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

November photo special!

For the month of November I am running a sale on Maternity shoots! Normally $125 I cut the price down to $75!!! Wow!!

That includes the standard print package! You get one 8X10 and two 5X7's and one sheet of wallets!

The session can even include your immediate family! Indoor or outdoor, your choice, or do both!

Call me today to reserve your session date now and get in on the smokin' deal of the month!!!

(928)-978-4619

How to uniquely display your family photos

We all have family photos hanging in our home. We cherish them! They bring us joy and comfort every time we look at them. But the trend now is to showcase your family art in new and exciting ways. Now, you don't just take the print and stick it in a pretty frame and find a great place to hang it.... no, it is much more than that now. We all have a personal gallery that is just waiting to be showcased to friends and family! Just imagine, walking into a home and the very first thing you see is this great center piece on the wall, it just screams "Look over here! This is my family and this is how much we love each other!"

So, just how do you go about this? How can you get that gallery effect in your own home?

Well, first of all we need to be sure we are selective with our photos! Yes, we all love every goofy and fun picture we have of our spouse or kids. I admit, that even I have some silly photos in frames too! But, as for a gallery level showcase, picking the right photo is key! Remember, though, this display should speak to YOU, most of all! Don't pick pictures that you think others will enjoy and leave out your true favorites! This is your home, your wall, and your memories... be sure to use the ones you love the most! Having said that, if you are picking more than one photo to showcase, be sure to keep a theme somewhat. For example, if you have kids in your family, take a family photo, center it on the wall and surround it with pictures of each member individually. That's just one idea! There are so many more! Just be creative, but be you!

Second, you need to frame it correctly! Frames are meant to enhance your photos, not distract the eye! The frame is not the subject, it's the accessory! Also, if you are showcasing more than one photo, keep the frames in the same category.... they don't have to be the same color or the same size or shape, but they should compliment each other and look cohesive. If you like the new frame-less canvas print look, which I personally love, then have fun with that too! Go with unusual shapes and sizes!

Another quick tip for a fresh approach to your family wall art.... go color blind! Black and white photos can have an entirely different effect on your subjects! Color is fun and bold, yet, in my opinion black and white photos are more dramatic and interesting! It's personal choice, of course!

Here are a few links to give you some ideas:

http://thebumbleinthebee.blogspot.com/2011/05/tutorial-repurposed-frames.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55397648@N00/4931320253/

http://puremotif.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/hollyryan_metalprints.jpg


Be sure to share this post with your friends!!

Just a fun little photo tip for the weekend....

Hey everyone, I thought I'd post a fun little photo tip for the weekend. If you are the subject of a photo, don't stand or sit square with the camera... tilt your hips and shoulders a little sideways. This is a sweet little trick us photographers like to use when doing portraits! Not only does is "slim" you, but it adds dimension to the photograph! Here's a sample of what I mean.....

So, instead of standing with her shoulders square to the camera, this beautiful model, Mariah, pushed her right shoulder back and therefore added a whole new dimension to the photo! Isn't she fabulous?!

Just keep that in mind next time you have your photo taken!

Have a great weekend everyone and keep it snappy my friends!

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.

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?

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.

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?

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!

An itch that desprately needs to be scratched....

I have had the privilege of shooting some amazing families and some really unique teenagers. I've also been privileged to be a part of some really special events, weddings, graduations parties, engagements, anniversary parties, etc. But, I have been itching to step up my photography lately. I am ready to expand my creativity. It's an itch, I am dying to scratch!

I want to do some more elaborate infant and child sessions. Larger props, whimsical sets, etc. I would love to be able to do some exciting new engagement sessions and family sessions with themes.

I have some really crazy ideas, and I just need to find the right families willing to play along with me in my weird and playful imaginative photographic world!

So, in order to get the ball rolling, I figured Fall would be the ideal time to start on my new endeavours and it would be appropriate then to offer a special discount to all my clients, new or returning, who would like to participate in more eccentric photo shoots.

