Week 18: Sophie Sleeping
Hello to all my friends and family! First I want to post some fun pictures from this week!
Yes, that is Sophie looking as cute as ever! And this is yet another picture taken from my phone. For these more candid shots it is much easier for me to grab my phone and take a pic. But in case you think I am leaving my camera behind I have a cool picture that is going to look somewhat odd:
So I was at the ranch yesterday and I saw this caterpillar. Now it was not coming out like it is now when I had it. I put it safely in my car and checked it this morning and found this. It was shedding it's caterpillar skin and coming out. For me it is just cool. In case your wondering what this will become:
I took this back in 2016. If you look to the left you can see where it has laid it's eggs. Yes, bugs, gotta love them!
The last shot was just a funny one. Ginger had taken off her shoes and this is exactly how she had put them without thinking about it:
Seriously this was not planned lol.
Okay so some good news. For those that read the blog last week I told you about submitting my pictures for a Photo Story. Well, I heard back from them on Thursday and 3 of the 5 pictures that I submitted are being shortlisted for the magazine. The only two that did not make the cut were also the most controversial. As much as I wish that they would be included too, my other pictures and words will give the message that I am trying to give with the pictures that are being accepted. As I stated last week the importance for me with these pictures is getting the message out about mental disorders and addiction and getting people to talk about these issues openly and honestly. This is how we help each other and this is how we move past the stigma. Don't get me wrong, I am excited of the prospect of getting published again and this is the second time I have been short listed. In that arena I am completely stoked. But I temper my reaction until I finally see the pictures in print and then I get super excited! I have already heard from the editor once wanting the hi res images (I sent smaller samples so the email would not be as big). I will let everyone know when I hear more information.
Photography, for me, is great therapy. It really helps in a few areas. First, it gets me out of my head. When I am driving around, or working, there are times when I am looking around for my next shot. I have ideas and it takes a lot of thought to go from concept to conception. Second, it get the things that are in my head out onto a picture. When I deal with depression, anxiety or worry (like, are they really going to publish my pictures!) by getting in the studio, setting up equipment, and working on a concept takes me out of myself and puts me into artist mode. And some of my best work has come in that mode when I am looking to express what I am feeling. Third, photography for me is not work, it is fun. The only problem with submitting work for publishing or awards is the waiting to see if your pictures are actually going to get published or win. It is probably why I do not do more of it. Because for me, the fun is in the creating. Some people don't get that. Submit, the world says, get your name out there, work work work! Use your work for the greater good! Put your message out there they say! Make your stamp, sell your work! I have heard all of that. Mostly from those who are not artist.
You see, artists can be strange creatures. Some of us, me included, love to create. That is where the passion is. But our moods, stress, life, work, can affect our creative process. So can pressure. Especially when someone is trying to tell you what to do with your artwork. And most of the artists I know put a piece of themselves in the work. Look, it is hard to let that go. Will it be accepted? Will they see how important this piece is to me? I have talked about how my artistic endeavors goes in cycles. I have learned that when my creative spirit is low I tend to delve into learning new techniques. It helps me stay connected to my photography. The 52 week challenge helps too. It forces me to take a picture a week. Sometimes they are masterpieces and sometimes they are rushed just to get a picture. But it keeps me behind the lens. And my new phone with my amazing camera helps me as well. It allows me to take pictures of ideas or take pictures of things that would not be there if I went and grabbed my camera.
So submitting work and getting my name out there. Well, I am a little unorthodox. I let God guide me. Both times I have been short listed came from a prompting in my spirit to do something. When I submitted to the fair last year I saw an email and thought, why not. It was not coincidence. This last time I saw a tweet. The first time I saw a Facebook post. So when those things happen I feel a tug on my heart and I just feel, well, guided. Look, I am not looking for fame. I love my life with Ginger and Sophie. Our simple little world. Both are very photogenic. And Ginger is my biggest fan. She gives me honest opinions and guides me gently when I need direction artistically. I get encouragement from family who continue to encourage my growth. I do portrait work on occasion and it is fun. If God wants this to become something bigger He will really have to lead the way for me, I never want to try and get ahead of God. Because getting ahead of Him is not a good place to be because then we are trying to do things in our own power and strength. People may try to push you ahead of God or try to make their sense of urgency your sense of urgency. Sometimes you have to stop, tell people no, and let God tell you what to do. It is then that the magic happens.
