Self Portrait + Confession time. They seem to be a good fit. Will this be an easy post to write? No. Will it give you a glimpse into my heart, dark as it may be? Yes.
Well then, here we go…
We’re coming to a close on week 1 of the tasra365 photography challenge and I’ve been amazed by the incredible response to this project. I love that people are inspired, challenged, and making themselves accountable to each other. The attention has also surfaced some of my fears that I figured it was best to confess and just lay on the table from the start. In this computer age, it’s often easier to hide behind the computer screen and put forth a representative, rather than being real. I’m not about that, so why not just get it out of the way now.
If this post isn’t enough confession, listen to my interview on F-Stop Beyond for more inside access on this challenge and who the “real” Tasra is. The audio is embedded below so just click to play.
Three True Confessions
1—The Professional: I cringed when I wrote the word “professional” in front of photographer. Am I alone here? Do you struggle with “defining” yourself: amateur, advanced amateur, aspiring professional, semi-pro, pro? I have this wacked out notion of what a professional should be. Something about flawless images, in business 2 decades, incredible studio, and super cool. Of course none of those are the real definition of a professional. So why do I hesitate to say or write those words? One word. Confidence. Or lack thereof. What can I do about it? Redefine my definition of professional.
Wikipedia says: A professional photographer uses photography to make a living whilst an amateur photographer does not earn a living and typically takes photographs for pleasure and to record an event, place or person for future enjoyment.
Okay, great. According to Wikipedia I’m not a professional because I don’t make a living with it. But I run a business and do get paid. If we go by Wikipedia, some of us could be in business for a decade and never qualify as a professional. I don’t like that. Ehow.com says typically a pro earns their income through photography, but maybe only a portion. So if I earn $100/year with photography, am I a pro? Very confusing.
I would like one definitive answer. How do you define “pro” photographer?
2—Seeing Green: I’m not talking about the green that fills your bank account and makes you smile. I’m talking about the green monster of jealousy that jumps on your back when you least expect it. I am a victim of that monster’s attacks, sometimes on a daily basis. Aagh. I feel like going back and deleting those words. They make me sound petty and trite and I don’t like sounding that way. But it’s the truth my friends. Often when I look at other photographer’s images, instead of being happy for them and the skill they have, I find myself feeling envious… wondering why I can’t create images like that, when will I improve, will I ever feel like I have “arrived?”
Oh, please tell me I’m not alone. I read two articles last night and this morning about Annie Leibovitz and her current money and court issues. My first instinct when I saw the headlines was wanting to know more. Not because I was compassionate or felt sorry for her, but because there was a small tinge of joy that someone so successful would be shown to be imperfect. Of course, I immediately feel guilty for thinking that. Yep, that’s me. The jealous photographer.
Here’s my solution for this issue: I’m going to celebrate and share the work of other photogs that spark that jealousy in me. Instead of secretly feeling those things and being happy about their “failure,” I’m going to do the opposite and celebrate their success… publicly. I’ll turn that green monster on his heels and make him run for the hills. What do you think? Will it work?
3—Workflow That Doesn’t Work: I’ve read about, heard seminars, and watched videos about good workflow. I’m interested and engaged at the time, but never seem to implement the strategies I learned. What is wrong with me? Seriously. With so many events needing to be processed and turned around, with upcoming travel and pending photo shoots, you’d think it’d be enough to motivate me. Obviously not. I need one super simple, no-brainer, uncomplicated photography workflow that I can embrace and implement in a day. Any suggestions?
Wow. If you’re reading this, that means you made it through the confessions. I feel liberated in a strange, transparent kind of way. Let me know your thoughts. More importantly, I’d love to know that I’m not alone. Let’s make this a safe place to just start from ground zero and build each other up from there.
Manual: Read Pg. 22—Self-Timer. Looked it up specifically because I wanted to take a self-portrait for this post today. Took the image in front of a big bay window in our living room so I was flooded with light to give the washed out look. Put the camera on a side table, set the focus on manual using my daughter’s doll as a test. Then moved the doll and got in place. Pressed the self timer and shutter release (50 mm, 1/160 sec, f/2.5, ISO 200). Once I was happy with a shot, I imported and processed in Photoshop to saturate the eye color. Happy with the results for a self-portrait. Going to use the shot as my new profile pic on Twitter and Facebook too!
Images: Looked at images online again today since I was already there. Once this is posted, I’m going to check out the Flickr group to view and comment on more of your images. If you haven’t joined the group, come join us. The images are inspiring and keep you on track each day! And of course everyone loves getting comments on their images!
On Pinterest? 
