If you are a part of the Facebook community you have probably heard by now that things are changing for businesses that use posts to reach followers and drum up business.
For years it's been a great way for businesses to reach out to local and long distance customers and admirers. I've been a part of that crazy, wild ride that opened up followers and clients all over the world! I am grateful for that opportunity. Being a small business it's not always in the budget to do large scale advertising. Facebook has helped many of us grow and expand.
There have been changes recently that have made it harder and harder to reach our target audience through Facebook. My posts used to reach several hundred followers. It's now dwindled down to about a hundred for each post. That's a huge market that I'm missing now. I know some that have even said their posts reach less than 20. That is a painful and debilitating blow to us small business owners. The changes are still coming. Expect to see less and less of your followers finding you in their news feed!
Having said that, Facebook is still a great resource for small business. I'm not irritated by Facebook's changes and limitations on business pages. It's business, change is inevitable. It's better to roll with the changes than scoff at them and pout about how it 'used to be'.
There are a few ways we can remedy this:
One: Pay for the posts. I know, I know. The idea of PAYING to have your posts viewed feels wrong in so, so many ways. Especially because most of the ones who view it don't come running to you with money in hand to pay for your services/products. But, have you ever ran an ad in the newspaper? Have you ever had flyers or postcards printed? You paid for those. There was no way of telling whether or not your readers or recipients would come to your business. It was marketing. Simple as that. So is paying for a Facebook ad or post.
Two: Blog! You can blog all you want and no one is going to charge you to increase your views.... right? But, if you choose to blog, how many of your followers on Facebook will take the time to check out your Blog? Keep in mind that many of your 'likes' may not follow you to your blog. But the really, truly interested ones will! Quality over quantity, right? Of course, if you have a very specific audience you can always find ways to get them interested in your business and follow you to your blog. Not to mention, if you blog you have so much more creative control. You can post multiple photos, videos, customize the layout, font, etc. Blogging is definitely more creative that posting. Blogging can take a lot of time and effort. But, clients can tell when you have put effort into something, it shows you value it, therefore they will too!
Three: Email. Yup. Email. In the good 'ol days we only had email. We used to have to send emails to all of our potential clients and communicate directly. *wink wink* All kidding aside, this is a really great way to promote your business and keep contact with clients. I think emailing your latest blog post is one of the best ways to stir up excitement over a new product or offer. If you think this a great way to go but you're more than overwhelmed at the thought of writing, regularly, have no fear! There are pre-made email templates and blogs too! I'm all for the personal touch, but who says you have to stick to the template completely right? The downside to emailing is having to get them on your email list. Not to mention how many people will view your email as spam or junk? We all do it! We see an email from a business we visited in the past and instead of opening the email we just trash it, never knowing what was inside.
Honestly, they all have pros and cons. I have paid for Facebook ads and had nice results. On the other hand, my blog has yielded nicely as well. Email has been equally successful.
It boils down to what feels right for your business. Finding the right combo and sticking with it can give you the results you need to grow your business and reach your target audience!
What am I going to do? I am keeping my Facebook business page, but will post a lot less there. I will post when I blog or have specials posted to my website or blog, but, I am not going to focus on Facebook for marketing. The occasional campaign maybe, but not anything regular. My blog will get most of my attention, it certainly needs it, I've neglected it for so long. Of course, I'll be sharing my blog with those on my email list.
It may take some time to find just the right blog to Facebook ratio, but it can be done!
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Pursuit of a dream
No one person starts out ahead of another. We all start from the same point. As artists we all start out with a desire. A desire to create. How we go about satisfying that desire determines how far it will take us.
A post on Facebook this morning by an amazing photographer and business woman got me thinking. Having so many 'newbie's' ask me for help, advice or encouragement, I thought I would share her post and then try my best to encourage all of you who are working toward your dream.
Here is the link to her post:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=342924395719581&set=a.210074142337941.55824.210070485671640&type=1&ref=nf
She quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Every artist was first an amateur"
So what is the difference between an amateur and a professional?
Define "Amateur": A person who engages in a pursuit without pay.
Define "Professional: 'A person engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation / Having or showing the skill appropriate to a professional person / A person competent or skilled in a particular activity'
I picked out some key words PURSUIT/ENGAGED/SHOWING/ACTIVITY
I have several people that have asked me when they can call themselves a professional photographer, whether or not there is a key point they need to be at or surpass before they can call themselves a pro... this is my opinion, and opinions do vary, but... I think by definition if you are regularly pursuing and engaged in photography, showing your work to friends, family and the community then you are engaged in the activity of professional photography. Skill levels come with time and practice.
