Shutter Sisters

being at home

By

Being among this community of shutter sisters, here on the site and those viewing & sharing, makes me feel like I’m home. Photography and being surrounded by such creative spirits has changed my life forever. To be around energies that inspire daily and push me to create, I’m so grateful. I get to pick up my camera daily and take pictures of my life and those of others. I capture new life, still life, the details, true love, the brilliant moments and the sad. Yes, I am grateful.

When I first discovered shutter sisters I was “a lurker”, just viewing & soaking it all in. I looked at old posts, tried out techniques & followed photo prompts. I longed to be brave online and post a photo in the comments or to one of the projects, worried if I was good enough. Then one day a flickr friend, suggested I should enter a certain photo to the one word project. I did and I was thrilled when it was chosen on the one word page. I’m sure many of you have felt the same.

I kept being vulnerable, putting my photos out there….

I took the leap, so today I’m encouraging everyone and anyone reading this, regular commenters and those lurkers out there, yes you! Please say hi and show me what you’ve been photographing, perhaps it’s your life, or new life, a still life, the details, true love, the brilliant moments and the sad. Especially if you’ve never done so before. Be brave, we will look after you… welcome home.

Comments

  4. I a true fan and admirer and quit lurking a couple of years ago. When I need inspiration, I come here.

    I am attempting a 365 project. For the most part, I am successful. On those days I fall off the wagon, I don't worry about it too much, I just get back on again.

    http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2011/02/february-24-the-store/

    I also have a partnership with a blogger that I met yes – online. We collaborate each week or as much as possible.

    http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2011/02/february-18-team-up-thursday-on-friday/

    And finally, I have a collaborative writing group.

    http://visionandverb.com/2011/02/the-true-calling/

    It's fun this wild wild west of the internet.

  5. Love this post so much – I do feel at home both here and in Tracey's Picture Inspiration. I'm so happy about the photographic discoveries and experiments and growth I have gone through since I discovered this place.

    Just today, I did one of those ring-with-heartshaped-shadow shots for the first time РI can't decide if it's a classic or a clich̩, but I loved putting my own stamp on that type of image no matter what.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/85057042@N00/5473596399/

  8. I'm unfortunately a lurker, and have been for some time. I look to Shutter Sisters for inspiration, tips and that extra 'push' to pick my camera up each day and document what is. I don't dedicate as much time to photography as I'd like, but am happy to be following my husband and daughter around these days, capturing our day-to-day lives.

    I do love Shutter Sisters!!!

    http://okaypeanut.com/2010/11/18/submitting/
    http://okaypeanut.com/2011/01/08/365-project-8-choo-choo/
    http://okaypeanut.com/2011/01/23/365-project-23-winter-grass/

  10. I've been somewhat of a lurker and an occasional commenter. Getting closer to my niche, but I still want to tackle my photo challenges, too. This is an inviting place to view techniques, process and receive inspiration. I am very grateful for this community. Thank you!

    Here are a couple of my recent shots:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/50099518@N05/5472700299/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/50099518@N05/5470300338/

    And one not so recent, but one of my favorites:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/50099518@N05/4845061281/

    Michelle

  14. Xanthe, first of all, you are amazing. Your images and point of view inspire me daily.Your story definitely reminds me of my own!! It was like a secret club that I wanted to be a part of… But then I realized how kind and open-armed this place is and that I didn't need to be anyone but myself. I started posting to the Flick groups and on the day when I saw my image as the daily click, I felt so honored and so proud because I had never considered myself much of a photographer:

    http://traceyclark.com/shuttersisters/the-daily-click/2009/5/24/jade-m-sheldon.html

    That was a few years ago and now I am more than comfortable defining myself as a photographer and I believe one of the key reasons is because of this community that believed in me and continues to believe in me to this very day. All the wonderfully creative and talented women here gave me the courage to share my art.

    The day that I was asked by Tracey if I would become an honorary sister and write a blog post my heart skipped a beat. I hope I get asked again to write one someday:

    http://traceyclark.com/shuttersisters/home/2010/7/21/tiny-treasures.html

    Lately I have been photographing places around me that I pass by every day but never really stopped in front of:

    http://jademsheldonphotography.blogspot.com/2011/02/green-wall-my-birthday-part-i.html

    What I am most excited about though is that I have been hired to photograph my first wedding! It will be on April 1st, aka April Fool's Day!! I absolutely can't wait!!!

