Transformation by Numbers: How to Create Constant Improvement
There is an art and science to getting and maintaining constant improvement in your life and creative endeavors. This post will look at how you can transform your photography, as seen through the lens of my own transformation, as well as set the bar for what’s next in the coming 365 days. Here’s what I’ve found to work well for completing a 365 day challenge… CLARITY. Make sure you know exactly what you’ve committed to and write... [Read More...]
Becoming a VisionMonger (D311)
UPDATE: The final video is done! Make sure to read to the end and watch it! We filmed a short video today with the Teen Identity girls and yours truly as an application for David duChemin’s Vision Driven Photography workshop happening this month in Seattle. David and the Creative Live team are selecting 6 photographers to join them for the workshop live. It’s similar to the lighting workshop Zack Arias gave a few weeks ago that I raved... [Read More...]
Images Point You in the Direction of Your Dreams (D298)
Dreams do come true, right? So it is possible to see what I dream become reality. However, when it comes to the scale, I’m not holding my breath to reach this number… it’s a dream number that I haven’t reached since college and before my first child. I’m not even sure it’s possible for me to get there ever again, so I’m setting my sights a little higher… not much, but a little more realistic. My goal... [Read More...]
Rookie Photo Mistake (D284)
I’m not sure what defines a rookie, but I certainly can still make a rookie mistake now and again. Don’t you? My rookie mistake is missing the detail in this shot… the small piece of stray grass that found its way into my frame. I loved the way the green leaves were so well defined and such crisp colors… in contrast to the pinecone, which offset the framing of the shot. What I didn’t see was that tiny little stray grass... [Read More...]
Milestone Moment: Images on the Big Screen (D277)
Today was the big day… the Street Grace citywide event and the premiere of the Teen Identity “Take Action” video PSA. The video itself is compelling and gets to me every time I watch it. But, watching it on 3 huge screens tonight was a surreal experience… those are my girls and my images. What a milestone moment! Being the devoted photographer I am, I took images of my images on the big screen… #gallery-1 { margin:... [Read More...]
Diversity Training: Expanding Your Creative World (D269)
Ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut creatively? Maybe you’re making strides in one area to the exclusion of all others? Perhaps you’re focused on photography, but still dream of writing a book someday. Or maybe you’re a whiz at design, but really want to return to your roots as a painter. Maybe you simply miss the good old days of coloring books and crayons. Whatever your current focus or passion, there is always room for... [Read More...]
Sticks and Stones… (D266)
You know the rest, but that’s not really what I was thinking when I shot today’s images. I just saw these cool looking sticks in a random arrangement and decided they would make a good subject. I shot from the ground looking up at the top of the arrangement so I could separate out some of the wavy sticks from the pack of the rest of them. Seems the ones that stood out were more interesting that the big group all stuck together in the... [Read More...]
Images Inspired by Jerry Ghionis and Jeremy Cowart on Escalate Live (D260)
Photography is more than your camera, it’s a tool, not unlike a paintbrush or instrument, that has the power to evoke emotion, transform a life, and leave an indelible mark on our souls. Listening to the teaching of master photographers like Jerry Ghionis and Jeremy Cowart, each different and yet similar, I was reminded that returning to who we are at the very essence will inform, improve, and shape our images more than any photography class... [Read More...]
Why You Should Harness the Power of Words (D231)
When was the last time you really thought about the words that you speak every day? Have you ever considered keeping track of what you say for an entire day? What would you see at the end of the day? What patterns would arise from your words? Would it be worry, fear, stress, joy, gratitude, love, peace? How does this apply to your photography? Think about it. What do you say about your photography? Do you put yourself down, compare yourself to others,... [Read More...]
5 Reasons to Get a 50mm Lens for Your Camera (D220)
Chances are that you’re a visual learner, since you have an interest in photography, so I’ll make this easy for you. There really are more than 5 compelling reasons to get a 50 mm lens for your camera, but I thought I’d keep it simple for today’s illustration. Reason 1 – 5 That’s right… reasons 1 – 5 are right there showing the amazing texture and detail that a 50 mm lens can capture. I didn’t... [Read More...]