Who am I to determine whether you are a pro or not? We all have different tastes and different ideas of what art is, so what one person finds enjoyment in as art another may find lacking. Oh, and just because you don't take portraits, doesn't mean your are not a professional photographer. There are so many different aspects of photography, you can't possible limit it to one and say that is the only category that is considered professional.
When you get to that point, YOU know! Don't wait for some great and wonderful event to tell you that you are a pro, sometimes you may miss it, or it may not happen at all, but it doesn't mean that you aren't a pro yet. As long as you are moving forward, continue to work toward your goal, grow, learn.... let your work speak for itself. You don't need anyone else's stamp of approval, trust me!
All of you are doing very well and all of you are artists in your own right! Remember, this post is meant to encourage all to keep going, keep learning, keep shooting! Don't give up just because you are not 'as good' as another photographer you know or admire... you are a completely different person, with a completely different eye. Your style, your art will be yours and yours alone. You are an artist! You are amazing! Don't ever give up and don't ever compare yourself to someone else. Be uniquely you, not someone else.
I told a friend earlier when we were commenting on the post, you don't start out great, you start out hungry and as you feed that hunger you become great in you own way.
Not one of us professionals, (photographer or some other profession), can say that we have achieved the ultimate level of professionalism, we are done, reached the absolute top and there is no possible way to get any better... that's just not realistic. No matter how many paying customers you have, no matter how many years you have done this and no matter how many classes you have taken or conducted, we all have room to grow. There is always something new and different. As with most other professions, photography is constantly changing, with technology and society.
Don't let the term "professional" hold you back. It's just a word. I said it before and I will say it again: Let your work speak for itself. Just keep moving forward.
Keep on snapping,
Bobbie
A post on Facebook this morning by an amazing photographer and business woman got me thinking. Having so many 'newbie's' ask me for help, advice or encouragement, I thought I would share her post and then try my best to encourage all of you who are working toward your dream.
Here is the link to her post:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=342924395719581&set=a.210074142337941.55824.210070485671640&type=1&ref=nf
She quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Every artist was first an amateur"
So what is the difference between an amateur and a professional?
Define "Amateur": A person who engages in a pursuit without pay.
Define "Professional: 'A person engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation / Having or showing the skill appropriate to a professional person / A person competent or skilled in a particular activity'
I picked out some key words PURSUIT/ENGAGED/SHOWING/ACTIVITY
I have several people that have asked me when they can call themselves a professional photographer, whether or not there is a key point they need to be at or surpass before they can call themselves a pro... this is my opinion, and opinions do vary, but... I think by definition if you are regularly pursuing and engaged in photography, showing your work to friends, family and the community then you are engaged in the activity of professional photography. Skill levels come with time and practice.
Who am I to determine whether you are a pro or not? We all have different tastes and different ideas of what art is, so what one person finds enjoyment in as art another may find lacking. Oh, and just because you don't take portraits, doesn't mean your are not a professional photographer. There are so many different aspects of photography, you can't possible limit it to one and say that is the only category that is considered professional.
When you get to that point, YOU know! Don't wait for some great and wonderful event to tell you that you are a pro, sometimes you may miss it, or it may not happen at all, but it doesn't mean that you aren't a pro yet. As long as you are moving forward, continue to work toward your goal, grow, learn.... let your work speak for itself. You don't need anyone else's stamp of approval, trust me!
All of you are doing very well and all of you are artists in your own right! Remember, this post is meant to encourage all to keep going, keep learning, keep shooting! Don't give up just because you are not 'as good' as another photographer you know or admire... you are a completely different person, with a completely different eye. Your style, your art will be yours and yours alone. You are an artist! You are amazing! Don't ever give up and don't ever compare yourself to someone else. Be uniquely you, not someone else.
I told a friend earlier when we were commenting on the post, you don't start out great, you start out hungry and as you feed that hunger you become great in you own way.
Not one of us professionals, (photographer or some other profession), can say that we have achieved the ultimate level of professionalism, we are done, reached the absolute top and there is no possible way to get any better... that's just not realistic. No matter how many paying customers you have, no matter how many years you have done this and no matter how many classes you have taken or conducted, we all have room to grow. There is always something new and different. As with most other professions, photography is constantly changing, with technology and society.