  18. Thank you so much for this post Xanthe. I used to be a lurker, and sometime in the last year turned into a participant. I think some of us who are naturally the shy, quiet ones have the most trouble online – where if you don't participate people don't even know you are there. I am happy to say that I've overcome my shyness and love the conversations that happen from the comments on this blog and so many others.

    I loved reading through the comments that have already been posted today and I encourage anyone who is still nervous about joining in to just do it. Your voice and your vision are unique and needed in the world.

    My recent fascination: Capturing the sky!
    http://www.kateyeview.com/2011/02/exploring-with-camera-capture-sky.html

  19. I'm new to this blog, new to blogging in general, and definitely new to photography. My equipment is laughable – I hve a very inexpensive point and shoot and I just try to find ways to make it work – and my experience is nil. But right now I'm photographing every little thing … and seeing photos everywhere I go. I guess that's a good sign, yes? It helps to have two beautiful girls and more babies joining my family all the time. They make such lovely and willing subjects.

    Most recently:
    http://thesparklejar.squarespace.com/blog/2011/2/23/secret-magic-love.html
    http://thesparklejar.squarespace.com/blog/2011/2/22/jumpy-twirls.html
    http://thesparklejar.squarespace.com/blog/2011/2/17/keepin-it-real.html

    I might look back on all of these shots one day and laugh at myself for liking them enough to post them for all the world to see. But maybe not. Who knows.

  21. I always find your posts as inspiring as your photographs. Thank you for including my photo.

    I have connected with so many encouraging and inspiring people through my recent interest in photography. My life feels bigger and fuller and it's been wonderful to share that passion for photography with this creative community.

  23. Lately I've been pushing myself to shoot in lighting situations that I would normally run from.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/theoldnicholsfarm/5434003367/

    I participate by commenting here once in awhile, and sometimes adding to the flickr pools. Having one of my pics chosen for the one word project was so humbling and encouraging. I do love it here, so very much!

    http://traceyclark.com/shuttersisters/onewordproject/2010/10/9/imperfection-by-old-nichols-farm.html

  24. I am new to this site and love the vibes I am getting! I have visited a few times and think that it is very inviting. I have also been enjoying reading old blog posts for inspiration and tips. I have had my current blog since last April, and the whole blog is dedicated to my Project 365. I am up to Day 324!!

    Here are a few photos of Volcano Lilies I took last weekend that I hope you will enjoy:
    http://irishems.blogspot.com/2011/02/day-318-february-18-2011.html

    I'm still new to photography, but I love learning and trying new things. I am also excited for warmer weather so I can get out and photograph Nature – my favorite subject. 🙂

    Thanks for the wonderful site! xo

  26. for you, xanthe … anything. XO

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelve-paws/5474606246/

    i would not have taken that picture 3 years ago. it would have never crossed my mind to step away from the birthday party long enough to take a photo of a bucket of brushes. but having been on flickr and having followed shutter sisters for so long, i stepped out of that comfort zone and ended up with a great shot. yes, i said it. great.

    that's another thing this community of friends has taught me … to be happy and comfortable with and proud of my own work.

  29. I truly love Shutter Sisters! I found you just about a year ago, lurked for a while, then began commenting occasionally. Reading Shutter Sisters led me to Tracey's "Picture" classes and the journey began in earnest. When I first discovered SS, I was a pretty straight up crisp, sharp, color photographer. Gradually, I've branched out and embraced the idea of using post processing creatively to take my photos to a higher level. Here's a photo I did yesterday for my 365. I think you'll see what I mean. [Texture is blissandfolly.]

    http://www.camperky.com/2011/02/thanks-mom.html

  30. I love your post Xanthe. I come here almost daily and always check out the daily click plus the selection from 365. Every once in a while I will post a photo of mine but since no one ever comes (well, once) and because others photos are always selected for the two areas I check out, I don't feel worthy of sharing my links a lot of the time. So I just sit tight at my blog or Flickr where people always do make some comment. So here, though I enjoy the inspiration, I am very reluctant to share a link in the comments … like today.

  31. I was a brand new lurker when my owl photo was chosen for the One Word Project back in september. It was such a huge confidence boost for me, especially during such a painful period of my life. You girls inspire me every day with your brilliance, along with everyone who posts amazing glimpses into their lives. This is a beautiful, inspiring community…so thank you for blessing us all with the gift that is Shutter Sisters.