If you are in the Rim Country area of Arizona, and are interested in doing a shoot with me I am going to offer a FREE session to the first 5 to book a "Wild and Whimsical Photo Shoot". You will then have the option to buy a disc or prints. But, the session itself will be FREE!!! It will last anywhere from 1/2 hour to one hour, on location, (Payson, Pine, Strawberry or close by) and will be loads of fun and guaranteed to be memorable!!!

Call me today to reserve your spot! 928-978-4619

Keep it snappy my friends!!!

Getting back on track!

Well, my vacation time is officially over with and now I am getting things back on track! I have a wedding to shoot tomorrow, photo's to finish editing, and orders to fill for headband and ties!!! Next week will be so busy! I love it though, it makes the week go by faster. I am so excited to be involved in some great facebook giveaways, so if you aren't already a fan of my page, be sure to stop by now and you will get first hand info on the great giveaways coming up!!! My facebook page is Snap Happy Photography

Don't forget to check out the awesome new Spa package I am involved with over at Pamper Me Spa Parties!


Keep it Snappy!!

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!

Ever had one of those days?

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like your kind of floating through the day? You know, like things are getting done, but your not completely sure how or who got them done, you just know it's done. You know you made phone calls, you know you sent out mail, you even know you ran all of your errands for the day, but it feels like someone else was in your shoes doing all the work! This probably doesn't even make sense to some of you, but I had one of those days today. In fact this week, so far, has been awkward at best! I know I've taken care of things, but I feel like it should be Monday and I should just be getting things going. Maybe I am sleep deprived, maybe I am lacking a nutrient... whatever it is, I am sure this is one of the weirdest weeks ever! I think, (although I hate to declare it), I am almost caught up!!!! WHOA! I'm not even sure I know what that feels like anymore, but I am taking a leap here, and proclaiming, that I have just about got all the 'need to do' stuff done! You all know what that means don't you??? PLAY TIME! Wahhooooo! Now I can focus on my new packages and new shoot ideas and hopefully get all my ducks in a row to be able to reveal things to you very soon! It's very exciting! You've already seen my new logo and new ad style and I really hope you all like it! I love the colors and the style. 

So stay tuned and stay snappy!!

Accidental refreshment fires up the artist inside of me...

Well, I have been a busy bee, finishing up a few projects this week. I have some prints to order, discs to mail, and still more to edit and upload! My oh my!

I thought I'd share a juicy little snack from my latest outing with my son....

I just had to take a break from all the projects and run outside with him for a while.... it was well worth it!

He had a blast and I felt his energy and absorbed his giggles... I needed that recharge!

It amazes me at how, as an adult, I can get so caught up in my daily to-do list and all my projects, and forget how fast this time is flying by. I cherish every moment with my son and I must remember to take these outings every day with him, to remember where I am, who I am. He can, without any words, correct my course, lighten my mood, warm my heart and inspire my inner artist in ways that no one else can! I have found that my approach to work has shifted so much since he came along. He's made me a better person and a better artist. I love him for that and for everything he is!

Just to see him smile makes my day!

I watch him at play, he finds enjoyment in such little, insignificant things. He freely forgives, immediately almost! He lets his imagination take over. He sees no limits, no restrictions. He feels completely, loves intensely, and trusts wholeheartedly. He finds treasure every single day, views all things as new and exciting, and the explorer in him knows no boundaries!

If I could be more like him, in even in the smallest degree, I think I should increase my happiness a hundred fold!

If ever you find yourself slipping away from your goals, missing yourself, or in need of inspiration, go outside and play with your children. Really play. Don't let your adult-hood get in they way, let yourself, go! Put on that cape, fly around the yard like superman! Make those silly car noises as you drive them around in the grass. Put the camera down, the papers away, the phone silenced, the tv off. Loose yourself in their childhood, it will do you a world of good.... it did me!

Until next time, stay Snap Happy!

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!

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!

The burning question every photographer must face....

I can't tell you how many times I have been asked this question, by friends and family, clients and students! It may seem like a simple question, but, in reality, it's a three part question.

So, here is the question: What makes a good photographer?