Don't let the term "professional" hold you back. It's just a word. I said it before and I will say it again: Let your work speak for itself. Just keep moving forward.
Keep on snapping,
Bobbie
Thursday, September 1, 2011
100 fan facebook giveaway!!
Hey everyone. So I decided to do a quick giveaway to celebrate the 100 mark on my facebook page - www.facebook.com/snaphappyaz
Here are the details:
1. Post a photo to my wall and get people to vote for you. (It must be a photo YOU took! And you must have permission to post it if it includes recognizable figures)
2. Photo theme: Family
3. I reserve the right to remove any photo or post that I feel is obscene or offensive. You may not post any photos with obscenities or nudity.
4. These rules will be posted on my notes, and each entrant must agree to them to qualify.
5. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Grand Prize:
There will be one winner. The winner will get a $15 credit to my etsy store. www.etsy.com/shop/snappymama
The contest will run from September 1st to September 8th 11:59pm. The winner will be announced September 9th.
Here are the details:
1. Post a photo to my wall and get people to vote for you. (It must be a photo YOU took! And you must have permission to post it if it includes recognizable figures)
2. Photo theme: Family
3. I reserve the right to remove any photo or post that I feel is obscene or offensive. You may not post any photos with obscenities or nudity.
4. These rules will be posted on my notes, and each entrant must agree to them to qualify.
5. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
Grand Prize:
There will be one winner. The winner will get a $15 credit to my etsy store. www.etsy.com/shop/snappymama
The contest will run from September 1st to September 8th 11:59pm. The winner will be announced September 9th.
Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview - August 2011
Well it's past due, but here is my Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview:
Meet Sunny. She a young woman with a passion for health and wellness. She has great credentials and knows what she's talking about. Her business is relatively new, and booming! So, take note and enjoy her interview!!!
1) What kind of business are you in and for how long?
6) If you could give one bit of advice for anyone who is trying or thinking about starting their own business, what would it be?
Meet Sunny. She a young woman with a passion for health and wellness. She has great credentials and knows what she's talking about. Her business is relatively new, and booming! So, take note and enjoy her interview!!!
1) What kind of business are you in and for how long? I have an online store that I run from my home where I market healthy fast food for people who are tired of eating fast food and junk and who want to replace it with a daily dose of nutrition like my husband and I did. And I have an acupuncturist and a hair stylist who both sell my products in their offices. I've been doing this for about 3 years.
2) What was it that got you interested in that?
My family and I have been longtime customers of this healthy fast food for 18 years. I liked the idea of having my own business marketing them, but I wasn't sure how to go about actually selling them. My mom started taking classes on online marketing and she started up a website. I still remember when she got her first sale online, we were both so excited and I went to work on my own website right away.
3) What is your must have product that you offer?
The most popular product that I'm selling right now is Fortune Delight Tea which is a healthy drink that boosts energy and work focus and is a replacement for sodas and sugary drinks. My customers love that when they're drinking it, they're actually drinking plants, fruits, and antioxidants.
4) How has owning your own business been challenging to you and how has it been rewarding?
With my online business each day I get to talk to people from all over the U.S and it's so exciting. Sometimes it's hard to stop thinking about my online store. That being said though, now I have a system down that makes it simple and I love that I'm able to do something that really interests me and makes my life fun. And with the money that I make on my online store, I pay for all the vacations and trips that my husband and I take.
5) What are your other interests or hobbies besides work?
My husband and I love to hike, ride our bikes downtown, we spend alot of time working on our house together (we're slowly renovating and almost done!). I also love cooking and trying out new recipes and fun vacations to the beach.
Don't give up if it's slow-going at first or if you don't see alot of success right away. Just like any business, it takes learning how to do it and time to find customers. My first month I only had $30 in sales. But this month I had $1500 in sales which has been my best month so far. I'm glad I didn't give up that first month.
6. What is your website and how can our readers find you?
My website is www.HealthyFastFoodStore.com.
You can also find me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/SunnyLMT
and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HealthyFastFoodStore.
You can find a link to her page on the left of this blog! I hope you enjoyed meeting my friend, Sunny. Please be sure to stop by her website and get some goodies for you and your family! If you happen to stop by her facebook or twitter, let her know you read her interview here!
Have a great day my friends, and please, keep it snappy and happy!