    Here are some snapshots of my life the last few months… xoxox

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkangel71/4927275063/in/set-72157624807783520/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkangel71/5170703026/in/set-72157624807783520/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkangel71/5152509120/in/set-72157625042018751/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkangel71/5170690362/in/set-72157625042018751/

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkangel71/5350670175/in/set-72157625631794469/

  33. Here's what I've been up to:

    http://cupoficedesign.blogspot.com/

    My 365 Project blog. It's my first blog AND first big project so it's not the best…But I do enjoy the need to use my camera every. single. day. Living in a tiny apartment in a small town while finishing up college doesn't really give me much inspiration, but I do have some good days. =)

  42. I too have been a lurker for quite a while, with comments here and there. Didn't even know about the flickr group so I'm off to check that.
    I can't get photography off of my brain, trying to find anything and everything I can learn from. Would love to have a business but keep talking myself out of it with self-doubt.
    You can check me out at : http://josiesspot.blogspot.com

  44. Yes, yes, yes! Love feeling a part of a community. The internet has been amazing in bringing photographers together and encouraging the sharing of information. Lately I've been obsessed with Instagram, a free iPhone photography app. It's kinda like a mini Lightroom and I love it! This shot of our local bright-mustard-yellow feed store is a recent fave:

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/5467013708/

    🙂

  45. Great post. 🙂 I remember when I first discovered Shuttersisters too…i think I emailed a friend declaring, "I have finally found my community!" I have to be honest, I haven't been that active yet – with respect to posts & sharing pictures – but I know I will…in due time. It's true, it takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, but a big realization for me has also been the fact that we are all the same..we all start somewhere…and there is a place for us all. thank you for this place

  47. Well I've taken the plunge thanks to your post…I have officially opened a Flickr account and uploaded my first photos today. Thanks for the encouragement! I too have been a "lurker" here for the past few months, and am finally posting for the first time. Nothing like jumping in head first! I look forward to coming out of my shell and posting regularly here and also to my brand new Flickr account. I am ready to tackle my fear of failure and am looking forward to any comments and/or suggestions my fellow "Sisters" can offer me. I would love one day to photograph professionally, but my self doubt always holds me back. By accepting vulnerability online, I am hoping to gain the courage to pursue my dream of professional photography. By reading all these comments, I see that I am not alone in my feelings…it does make me feel like I'm "at home". Here is my latest favourite capture of my youngest…hope I post the link correctly…

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/58861148@N02/5476981507/

  49. I'm a lurker, I come here frequently to get inspiration and to soak up the beauty of the images. I started a 365 project last summer but it was sidelined in the winter. Last weekend I got myself out again with my camera and it felt so good, I feel more like myself when I have my camera by my side.

    These were my results: http://www.flickr.com/photos/helenailsa

  51. Hi… I'm so glad I came across this because I am still trying to figure out how so much of this works. I just came from a photography workshop, got home, opened a Flickr account, and uploaded some pictures. http://www.flickr.com/photos/naomiwittlin/
    Do I need to put watermarks on these?
    Also, someone complimented one of the pictures but I can't figure out how to thank them.
    I really love Shutter Sisters. I'd like to comment and post too.
    Thank you for the encouragement!
    Naomi

  53. Shutter Sisters is usually my first visit on the internet in the morning – that shows you how much I enjoy it here. sometimes i feel vulnerable showing amongst such great photographers – sometimes i just go for it.
    i'm pretty excited about the recent trip I just came back from but i haven't gone through my photos – except these few that i quickly posted this morning after arriving home after a red-eye flight. no matter how tired – i had to upload some photos.
    here's one i was pretty pleased with considering it was a drive by as well.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/5485511509/in/set-72157626167542430/

  54. i'm a lurker emerging. i love this site and have loved your photos here and in the various workshops. in lieu of investing in a macro lens, i recently purchased some close-up filters and was playing with them. this is one of the shots i took that day.also a couple inspired by the brilliant Florida winter sunshine. thanks for the encouragement and inspiration.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/56434427@N06/5491022648/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/56434427@N06/5491052414/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/56434427@N06/5490459177/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/56434427@N06/5490459059/