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My first photo challenge was “morning” and that was an easy challenge for me.  It was very easy for me to capture a “stages” photo, as I feel most everything I shoot illustrates some type of stage.  Simplicity, on the other hand, is perplexing for me.  There is not much about photography that is simple to me.  From the technical aspect of working my camera, to setting up the image in a thoughtful way, to post-processing with rather complicated editing software… I struggled to come up with an image that meant “simplicity”.

I once read  that most photographers have some type of OCD, in that they are meticulous about each image in its finished product.  When I read this last year I thought- I don’t feel too OCD about my images.  But as I delve further into my photography, I have found the absolute truth in that statement.  In fact, a few days ago I edited the background out of a photo for almost 20 minutes, just to get it perfect.  Then I decided I didn’t like the overall look and POOF “revert to original” and I was back to square one.

This is why it’s called a challenge!  It should take you out of your comfort zone and allow you to push your creativity and talents.  Attempt a meditative state, and close your eyes.  What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think “simplicity”?  Anything goes.  Use the next few weeks to find something that inspires you in a simplest way.  And, of course, have fun with it!

Here is my version of simplicity.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the saying “when one door closes…”.  It’s a sweet thought; however, I’ve always been, and will continue to be, a firm believer in the philosophy that things don’t just happen.  Action, or lack there of, is a main contributor of the doors that open and close in our lives.

When I started taking pictures, I gravitated towards certain vendors, certain education, certain equipment.  Throughout my first few months of business, I was constantly changing my mind, (a little something called learning I believe), but annoying all the same.  I rushed into getting a logo, rushed into buying things when I didn’t even know how to use them, bought L glass lenses to use on my Rebel and replaced my college Sony monitor with a brand new 27″ iMac.  Buying the best equipment did not make me a better photographer, buying actions didn’t make me a better editor, buying a posing guide didn’t make me more comfortable at shoots.  You want to know what did??  Time.  Time has made me a better photographer.  I am a totally different photographer, with a completely different style than the day I started taking pictures.  I peruse photographer blogs every once in a while and often times read photographers say things like… I look back at my first pictures and cringe.  I would too if I thought about it that way, but instead I think of it this way… I’m soooo much better than I used to be (insert pat on the back).  And then I imagine where I will be one year from now.  And that is exciting.

With all that said, I have realized something very important… what’s the rush?  I felt the need to rush my learning and the business.  When you start up a business that needs to help sustain your family, there is a whole different level of pressure that is added to the pot. A door has opened and I am now in a new and exciting position to photograph without that pressure.  I have learned that finding the right client is just as important as finding the right photographer.  It is a special thing I get to do… capture memories.  Starting May 1, 2012, I will only shoot on the weekends.  This year will be a year of portfolio building, learning, adventure and creation.  I feel incredibly lucky to have such wonderful and supportive friends and family, the most understanding and honest husband and the best subject to practice on, (my sweet Aubrey).

For anyone who has ever thought about starting up a photography business- DO IT, if it’s what you love… but know this… it is NOT a cheap hobby:)

XOXO