You can find a link to her page on the left of this blog! I hope you enjoyed meeting my friend, Sunny. Please be sure to stop by her website and get some goodies for you and your family! If you happen to stop by her facebook or twitter, let her know you read her interview here!
Have a great day my friends, and please, keep it snappy and happy!
Monday, July 18, 2011
New feature post.... look for it soon!
Just an FYI, I am working on a new feature post, "What NOT to do in everyday photography". This post will be a regular series in my blog. I will address simple mistakes everyone has made when taking a picture. I will show you what NOT to do, and then what you can do to avoid doing it again! Most tips are very simple and super easy to remember!
For example, have you ever taken a photograph of someone indoors, and you realized after the fact that it was completely washed out by the flash? Or how about when you take a quick snapshot of a giggling friend and it turns out blurry. Or perhaps you have taken a picture while at the lake or the beach and it was prettier in your mind than in your camera!!
I will take one subject at a time. Take a sample photo of what NOT to do and what it should look like done correctly. I will be using my Olympus digital camera to take the photos, so you will see that you don't need a fancy DSLR to take great looking pictures!
What I would like from you, my faithful readers, is either a suggestion on a specific subject you would like to learn to help you improve your photographic abilities, and/or photo submissions, you may submit photos that you personally have taken that didn't turn out the way you had hoped, and I will address the problem. You can email the submission or request to me @ bobbie@bobbielyons.com Be sure to include your name, describe what you wanted to accomplish in the photo. (You may only submit photos that you have taken personally, no vulgar or nude photography, I will need your consent to post them in my blog. I reserve the right to refuse any submission and delete submissions at any time without notice)
Subjects can vary from camera settings to editing tips and tricks! So keep a look out for the new series! Be sure to share the info with your friends too! Everyone has the ability to improve their photographic skills and I am determined to prove that you don't have to be a pro to be a good photographer! You will learn how easy it is to take great looking photos with your family camera!
Until next time my Snap Happy Friends!
For example, have you ever taken a photograph of someone indoors, and you realized after the fact that it was completely washed out by the flash? Or how about when you take a quick snapshot of a giggling friend and it turns out blurry. Or perhaps you have taken a picture while at the lake or the beach and it was prettier in your mind than in your camera!!
I will take one subject at a time. Take a sample photo of what NOT to do and what it should look like done correctly. I will be using my Olympus digital camera to take the photos, so you will see that you don't need a fancy DSLR to take great looking pictures!
What I would like from you, my faithful readers, is either a suggestion on a specific subject you would like to learn to help you improve your photographic abilities, and/or photo submissions, you may submit photos that you personally have taken that didn't turn out the way you had hoped, and I will address the problem. You can email the submission or request to me @ bobbie@bobbielyons.com Be sure to include your name, describe what you wanted to accomplish in the photo. (You may only submit photos that you have taken personally, no vulgar or nude photography, I will need your consent to post them in my blog. I reserve the right to refuse any submission and delete submissions at any time without notice)
Subjects can vary from camera settings to editing tips and tricks! So keep a look out for the new series! Be sure to share the info with your friends too! Everyone has the ability to improve their photographic skills and I am determined to prove that you don't have to be a pro to be a good photographer! You will learn how easy it is to take great looking photos with your family camera!
Until next time my Snap Happy Friends!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
NEW: Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview
This is the very first Lady of the Month Spotlight Interview! Each month I will highlight a very special business Lady. You will be able to learn about her, her business and get some creative advice, tips and fun facts!
So, for my very first Spotlight Interview we are shining the light on Nataly Kimball of Beautifully Elegant!
What got you interested in making jewelry?
I took a jewelry and metalsmithing class my first year in college. I immediately fell in love! I wasn't that great at first, but knew that if I kept at it I would eventually get better. This class got me hooked on jewelry making!
How long have you been making your jewelry?
I have been making jewelry for about 5 years now. It was a hobby for a while- I just made jewelry for myself and family.
What is your favorite piece you've made?
My favorite piece would be the summer fun necklace. It is my favorite piece because it was the first piece I made for my etsy shop. I love the colors and textures of this necklace. I would defiently wear this necklace all the time if I could.
What other creative things do you with your time?
I also dabble into a lot of other things like owl collecting, calligraphy photography, and graphic design. I am currently working on making my own greeting cards to sell.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I know it sounds cliche, but my inspiration comes from all around me. I look at what people are wearing and certain ideas just pop into my head. I always carry a pen and paper just in case I get a great idea while I am out and about. I also follow a lot of great blogs that inspire me as well.
