Satisfaction

My husband has always begged me to print out one of my favorite photographs to display at the house but I've never been confident enough. Each time I receive prints for a client, I know they're report cards of my own work. Even if I've been moderately happy with my prints, I have never been EXCITED to display them much to the chagrin of my husband and friends that have supported me along the way.

Last week, I finally bit the bullet and ordered prints of shots I felt were my best. They arrived today!

I carried the package back into my home, sat on the couch and stared at the box. I wasn't sure if I would see the photographs as soon as I opened it, so I carefully sliced the tape and reached in. I felt a very thick folder, I pulled it out and stared at the graphite-colored obstacle between my pride and anxiety. After ripping the tape off of the folder, my eyes fell upon pamphlets, a booklet and then a semi-transparent envelope that contained my prints.

With a steady wave of my hand, all the obstacles fell to the ground. I could partially see my work. Not too bad through the smoke-like envelope. I pulled the photographs out and gasped...It was a photographer's equivalent to love at first sight that flooded into me. I couldn't help but start grinning ear to ear. I was finally 110% satisfied with my print work. Each image took awhile in editing to provoke the emotions I wanted them to, but those hours were so worth it seeing my precious little prints!

This feeling of satisfaction and excitement with my work has brought my photography to a whole new level. I feel more confident, I know what I want from every shot and I know what to do to get it. I am overjoyed with my own work!!

For my fellow shutterbugs that are also feeling a tad hesitant to print out your work...Print away! You are your own worst critic. The worst that will happen is a learning experience! :)

Happy shooting, everyone!

A Fork in the Road

During my journey of photography, I've reached a fork in the road. Although I'm still learning (I feel like I'm ALWAYS going to be learning in this world of Photography), I've been asked by several people for advice. I could either be "THAT" photographer that never helps anyone because they are scared of competition (aka Faux-tographer) or I can be THE photographer that actually helps spread the passion of capturing images. Of course, I chose to help them. My friends that are getting into photography are posting their work and I actually enjoy watching their skills improve with every image they post.

I honestly pity the faux-tographers that don't appreciate a great photograph done by another photographer. To be sour about every other  photographer sounds miserable. I love seeing the evolution of photography. I truly enjoy seeing someone hone their skills and capture breath-taking images. The fact that I helped them along the way just makes that image seem even better as well!

Happy Shooting, everyone! :)