Shutter Sisters

The Beauty of Different

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We all have it. Something about us that is different. But what we choose to do with that different? That all depends. On…

What kind of different it is.

How different it makes us.

How we feel about our different.

What we think others feel about our different.

The list goes on and on. But, the question remains; what do we do with our different?

Enter The Beauty of Different; the brand new book by Karen Walrond (aka Chookooloonks). The title says it all, doesn’t it? It boldly and quite simply states it like it is. Our different is beautiful. Did you hear that? YOUR differnet is beautiful. 

And in honor of that truth-that powerful, transformative truth-we have partnered up with Karen on her quest to seek out and celebrate the beauty in the different for this month’s One Word Project.

We ask you this month to share with us beauty. Your beauty. The beauty of others. The beauty of the world around you. It’s up to you. And our guess is, your vision (because it’s yours alone and it is unique) is different. That’s where the beauty will come in.

Awesome, isn’t it?

So, let’s kick off the month with beauty, in all it’s different incarnations, shall we? 

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We are thrilled to be giving away a signed copy of Karen Walrond’s book The Beauty of Different today. Leave your comment here between now and Friday 12/3 at midnight EST for a chance to win.

seeing the signs

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It’s a funny thing when you’re doing all in your power to be present while at the same time you’re being asked to look ahead and focus on what’s just around the bend. It’s not always easy integrating the now with the later.

I’m fully aware that we’ve still got some time yet until the holiday season truly begins and yet my sights have been set on this soon-coming festive time of year for a while now. Between sharing images and photo tips for up and coming winter publications and writing the daily prompts for my photo e-class Picture the Holidays, I’ve been in my own little winter wonderland over here. And believe me, it has taken quite a bit of imagination on my part considering I live in sunny Southern California.

What I’ve come to find out is that there is great freedom in working ahead. Many of you might already know and embrace this truth, but, it’s pretty new to me. And although I am still literally in catch up mode in many areas still, I’m ruminating on a lifestyle that keeps me a little more ahead, rather than a little more behind. Let’s just say, it’s a work in progress.

Here’s what’s awesome; even when you’re planning the menu for Thanksgiving dinner, shooting your picture for your holiday card, or shopping for (or making) gifts waaaaay in advance, you can be fully present, in the moment and loving it. Without the overwhelming feeling of being rushed you can actually enjoy the moment even more. I’m finding the whole notion to be quite an eye opener and even though my One Little Wordfor last year was “deliberate” (which to me meant to make every moment count and hopefully be more productive by default), I feel like it’s taken most of 2010 to really work it’s magic on me.

So, why this holiday photo today? Because I want to encourage you to commit to being present throughout the holiday season this year. And yes, that might mean not being resentful when the holiday decorations are up at the mall. It might actually mean embracing the extra time you’re being offered to get into the spirit of things! It’s not such a bad thing if you look at it like that. You don’t have to feel rushed;  just take your own sweet time and enjoy it, it on your terms. Imagine, by the time the holidays arrive, you may be totally ready and in a fantastic frame of mind to celebrate. Imagine!

If you’re willing to give it a go with me and focus on the beauty, love and joy that the holidays are supposed to be about, I encourage you to join me for Picture the Holidays. I promise it will be just what your creative spirit needs to shine this season. Registration is open now and class begins Dec 1st and ends on Dec 31st. You’re going to love it!

Just leave a comment here between now and Thursday 11/11 at midnight EST for your chance to win one of three class registrations I am giving away for Picture the Holidays. I’d love to hear your thoughts and see some festive photography too. My guess is you’ve got all kinds of sparkly shots to share!

Point of Focus

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There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. – Albert Einstein

Perhaps no one knows better than photographers that it’s all a matter of perspective. So, this month we ask you to share with us what it is exactly that you choose to focus on. How do you look at your life? Do you focus on family? Friends? The big picture? The little things? We’d bet that with every click of the shutter you choose to focus on the miracles, whatever they are for you.

I guess it’s obvious now that our One Word for November’s One Word Project is focus.

With the help of Focal Press (our fantastic publisher to whom we are so grateful) we will be spending the month gathering images that focus on what t is most important to us as Shutter Sisters. And just looking through our Flickr pools, that focus (or lack of it which is equally as beautiful) is on some pretty amazing stuff.