Baa
Yes, that is Sophie looking as cute as ever! And this is yet another picture taken from my phone. For these more candid shots it is much easier for me to grab my phone and take a pic. But in case you think I am leaving my camera behind I have a cool picture that is going to look somewhat odd:
 |
| Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar |
I took this back in 2016. If you look to the left you can see where it has laid it's eggs. Yes, bugs, gotta love them!
The last shot was just a funny one. Ginger had taken off her shoes and this is exactly how she had put them without thinking about it:
Seriously this was not planned lol.
Okay so some good news. For those that read the blog last week I told you about submitting my pictures for a Photo Story. Well, I heard back from them on Thursday and 3 of the 5 pictures that I submitted are being shortlisted for the magazine. The only two that did not make the cut were also the most controversial. As much as I wish that they would be included too, my other pictures and words will give the message that I am trying to give with the pictures that are being accepted. As I stated last week the importance for me with these pictures is getting the message out about mental disorders and addiction and getting people to talk about these issues openly and honestly. This is how we help each other and this is how we move past the stigma. Don't get me wrong, I am excited of the prospect of getting published again and this is the second time I have been short listed. In that arena I am completely stoked. But I temper my reaction until I finally see the pictures in print and then I get super excited! I have already heard from the editor once wanting the hi res images (I sent smaller samples so the email would not be as big). I will let everyone know when I hear more information.
Photography, for me, is great therapy. It really helps in a few areas. First, it gets me out of my head. When I am driving around, or working, there are times when I am looking around for my next shot. I have ideas and it takes a lot of thought to go from concept to conception. Second, it get the things that are in my head out onto a picture. When I deal with depression, anxiety or worry (like, are they really going to publish my pictures!) by getting in the studio, setting up equipment, and working on a concept takes me out of myself and puts me into artist mode. And some of my best work has come in that mode when I am looking to express what I am feeling. Third, photography for me is not work, it is fun. The only problem with submitting work for publishing or awards is the waiting to see if your pictures are actually going to get published or win. It is probably why I do not do more of it. Because for me, the fun is in the creating. Some people don't get that. Submit, the world says, get your name out there, work work work! Use your work for the greater good! Put your message out there they say! Make your stamp, sell your work! I have heard all of that. Mostly from those who are not artist.
You see, artists can be strange creatures. Some of us, me included, love to create. That is where the passion is. But our moods, stress, life, work, can affect our creative process. So can pressure. Especially when someone is trying to tell you what to do with your artwork. And most of the artists I know put a piece of themselves in the work. Look, it is hard to let that go. Will it be accepted? Will they see how important this piece is to me? I have talked about how my artistic endeavors goes in cycles. I have learned that when my creative spirit is low I tend to delve into learning new techniques. It helps me stay connected to my photography. The 52 week challenge helps too. It forces me to take a picture a week. Sometimes they are masterpieces and sometimes they are rushed just to get a picture. But it keeps me behind the lens. And my new phone with my amazing camera helps me as well. It allows me to take pictures of ideas or take pictures of things that would not be there if I went and grabbed my camera.
So submitting work and getting my name out there. Well, I am a little unorthodox. I let God guide me. Both times I have been short listed came from a prompting in my spirit to do something. When I submitted to the fair last year I saw an email and thought, why not. It was not coincidence. This last time I saw a tweet. The first time I saw a Facebook post. So when those things happen I feel a tug on my heart and I just feel, well, guided. Look, I am not looking for fame. I love my life with Ginger and Sophie. Our simple little world. Both are very photogenic. And Ginger is my biggest fan. She gives me honest opinions and guides me gently when I need direction artistically. I get encouragement from family who continue to encourage my growth. I do portrait work on occasion and it is fun. If God wants this to become something bigger He will really have to lead the way for me, I never want to try and get ahead of God. Because getting ahead of Him is not a good place to be because then we are trying to do things in our own power and strength. People may try to push you ahead of God or try to make their sense of urgency your sense of urgency. Sometimes you have to stop, tell people no, and let God tell you what to do. It is then that the magic happens.
Baa
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