MELD - Photography as a creative blender
I’m guilty! I have a confession to make. No practicing what I preach when it comes to photography. Instead I’ve been giving lots of great advice and following none of it.
I have lost count of how many photography contests I intended to enter over the years, only to let the submission deadline come and go. When I subscribed earlier this year to photoED magazine, it was with the intention of stepping into my fear and out of my comfort zone.
The first submission came and went like so many others before. No worries - I hadn’t told anyone what I was intending… February announced the theme. MELD - Photography as a creative blender. This was my time.
Your work was selected in our TOP 50! … “ WONDERFUL compositions here. Fresh ideas we found hard to say no to."
Find the courage to share your artform
Having immersed myself in a new (to me) genre of impressionist and painterly photography, I immediately thought of a collection of photos in my portfolio. I don’t recall how many days I fretted, fussed and almost deleted before hitting submit. There were no less than 2 reminders ‘your submission is incomplete’ before I finally hit the glaring red SUBMIT button.
My advice to client’s has never included submitting to a photography panel/contest. It’s always rested on developing your own creative nature. Know what you like, what makes you feel something when you view what comes out through the lens of your camera.
So here’s the thing - I’m not reversing my advice And I’m not suggesting you need to submit your photography to a panel review. I still stand by the belief of first being your own critic and growing into the photographer you wish to be. As a new photographer it’s imperative you not only develop your creative nature, but your courage and confidence. I was simply curious and wondered what if? What will it feel like to put myself out there in a bigger way?
Step out of your comfort zone
My life would not have imploded if I’d received no response from this submission - quite frankly it’s what I expected. The lesson, invaluable in its simplicity - I stepped into my fear, out of my comfort zone.
Receiving a top 50 finish out of over 225 international entries is my not so subtle message from the Universe. I am doing exactly what I am meant to do in this act in my life. If it’s validation I was seeking, I have it. More importantly - I can’t wait to keep sharing photography with others through my photography workshops and retreats.
Here is my submission to MELD - Photography as a creative blender
Project Title: Never Miss the Forest For the Trees
Description: I am in awe of nature, of the forest and the trees. Each photo represents the feeling, the beauty and the hidden surprise that lies through the lens of my camera. All are created in camera beginning with a 'feeling', a knowing - there is more than meets the eye.
Created with multiple exposure, camera movement of differing degrees, layered at times with stillness, each photo brings to life all that is possible if we just slow, stop and stay a little while.
Want to learn and explore how to create impressionist or painterly photos with your camera? In May I’m offering my first photography retreat - Creative Expressions Photography Retreat. If you’re curious and want to learn more, drop me a note here.
I’d love to hear how photography fits in your life. Just send me a note (and a photo or two). I love reading your emails - and yes - I read them all.
If this got you thinking or you just want to see more photos, you might also like…
Perspective Matters - In Life and Photography
A Matter of Perspective