I have decided to add a little spice to my blog posts..and in doing so it'll give you something regular to look forward to reading. Basically its a "tips and tricks" kind of theme--but staying true to my style I'm hereby name it : How to Rock it Out! I know you love it! I can hear your heart pounding in anticipation! drumroll please!!!!!
ok, so maybe you were expecting something much more profound....but the simplicity of this tip is actually very deceiving. This is my absolute most important piece of advice to anyone in any aspect of their life.....and yes it also applies to photography and *gasp* planning your wedding. I am just now coming to a place where I know who I am--the good, the bad, and the ugly, and I love ME! Its so much easier to enjoy life when you feel comfortable with who you are. Others will enjoy you too on a much greater scale once you are simply true to yourself.
Planning a wedding?
That process is full of compromises...and I often see some brides that wish they would have done things a bit differently. So save yourself the trouble--and rent that hot dog stand for the reception that you've been eyeing, or get married on a rooftop somewhere so you can dance under the stars. Its your day...and it should reflect who you are and what is important to you as a couple. I am not saying to walk up to mom and slap family tradition in the face--just make sure to include yourselves into the process, even if you're worried that people will think its silly. Most of the time the silly things make an awesome wedding!
Stuck in a creative rut?
The demands of having to come up with something amazing all of the time can take its toll, and maybe it can leave you in a creativity vacuum. Many photographers and other artists find themselves in this position and search for inspiration by examining the art of others ( I know I am the first to admit my addiction to blog-stalking!). Just be careful not to copy what you have seen. Its so important to stay fresh and focused on the direction that YOU want to go and not head down down someone else's path.
Next time you find yourself in a rut do a few of these exercises to get your creative juices flowing:
- Challenge your boundaries.....Make a list of things that you normally wouldn't do and do the complete opposite! ex....you normally never shoot in full sun.....so challenge yourself and run out there high noon on a cloudless day and create a masterpiece. You get idea.....sometimes changing your surroundings forces you to come up with something new.
- Give yourself a break....from the internet, from the media, from your art and just indulge your senses in what makes you happy. Play with your kids, go on a hike, build a snowman at midnight all by yourself....don't limit yourself. When you return to your work you'll feel refreshed and be able to start with a clean slate.
- Keep a creative journal....I have seen a few inspirational photographers mention this lately and its fun to know that I am not the only one! Be it a leather-bound journal or just a folder with torn out magazine pages, just make sure to keep an eye out for inspiration and don't rely on your mind to be able to keep up with it all. Jot down ideas, cool locations, sketch poses or a lighting set-up that you would like to try. This will serve as your bible of creativity....some days ideas will be pouring out of you and you may not be able to keep up---so put it in your journal and save it for a day when you feel drained and in a rut.
In life, in art, in celebration--find inspiration in yourself. Don't copy what you think that the world wants to see...be original. You'll thank yourself a thousand times over as you look back and know that you didn't compromise. Life is much too short so lets all try to leave the biggest legacy possible and just be ourselves.
Okay do I sound like an after school special or what!! Oh well--that's me!
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