So, as we begin this month (albeit we’re a few days into it already) let’s see where you choose to focus.

A few of us are focusing on a trip to NY where we will be gathering for a Snap Happy Hour in celebration of our sisterhood and the launch of our book Expressive Photography. Have you heard? Can you join us? You’re invited you know. Pop over to our facebook event page and let us know if you can make it. A special thanks to Focal Press and Renaissance Times Square for helping us make it happen. YAY!

split personality

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Sometimes there’s just no way to make a decision between two opposites. Black or white? Hot or cold? Sweet or Sour? Silver or gold?

Instead of choosing, why not just split the difference?

Today, show us both sides of the story. Whether it’s two things in one frame or a diptych of differences, share something that offers a flip side.

that kind of moment

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As I left the wedding that afternoon, I opted to wander to my car, rather than walk. It was quite a trek across the grounds of the ranch where the wedding feast had taken place but it was stunning and well worth the wander. Wide open spaces as far as the eye could see replaced what had been just an hour before; a hillside filled with family and friends honoring a marriage. This was a different kind of day at the ranch where the cows were usually the sole inhabitants.

Throughout the wedding day, I captured images of love and friendship and celebration. There were the signs of the festivities—food, drink, décor—and symbols of a union—the dress, the tux, the ring—all amidst the beauty that only Mother Nature could graciously provide. And she most certainly did on this unseasonably warm, sunny Northern Calfornia day.

As the sun sank behind the hills and the day was slowly turning to evening, guests made their way out, down the winding road back to the small town of cottages and inns. I spent a few last moments with the bride and groom, capturing the day’s last light.  A perfect way to wrap up the story of their wedding day.

With less than an hour left before the dusk turned to dark, I took my time to getting back. The light was soft and sweet. The breeze kicked up with the cooling air. The sounds of the sweeping landscape became a symphony of sublty. Birds chirping, heading home for the night. Cows from the pasture calling out for dinner. A chorus of Turkey’s raised their voices as I shuffled down the dirt path. And with all that, I could still hear the tall grasses and pine trees carrying the evening wind.

It took me about 30 minutes to find my car. Not because I was lost but because I chose to make those last few moments of the day last. Even despite a few unexpected events throughout my travels that weekend, it was the perfect end to a delightful trip.

As I began to pack up my equipment, I took one last look at the vast, pictureesque countryside of Bolinas. The ranch dog had the same idea. It was that kind of moment.

I have a feeling you know what I mean and that you’ve experienced that kind of moment. And I’ll bet you had your camera there to document it. Do share with us today a moment—big or small—you know you’ll never forget.

vulnerabilty

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Whether I introduce Brené Brown as a cherished and trusted friend (of which she most certainly is) or as an incredibly insightful and authentic author, researcher, and public speaker (all of which are equally true) I would say the exact same thing; that her work and message is really really important.
It seems I’m not the only one who thinks so. If you are already acquainted with Brené then I am not telling you anything you don’t already know. If you have yet discover what she is sharing, then today is your lucky day. Not only is Brené’s message available in her books and DVD but she can also be found on YouTube of all cool things. I invite you to listen in to one of her TED talks. Yes, I said TED talks. I told you I’m not the only one who thinks she’s amazing! She spoke in both Houston and Kansas City on vulnerability and WOW!
Just listen to what Brené says about vulnerability:

“In our culture, vulnerability has become synonymous with weakness and imperfect now means inadequate. We associate vulnerability and imperfection with emotions like fear, shame, and scarcity; emotions that we don’t want to discuss, even when they profoundly affect every aspect of our lives.

To reduce our feelings of vulnerability, we wake up every morning, put on our game face, and rarely take it off – even at home. We use invulnerability as a shield to protect us from uncomfortable emotions and struggles with anxiety and self-doubt. But invulnerability has a price.

Vulnerability is indeed at the core of difficult emotions, but it is also the birthplace of  authenticity, courage, joy, love, belonging, accountability, innovation, inspiration, creativity, and spirituality. When we avoid or shut down vulnerability, we lose access to the experiences that give purpose and meaning to our lives.

  If we want to change the way we live, love, parent, teach, lead organizations, and build communities, we have to start with a conversation about vulnerability and imperfection – this is where our story begins.”