If a reader wanted to buy your products, how can they find you and your store?
www.beautifullyelegant.etsy.com
www.beautifullyelegant-beautifullyelegant.blogspot.com
@belegant05http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautifully-Elegant/196477937055815
Do you have any advice for young girls who are thinking of starting their own business?
My advice would be to never give up on your dream. If you always have wanted to own your own business- go after it with all your heart. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
So, now that you have met Nataly, be sure to check out her Etsy store! She is an amazing woman with a passion for jewelry and an eye for fashion! I hope you enjoyed this Spotlight Interview with Nataly!
What got you interested in making jewelry?
I took a jewelry and metalsmithing class my first year in college. I immediately fell in love! I wasn't that great at first, but knew that if I kept at it I would eventually get better. This class got me hooked on jewelry making!
I have been making jewelry for about 5 years now. It was a hobby for a while- I just made jewelry for myself and family.
What is your favorite piece you've made?
My favorite piece would be the summer fun necklace. It is my favorite piece because it was the first piece I made for my etsy shop. I love the colors and textures of this necklace. I would defiently wear this necklace all the time if I could.
What other creative things do you with your time?
I also dabble into a lot of other things like owl collecting, calligraphy photography, and graphic design. I am currently working on making my own greeting cards to sell.
I know it sounds cliche, but my inspiration comes from all around me. I look at what people are wearing and certain ideas just pop into my head. I always carry a pen and paper just in case I get a great idea while I am out and about. I also follow a lot of great blogs that inspire me as well.
www.beautifullyelegant.etsy.com
www.beautifullyelegant-beautifullyelegant.blogspot.com
@belegant05http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautifully-Elegant/196477937055815
Do you have any advice for young girls who are thinking of starting their own business?
My advice would be to never give up on your dream. If you always have wanted to own your own business- go after it with all your heart. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
So, now that you have met Nataly, be sure to check out her Etsy store! She is an amazing woman with a passion for jewelry and an eye for fashion! I hope you enjoyed this Spotlight Interview with Nataly!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What a photograph captures...
Just a brief observation:
What does a photograph capture? Well, a good photograph doesn't just capture an image. It captures a moment, a feeling, a memory. So, when you look back at that photograph you don't just see a picture. You feel, remember, taste, smell or otherwise relive the moment!
So instead of asking what you see in a photo, ask what you feel! Then you will know, it's a good photograph!
Keep it Snap Happy!
What does a photograph capture? Well, a good photograph doesn't just capture an image. It captures a moment, a feeling, a memory. So, when you look back at that photograph you don't just see a picture. You feel, remember, taste, smell or otherwise relive the moment!
So instead of asking what you see in a photo, ask what you feel! Then you will know, it's a good photograph!
Keep it Snap Happy!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Paul Cezanne - A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.
Artists are often times asked where they find inspiration. How do they come up with their work? What drives them in that particular direction?
Well, as a digital artist myself, I can tell you, it isn't so easy to explain. It's not always the same. In fact, it rarely is. It can be a sound, a smell, a taste or a memory that rushes into my heart and I feel the urge to express it, but, not in words, in pictures.
You see, inspiration means something different to each one of us. Let me give you a list of words that relate to Inspiration:
Motivate -Drive
Stimulate -Animate
Spur -Enliven
Incentive -Breathe
Cause -Emotion
Sympathy -Warmth
Ardor -Zeal
Passion -Thrill
Love -Affection
All those words can describe how, at one time or another, I was inspired to take a photograph. For example, I was given a flower by my husband. It was a stargazer lily. It wasn't for any special occasion, it was just a gift. But, that flower meant something to me. He may not have realized what he did, but, I felt it right away! It was the same type of flower as the first bouquet he bought me. When he gave me the first one I thought I had never seen a flower so beautiful! When I received the second one, it was even more beautiful! I was instantly taken back to a place where love was new, the air was sweet and life was light!
I took photographs of that second lily. Quite a few actually. But when I see those photographs I am reminded of so many different things. The lily itself is long gone, like so many things, it eventually dried up and was thrown out. But, it's effects on me are just as strong and vibrant as when I look at the photographs I took so many years ago of that Thrilling, Passionate, Inspirational flower.
