knowledge, in particular, about the things that have made them successful in a profession where it seems so many are clamoring to be the best, the most noticed, the most popular... and on it goes. We hold so tightly the things someone, at some point, was kind enough to share with us - so tightly we don't often share it with others.
Mike Larson, on the other hand, is a fantastic photographer out of California who is on his way around the country - thanks to Pictage - sharing in a two-part workshop some of the things he has learned over time about the business and art of photography.
I was only able to make it to the shooting portion of the workshop, but man, even that was a wealth of conceptual and practical knowledge from which to draw inspiration. He shared his journey. He talked about caring for your clients. And mostly, about "character marketing". Those things which are critical to the overall experience of both the client and the photographer and make our work worth something.
Big thanks to Peter and Whitney of Dove Photography for their leadership of the Nashville PUG, for hosting Mike, and for bringing in such great models.
And knowledge, in particular, about the things that have made them successful in a profession where it seems so many are clamoring to be the best, the most noticed, the most popular... and on it goes. We hold so tightly the things someone, at some point, was kind enough to share with us - so tightly we don't often share it with others.
Mike Larson, on the other hand, is a fantastic photographer out of California who is on his way around the country - thanks to Pictage - sharing in a two-part workshop some of the things he has learned over time about the business and art of photography.
I was only able to make it to the shooting portion of the workshop, but man, even that was a wealth of conceptual and practical knowledge from which to draw inspiration. He shared his journey. He talked about caring for your clients. And mostly, about "character marketing". Those things which are critical to the overall experience of both the client and the photographer and make our work worth something.
Big thanks to Peter and Whitney of Dove Photography for their leadership of the Nashville PUG, for hosting Mike, and for bringing in such great models.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
What Inspires Me? 01.19.10 | Personal Reflection
Books, you'll come to learn, are like currency to my soul. The purchase, exchange, and transfer of thoughts and ideas and lessons and challenges set forth in literature - whether fiction or non - has the ability to fill me up and to move me in a way not many other things can. So, it won't be surprising that this week's inspiration comes from a book.
A book which I happened to listen to, after owning in audio format for sometime, only just a couple of weeks ago on our way home from Christmas travels. And then, immediately after listening to it, I read it all over again. Because it was just that good.
The book? The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.
Everything about this book, and particularly the narration of it in audiobook, fascinates me. I literally can't get the echoes of both the characters, the plot, and the settings out of my head. It is a book about a boy following his dream in search of a treasure, only to find himself ending up in situations and destinations with people he hadn't expected to meet along the way. So much truth is laced into this fable. And long-gone are the days of good, inspiring fables which ask us to think abstractly about our own realities.
Probably one of the less significant, but most profound moments in the story is when the narrator describes the pursuit of using one's gift - and here he is speaking specifically about the alchemist himself - because it is what you are gifted at doing, not because anyone will see it. That a man, so knowledgeable and understanding and skilled at the turning of all metal into gold -chooses to do so in the middle of a desert with no one to watch or to be impressed with him.
A book which I happened to listen to, after owning in audio format for sometime, only just a couple of weeks ago on our way home from Christmas travels. And then, immediately after listening to it, I read it all over again. Because it was just that good.
The book? The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.
Everything about this book, and particularly the narration of it in audiobook, fascinates me. I literally can't get the echoes of both the characters, the plot, and the settings out of my head. It is a book about a boy following his dream in search of a treasure, only to find himself ending up in situations and destinations with people he hadn't expected to meet along the way. So much truth is laced into this fable. And long-gone are the days of good, inspiring fables which ask us to think abstractly about our own realities.
Probably one of the less significant, but most profound moments in the story is when the narrator describes the pursuit of using one's gift - and here he is speaking specifically about the alchemist himself - because it is what you are gifted at doing, not because anyone will see it. That a man, so knowledgeable and understanding and skilled at the turning of all metal into gold -chooses to do so in the middle of a desert with no one to watch or to be impressed with him.
When I let that sink in, I am just - deeply moved. Do what you do because you can, not because it is an means to an end or because it gains you notoriety with people.
And that's just one of the tiniest lessons from this chock-full-of-good-stuff story. Seriously.
If you've never read anything by Coelho before, I would start with this one. From his blog you can access a number of online versions of some of his work, including translations in a number of languages. Unfortunately, The Alchemist will not be found in the English translations of his works but you can always get a head start on the first chapter, thanks to this preview from Google Books. And lastly, if you are a fan of Jeremy Irons (I mean, really, with that voice, who isn't?) and like audiobooks, I'd highly recommend a listen.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
What Inspires Me? 01.07.10 | Personal Reflection
I'm back at it again, only this time I've decided the subjects of these weekly installments have to be non-photography related. That is, apart from the photo I posted related to the source of my inspiration.
Because while drawing upon the work of other photographers is inspiring, the breadth of what I know and love about art and creativity doesn't stop there. In fact, when I turn my focus from that, I find I am often more inspired in my own work than I am by a beautiful shot by a fellow photographer - be it portrait or non-portrait related. And goodness knows I need not be reminded of how fantastic my fellow photographers are, because I am pretty much conscious of that every waking hour of the day.
And so, we begin again, only this time, anew. And now, the skies the limit. Because so many things in life are truly, inspiring. People, activities, good food, color palettes, websites, authors, books. Too much, sometimes, for a girl to handle.
But it's a one-at-a-time sort of thing, more often. Like, I'm getting my fix of inspiration consistently from one source for a couple of days and then something else sparks an interest and adds a little something to my fire. And boy do I need that fire in these cold days.
Alright, alright, so enough intro. What's pushing my buttons (in a good way) this week?
That's right, a map.