– Brené Brown

With our celebration of imperfection this month, we are courageously telling our authentic stories. I’m so proud of us.

Today, lets share our vulnerable sides. We would love to see your images of tenderness, imperfection, and the poetry of vulnerability.

We are delighted to be giving away 2 two book/dvd sets (including the new book The Gifts of Imperfection, another gem, I thought It Was Just Me, and the awesome Hustle for Worthiness DVD) all from the amazing Brené Brown. All you have to do is leave a comment here between now and Saturday midnight EST to be included in the random drawing.

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Congrats to Jet and GwynnieB ; winners of this fab giveaway from Brene Brown!!

the great pumpkin

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Rolling hills of pumpkins, as far as the eye could see. Crowds of people, under threatening skies navigating their way through the bright orange sun-like spheres. Wagons, children, cameras, all amidst a buzz of conversation declaring and celebrating each and every unique characteristic that could ever possibly be contributed to a pumpkin:

Oh, look at how round this one is. This one is so tall. I like this small one. Oh, this stem is curling. Look at how yellow this one is. I like this one.

Each pumpkin a different size, shape, texture, etc, etc and each being valued (and chosen) for what it was. No apologies. Each unique. Each different. Each imperfect. What an affirmation.

My guess is that this time of year has found you at a pumpkin patch, or at least gathering up some of these gorgeous fruits (or are they vegetables?) of the harvest. So, let’s see how you celebrate perfect imperfection via the Great Pumpkin.

The thing about balance

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These days I’m finding there is a few ways to look at balance.

Balancing on a tightrope is much easier when you take it slow and steady. It’s safer that way and you avoid the dangers of any false moves. Although it’s been said that there is always that safety net (just in case) it’s not instinctual to welcome the fall.

Balancing on solid ground can be just as easy humming along at a faster pace, allowing the speed to take the wobbles out. Over the summer as my daughter was mastering bike riding, the more cautious she was, the harder it was for her to keep her balance. Her instinct of course, was not to speed it up but when she did she had the opportunity to feel her balance.

Perhaps each of us has our own methods for maintaining the balancing act. Maybe it’s not a one size fits all kind of proposition. In my case, I’m always falling off the bike, so to speak, and I just keep getting back up. It’s all a part of embracing my imperfection I guess. There’s not one way to do it and there’s no way of not falling. I think it’ pretty much universal, wouldn’t you say?

Today, I encourage you to find your balance. Share in an image, your thoughts, your methods to achieving balance or how you observe the world around you doing the same.

Blue Skies Ahead

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Over the last few weeks, at a number of gatherings amongst friends I have been surprised (and delighted) by how many times Mondo Beyondo came up in conversations.

That’s on my Mondo Beyondo List.

Since I’ve taken Mondo Beyondo, it’s been one adventure after the next.

Have you taken Mondo Beyondo yet? You really should!

I think I’ll make that a Mondo Beyondo.

It’s like a household, mainstream phrase now. Even still I though since this was coming from friends that I have gotten to know on the web, maybe it shouldn’t be that surprising. Maybe it’s that we travel in small circles.

The small cirlce theory got blown out of the water when I went over to a friends house (who isn’t active on the web and is someone I have been close with since college) and her daughter had Mondo Beyondo artwork a la Jen Lemen spread out all over the floor, making a dream journal in tween-collage style. I was stopped in my tracks! It was the strangest feeling…like my two worlds were colliding in the best possible way. And it was all happening in the name of dreaming big. What could be better than that?

And as synchronicity would have it, the amazing Jen Lemen is celebrating her 42nd birthday today (Happy Birthday dear friend!)by giving us a gift! A chance to experience the magic of the Mondo Beyondo Fall Dream Lab for only $42. Sisters, that is a big savings and well well worth the opportunity to dream big! The offer is only good until midnight tonight (Oct 6th) so make your move!

When I think Mondo Beyondo, I think the sky is the limit, and even the sky might be too limiting. I think of taking it to another stratosphere where anything is possible and dreams most certainly come true. A place where the blue skies ahead, keep getting bluer.

So, what are you waiting for? Now’s your chance to get in on the magic of Mondo Beyondo at a fantastic deal.

Share today images that remind us that when it comes to dreams, bigger, wider, more vast and expansive is much much better!