If you are an artist that is struggling to find inspiration, my advice to you would be, don't look so hard. Inspiration is not an elusive creature found only in sporadic bouts of whimsy! Rather, take a deep breath, let things go, release your inhibitions. You will find inspiration in places that you wouldn't have dared looked! That's why 'looking' for inspiration is not recommended. Let it come to you.
It can be at the grocery store when you spot an almost unbelievable bright lemon that causes an overwhelming emotion of youth and vigor to swell up inside of you and thus inspires you to shoot photos a baby girl in a lemon colored dress holding a giant lollipop, or waiting at a red light when you see a compassionate stranger help an elderly man cross the street and you are inspired to photograph the legacy of an entire family and the history of an whole generation as told in one shot of an old mans wrinkled hands, or even when you lay down at night and close your eyes and get a faint whiff of the lilac bush outside your window and it reminds you of how beautiful your grandmother was to you as a child and how sweet she made everything smell and taste so you are driven to photograph a vintage pair of women's shoes by a crystal clear stream of water.
To some those photographs may sound odd, but to me, they have meaning, power and emotions. That's what inspiration is. It's not something you can learn, buy, borrow, steal or otherwise create. It's spontaneous. It's genuine. It's organic. It's free. It's real.
So, what inspires me? What motivates me in a certain direction? One word - LIFE.
May your life inspire you, no matter what your occupation. May you find the breath, love, zeal and incentive to get better at whatever it is you do, photographer or not!
As always, be SNAP HAPPY!
Well, as a digital artist myself, I can tell you, it isn't so easy to explain. It's not always the same. In fact, it rarely is. It can be a sound, a smell, a taste or a memory that rushes into my heart and I feel the urge to express it, but, not in words, in pictures.
You see, inspiration means something different to each one of us. Let me give you a list of words that relate to Inspiration:
Motivate -Drive
Stimulate -Animate
Spur -Enliven
Incentive -Breathe
Cause -Emotion
Sympathy -Warmth
Ardor -Zeal
Passion -Thrill
Love -Affection
All those words can describe how, at one time or another, I was inspired to take a photograph. For example, I was given a flower by my husband. It was a stargazer lily. It wasn't for any special occasion, it was just a gift. But, that flower meant something to me. He may not have realized what he did, but, I felt it right away! It was the same type of flower as the first bouquet he bought me. When he gave me the first one I thought I had never seen a flower so beautiful! When I received the second one, it was even more beautiful! I was instantly taken back to a place where love was new, the air was sweet and life was light!
I took photographs of that second lily. Quite a few actually. But when I see those photographs I am reminded of so many different things. The lily itself is long gone, like so many things, it eventually dried up and was thrown out. But, it's effects on me are just as strong and vibrant as when I look at the photographs I took so many years ago of that Thrilling, Passionate, Inspirational flower.
If you are an artist that is struggling to find inspiration, my advice to you would be, don't look so hard. Inspiration is not an elusive creature found only in sporadic bouts of whimsy! Rather, take a deep breath, let things go, release your inhibitions. You will find inspiration in places that you wouldn't have dared looked! That's why 'looking' for inspiration is not recommended. Let it come to you.
It can be at the grocery store when you spot an almost unbelievable bright lemon that causes an overwhelming emotion of youth and vigor to swell up inside of you and thus inspires you to shoot photos a baby girl in a lemon colored dress holding a giant lollipop, or waiting at a red light when you see a compassionate stranger help an elderly man cross the street and you are inspired to photograph the legacy of an entire family and the history of an whole generation as told in one shot of an old mans wrinkled hands, or even when you lay down at night and close your eyes and get a faint whiff of the lilac bush outside your window and it reminds you of how beautiful your grandmother was to you as a child and how sweet she made everything smell and taste so you are driven to photograph a vintage pair of women's shoes by a crystal clear stream of water.
To some those photographs may sound odd, but to me, they have meaning, power and emotions. That's what inspiration is. It's not something you can learn, buy, borrow, steal or otherwise create. It's spontaneous. It's genuine. It's organic. It's free. It's real.
So, what inspires me? What motivates me in a certain direction? One word - LIFE.
May your life inspire you, no matter what your occupation. May you find the breath, love, zeal and incentive to get better at whatever it is you do, photographer or not!
As always, be SNAP HAPPY!
Friday, January 30, 2009
New additions - New adventures
Well, we found out this week that we are expecting! So, we are both very excited and can't wait! As far as the business goes, it will be an added subject to my portfolio, as a dear sweet friend put it! This just gives more reasons to take MORE pictures!!
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