Monday, March 15, 2010

.staying true to myself.


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I will have to admit to you that it's been a rather rough couple of weeks photography wise for me. Part of it due to the fact that I didn't have my camera (which I did get back today. . . YAY!) and also because, strangely enough, I have been asked to exhibit some of my photos. You would think that I would be extremely over the moon at the latter, but instead I became overly critical of my work to the point of getting a headache. Haha! That's a good sign right. . . ? As I gazed through some of my photos, I couldn't help but feel like I was just shooting all over the place. I found myself going back to my older images, photos that I didn't try to capture to submit to some publication or have accepted by the public as trendy. I shot them simply because I was moved to. Over the last several years, I feel like I've lost that, that emotional bond that transcends from subject to photographer, ultimately captured by the camera.

This morning after reading an inspiring post, I was reminded that as a photographer, I need to stay true to my vision. Too often I become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of images out there, trying to find a place to settle into only to realize that I wasn't really comfortable there. I always find myself saying that I'm still searching for my "voice" in the photography world. I sing the best when I'm in the shower or in my car, belting it out without a care as to who may hear, or see, me. I sing whatever moves me at the time (it's been a lot of Priscilla Ahn lately). Go out, shoot and don't give a rat's ass what anyone else thinks. In the end, it's your opinion of what you've done that matters. Sometimes I really should start taking my own advice.

12 comments:

  1. you have no idea how much l love this and how most of those words could have been written by me....it's so true !

    and little miss ahn.....oh how I adore that voice of hers and "i had a dream" plays over and over in my head......

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  2. The world is a journey and everyone is unique. We learn from each other but we should not allow our lives to be shaped by others because that's what make us unique. Being very critique of yourself is good because it pushes you to perform better. I'm sure you will find your voice as you move forward. Listen, See and make your choice.

    I'm impressed by this beautiful and emotional shot, well done!

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  3. After I got out of school, I had the same problem. Every image I shot had to fit into some elusive, cohesive, never-ending project. It took me two years to realize that my life, the best parts of it were passing me by without so much as a click of the shutter.

    What a shame to waste that time on other peoples ideas and what a joy to stand up and find your voice and express your unique view of the world. Your photos are wonderful and echo your vision of the world beautifully.

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  4. Kathy, I'm so excited for and proud of you that you are exhibiting your work... it's so beautiful and deserves to be showcased. I know we're our own worst critics, but listen to your family, friends, and fans ~ you have amazing talent, vision, and creativity; ROLL WITH IT! :) xoxo

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  5. congratulations. i love your work so i know what you choose will be fantastic.

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  6. Good - you're starting to listen to the quiet inner voice that matters - the one that encourages and wants to try new things vs the loud one that's easily influenced by what others think and say and always brings on the negativeness. Keep up the good work and good luck with the exhibit!

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  7. I completely understand what you mean...
    I love this photo!

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  8. Thank you everybody for all
    the awesome comments! They
    mean the world to me. Thank
    YOU. ;)

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  9. Just shoot from the heart. You are very creative and one of a kind. Which is a good thing.

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  10. you should take your own advice - it's good advice. :-)
    Beautiful and wise post. I love it and wish you lots of courage and wisdom in followuing your path.

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  11. yes, you should always follow your own advice. your photos are wonderful!

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