My girls and the golden hour.


Ladies and Gentleman, we have a musician in our midst.  I'm sure I've mentioned it before but Betsy Grace just loves the piano.  I mean this girl can feel the music all the way down to her itty-bitty toes.  I put her on the bench and she goes to town, using a combination of one pointer-finger carefully placed on the keys with both hands slammed down.  And in the meantime her legs kick as fast and hard as they'll let her. 

The real reason I like this shot is because of the light.  I'm still reading as much as I can, when I can about photography.  I am determined to work hard at getting better.  I take the knowledge I read with a grain of salt because some scenarios that light up my eyes I've learned, are technically "wrong".   Light is obviously a biggie in the photography world and I'll give a hearty amen.  But I've been quite amused when I've read several articles speaking against the exact kinds of photos that are in this post and show up frequently on my blog.
One day I even read an article about how NOT to include lens/sun flare spots in your photos...those are the hazy bright light spots that show up.  I chuckled to myself and kept on turning the page.  Because I adore those hazy, happy little spots.  My word for this current season for myself is "light".  So when I see a picture like the one above, I'm quite taken by the light.  Not repelled, thinking it's a "bad" photo.

Of course some photos like this one would be considered awful I'm sure by the "pros".  A lesson I'm learning lately though is to listen carefully to my own mind.  There have been countless times I've felt guilty for putting the word "photographer" on my Instagram account.  I know I'm an aspiring photographer (hey, I'm shooting full time in manual mode now!) and that sometimes the bigger names in the profession might not care for someone like me claiming that status. I don't have a $2,000 camera and Photoshop.  BUT, I have my eyes.  I have a lens in which I see the world that is unique to me, I have a wealth of knowledge that is only growing each day.  I'm learning to trust my own heart and let my heart and eyes be linked.  When I see a photo that makes me feel.......I've got it. 

The thing is, everyone started out somewhere.  I think I've been bullied long enough by the negative thoughts that I'm not "good enough" because I might not have the same equipment.  But to me, the equipment will only get you so far.  It's the heart of the matter that really matters.  The way you see the world around you.  The rest is icing on the cake.  

I'm sticking up for myself today and proudly calling myself a photographer, lens/sun flare and all.  I want to follow my sweet Betsy's lead and feel my photography all the way down to my toes. 

{I am saving for a better camera/lens also.  I know the equipment does matter! Any suggestions?}

2 comments:

  1. I agree! In this post and your previous one, I love the bursts of light in each shot. That's what makes them unique and to me, captures the time of day and creates a certain setting.

    But, I know what you mean about feeling inadequate in calling yourself a photog. That's how I feel about writing. To say I'm a "writer" gives people the illusion that I've written books. However, I've been published a few times in magazines, but in some people's minds (the pros), I wouldn't qualify.

    One day I would love to just wake up and have an amazing amount of confidence in my abilities and gifts that God has entrusted me with. But, then again, I might not go back to Him over and over, praying for strength and courage, if I had it all each day. That's probably the point, right?

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    Replies
    1. I would love to read some of your magazine articles! Is there a way to read them online? You are most definitely a writer. :)

      Thank-you for your words about our gifts, strength, and courage. They touched me.

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