No no, just kidding. Actually, this is part of my drive to and from work these days. Big whoop, right? Not for this gal. Because everyday, I look forward to this and had you asked me three weeks ago I would have told you the commute was getting old. Sure, when the days are longer and the sun sets after I walk out of the office, it's one thing. But in the winter? And in the season my heart is in right now?
Oh, but then the shining light came in a couple of days of adventuring on my way to and from work to find just the right mixture of: desolate back roads, beautiful clearings, twists and turns, old farm houses, rustic cabins, massive homes, grazing cows and the occasional deer sighting to get me out of a funk. One that I look forward to every morning because I see myself in every bit of that road.
I see winter in her morning and afternoon glory and I just breathe so deeply, enough that I get my tank filled up to make it through the day and see the day turn to night with the softest hues and brilliance that I feel like I'd miss were I not on the three other more common paths one might take to Nashville from where we live.
But it's not the common path. And every day I ponder where I am being led in these days and where I want to go and the sort of risks and dreams those things require of me. And I'm more willing, everyday, to make them happen.
The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Because while drawing upon the work of other photographers is inspiring, the breadth of what I know and love about art and creativity doesn't stop there. In fact, when I turn my focus from that, I find I am often more inspired in my own work than I am by a beautiful shot by a fellow photographer - be it portrait or non-portrait related. And goodness knows I need not be reminded of how fantastic my fellow photographers are, because I am pretty much conscious of that every waking hour of the day.
And so, we begin again, only this time, anew. And now, the skies the limit. Because so many things in life are truly, inspiring. People, activities, good food, color palettes, websites, authors, books. Too much, sometimes, for a girl to handle.
But it's a one-at-a-time sort of thing, more often. Like, I'm getting my fix of inspiration consistently from one source for a couple of days and then something else sparks an interest and adds a little something to my fire. And boy do I need that fire in these cold days.
Alright, alright, so enough intro. What's pushing my buttons (in a good way) this week?
That's right, a map.
No no, just kidding. Actually, this is part of my drive to and from work these days. Big whoop, right? Not for this gal. Because everyday, I look forward to this and had you asked me three weeks ago I would have told you the commute was getting old. Sure, when the days are longer and the sun sets after I walk out of the office, it's one thing. But in the winter? And in the season my heart is in right now?
Oh, but then the shining light came in a couple of days of adventuring on my way to and from work to find just the right mixture of: desolate back roads, beautiful clearings, twists and turns, old farm houses, rustic cabins, massive homes, grazing cows and the occasional deer sighting to get me out of a funk. One that I look forward to every morning because I see myself in every bit of that road.
I see winter in her morning and afternoon glory and I just breathe so deeply, enough that I get my tank filled up to make it through the day and see the day turn to night with the softest hues and brilliance that I feel like I'd miss were I not on the three other more common paths one might take to Nashville from where we live.
But it's not the common path. And every day I ponder where I am being led in these days and where I want to go and the sort of risks and dreams those things require of me. And I'm more willing, everyday, to make them happen.
The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
What is inspiring you this week?
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
What Inspires Me? 10.22.09
I seriously drew in my breath and held it for a good 15 seconds when I saw this image by Untamed Heart Photography. What a magnificent contrast in setting and character. It's just romantic and natural and beautiful. For someone who doesn't consider herself a wedding photographer, Michelle Huesgen captured a beautiful series of this couple on their big day.
I love it.
And it inspires me to know that skill, heart, and an eye for photography can bleed into every type no matter what you categorically label yourself.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What Inspires Me? 10.15
The wind. The contrast. The expressions. The composition.
Sigh.
Sarah Rhoads has such an eye for catching moments like this.
I'm inspired.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
What Inspires Me? 10.08.09
Everytime I think about my ideal portrait session, this photo always comes to mind:
I still remember the day Angie Monson posted images from this family portrait session she did back in the spring. Everything about it, for me, was pure brilliance. The family, the colors, the location. But this one image in particular has most of the elements that I love about photography and life.
Nature. Beauty. Adventure. Love. Joy. People.
I get inspired by each of these and to have all six in one place at one time, just too much for this little heart to handle. I only hope I could do something this exciting one day!
See more of Angie's Simplicity Photography work here. Prepare to be inspired.
Nature. Beauty. Adventure. Love. Joy. People.
I get inspired by each of these and to have all six in one place at one time, just too much for this little heart to handle. I only hope I could do something this exciting one day!
See more of Angie's Simplicity Photography work here. Prepare to be inspired.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
What Inspires Me? 10.01.09
No matter how long it seems I've been in the "blogworld" there's so much I have yet to understand about it. What makes it work? What makes people "show up"? How do you translate your style, your personality, your work in a way that is appealing and uniquely you?
The more I think about it, this blog gives my clients, my friends, and people out there looking at, studying, and wanting to understand photography as an art and as a business a glimpse into my journey. My perspective. The person behind the camera.
I follow a lot of amazing photographers. People who blow me away with their work time and time again, and yet with most of them, as personal as their blogs can sometimes be, I find myself often asking the deep question of inspiration and vision, cause and effect.
No matter if you're a natural or not in the world of photography, it takes fresh ideas, beautiful photographs, and art to keep you moving, keep you from becoming just another photographer on the block. It's that whole concept of imitation and I think a lot of photographers are afraid to admit who or what it is that makes them say "I want to do that... try that... be that... someday".
So as I ask others the question and ask myself, and I thought I'd lend you all a weekly glimpse of what my answers are in pictorial form. Look for this to be an opportunity to see the photographs (and photographers) that give me pause and drive, motivation and inspiration.
As for this week? Have a look...
Grounded Ship, Cape San Pablo, Argentina 2007 - David Burdeny
I have a growing appreciation for minimalist abstract photography and there's something about this image that makes me want to set sail. The subdued grays, the deep rust, the smack dab in the center composition is all so static. It's brilliant.
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