Now, in order to answer that correctly, I believe it needs to be broken down into more specific areas:

1. What is the difference between a professional photographer and just a really good amateur?

2. What makes a good photograph good?

3. What are the most important factors when considering a person who labels themselves a 'professional' photographer?

Now, keep in mind, I'm no writer. But, I thought I would give my opinion on this subject, since it seems to be a hot topic lately. So here it goes...

1. The difference between a professional photographer and just a really good amateur photographer is a number of things really. Education, ability, vision, marketing, branding, to name a few. Let me explain. Let's take education as an example. A photographer is someone who has an 'eye' for the field. You must be able to see a moment, a scene, an emotion, in ways others may not be able too. You must be able to find a way to capture it in a single second and have it convey all that you saw and more. It doesn't happen by chance. It's like any other art form, it takes skill, practice and education. Education on what works, what doesn't, how to achieve it and what it means. Now, I am not talking about a class you take, or a diploma you receive that simply says you have completed the necessary course to be officially called a photographer. A professional photographers education goes beyond camera settings, mechanics, lighting and the business aspect of it all. I believe that the difference between a pro and an amateur is real life education, yes, a pro will have the training in the field that an amateur will not, but will also have the educated eye, what I call an artist's eye. Anyone can read a book and take a course, but a professional goes beyond that.

2. What makes a good photograph good? Well, now that question is not so simple to answer. It depends really on the photograph and what the goal was of the person who took it. Let me explain. A photograph of a family playing on the beach can be considered a 'good' photograph with proper focus, lighting and subject. However, a photograph of a family playing on the beach can also be just another snapshot in the family album, easily looked over, easily forgotten. Whether you are a pro or not, you can all appreciate this fact. A good photograph, printed art, speaks to the viewer, touches their heart, motivates, inspires. It has certain class to it. One that is not just in focus. It has a character all it's own. A good photograph explains all you need to know about the subject, without words.

3. As far as a portrait photographer goes, the most important factors to consider are, obviously, proof of ability, passion, and identity. Proof of ability would be the evidence of prior work, their portfolio. You would want to be able to see the portfolio for yourself, be able to judge the quality and artistic ability of the photographer through samples of their work. Passion would be an obvious quality that you would recognize immediately when you meet with them. You would see in in their face, hear it in their voice and feel it in their actions. Identity would be the individuals professional identity in the community. Every photographer has a unique identity. It is seen in their work and in their business. If it's clear to you as a consumer what their identity is, you will be able to identify whether they fit your needs or not. Don't forget, we all start out somewhere, so, if the photographer you are considering doesn't have the 'talent' you are looking for, it just means they have an identity that is different from what you need. Some need a spectacular studio photographer, while others need a fast paced action photographer, and still others need a delicate, intimate child photographer. Know what you need before you start looking.

As for those who are considering photography as a career, take it from me, it's a never ending, ongoing field. You will never reach your full potential, never learn all there is to learn about it, because it is an ever changing field. The tools of the trade are always changing, always evolving. Your ability as a professional photographer is only limited by your willingness to change with the times and dedication to learn new techniques and equipment. Passion is the driving force behind any professional. Without passion, it's just a hobby.  Set goals, and work towards them. Know yourself. Know your identity as an artist. What is it that you want to convey? Remember, your photographs are a reflection of you! Know your limits, and then learn how to overcome them! Persevere. Not everyone will share your vision, not everyone will see what you see.

Although this may seem to some as nonsense, it is, but, my opinion on the matter. I have been a professional photographer now for years and I have seen these particular aspects of the business at work. I have learned you can't please everyone, sometimes not even yourself. But, I have also learned that it is my job as a professional portrait photographer to help my clients identify what they want and how they want it to be seen by the world BEFORE the shoot. An amateur will just take the photos and hope to see the desired results, a pro will demand the desired results and take the time to make it happen!

Having said all of that, here is, in my opinion, a GOOD photograph that I hope you all enjoy. It brings a smile to my face everytime I look at it. I see a childhood, not just a child.

Until next time my friends, stay SNAP HAPPY!