exploring

"Photo shoots" are a strange concept when you think about it, aren't they? People invite strangers with cameras into their homes, hoping they'll be able to capture and solidify a bit of what they feel for each other. We all know inherently that our dearest moments are fleeting. And so we expose ourselves. Because it's worth it. Because if it works, we're left with pieces of actual paper...pictures that feel permanent; depicting, and proving our most sacred connections. Our minutes which were once evaporating, now feel solidly tangible. Even framed. So as photographers, we know this is the expectation. We know people want us to fish out all the real bits of their lives. We love what we do, and we want to do a good job. And if we're not careful we can become on-a-mission about it. And that's when the magic bleeds right out of your work. Because finding moments is like chasing a rainbow. The second you feel like you know how to get there, is the second it disappears. That's what keeps it adventurous: the idea that some things cannot ever be planned or plotted. They can only be revered and explored. 

What are you exploring lately? We'd love to see.

Comments

[kosenrufu mama]

I'm exploring here...
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/2009/05/festa-festa-festa.html

[kaytee]

http://missredphotos.blogspot.com/2009/05/mothers-day.html

[Marcie]

This is such a magical image...such a special moment captured and frozen-in-timel
Here's something a little different that I've been playing with and exploring:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=779

[Vanessa]

it's true, some things can never be planned. but when the magic takes you by surprise, explore it... yes, explore it!
http://risingtothechallenge.blogspot.com/2009/05/magic.html

[Alicia]

Trying new things with photographs...

a session of night photos...
http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/05/night-shots.html

capturing a picture with a make-shift light box (piece of paper, natural light, window seal) & using b&w for a change...
http://aliandsethinthecity.blogspot.com/2009/05/rules-for-subway-rider.html

[Puna]

My son's guitar teacher is running for public office. He asked me to shoot him for his campaign literature. I charged him the equivalent of five music lessons...it was my first "real" paying shoot.

http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/a-change-in-guard/

[Tracey Clark]

today on my blog i'm exporing sweet memories but overall in my work (and as seen in the photo I shared today) I am exploring the power of capturing elements of peace and calm. Of the still and the quiet. it has become a meditation for me.
http://www.traceyclark.com/blog/2009/5/14/last-summer.html
maile, i love your post today. your words say what i have felt for many years. thanks for sharing.

[Toni | DailyVignette]

For now, I'm exploring my back yard and making friends with this robin. He comes to visit every day and I've managed to get his picture on three separate occasions when I had my camera in hand.

http://dailyvignette.com/2009/05/14/what-are-you-doing/

This Saturday will be my first photo shoot, a gift for my former neighbor's graduating senior. The dad had a stroke last fall and they weren't able to have professional photos taken. It just dawned on me to do this for them and I'm excited and nervous!

[shelli - mama of letters]

Wonderful photo. And I love what you had to say about a photographer's job.

[Jennifer]

I have nothing to show here...just wanted to comment that I LOVED your post. It is so true and beautiful.

[GayleV]

Lately, I have really enjoyed just exploring my home and life in general with my camera. I find so many interesting details that bring me joy. And amazingly, I don't have to wander far or look hard for these things. It is wonderful therapy for the busy soul!!
http://momandcamera.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-favorite-flowering-trees.html
http://momandcamera.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-boy-outside.html

[alison]

I love this post, too! Captured so many ideas & feelings I gave about portraiture photography. Thank you so much :)

[alison]

and "gave" = "have"

:)

[Sebrina]

Oh I love this image!!! Just beautifully perfect!!!

[Dani]

Old Cities: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36197392@N06/3408759303/in/set-72157616297545917/

Old Churches: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36197392@N06/3440133669/in/set-72157616297545917/

Indoor Baseball Fields:http://www.flickr.com/photos/36197392@N06/3504991173/in/set-72157616580721519/

Love this post!!

[Katie in MA]

I don't have anything to share...I just wanted to say I loved your phrasing. I love the idea that it's like you have to see it without looking at it (or for it). And that is a BEAUTIFUL photo!

[djbeat]

i've often felt the same thing regarding photography & it is why i use captured images in my paintings: images are factual references of an exact moment - but they can mean so many things through various interpretations and memories of the moment...

my 8month old is now well aware of the cameras in our home -- as we try to capture every moment recognizing that he is changes almost daily now.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/djbeat/3525308403/

[robin pulsifer]

seems as if photography is all about waiting. for that moment when it does not look like you would be there taking that photo? amazingly candid shot in this black and white image. like we as the viewers are peaking inside that room and no one sees us. definitely an art form! i also love black and white, there are no distractions, it's just raw and pure.

[Leslie]

Viewing this image makes me want to go out and do a photo shoot with a family and just have fun with it. Here is my recent photo, I am trying new techniques with editing.
http://lesliephoto.blogspot.com/

[Jaana]

I've been exploring my hard drives for old pictures. Sometimes I like to look at these pics - taken before I had any clue what I was doing. Just innocently trying to capture the scenery around me. I think I need to go back to that state of mind sometimes. Simplify.

http://photographybyjaana.blogspot.com/2009/05/slc.html

[mharper]

hey, that was beautiful! well said. i totally agree.
i've spent LOTs of time taking pics at the ball park lately. with 4 out of the 5 girls playing, I have to admit my main subject of late has been softball. i also love playing on picnik since i stink at photoshop. :)

[Amber(Homeschool Diva)]

I am exploring our new house. http://www.flickr.com/photos/amberbishop/3531976431/?ref=mf

[sandy]

I am exploring a lot of things right now...sometimes it's the image and sometimes it's the story behind the image.

www.4pointsphotography.com and www.4pointsphotograhy.blogspot.com

Feel free to come and browse:). I love the photo you have posted here. The fact that it's black and white really sets it apart.

[randiman]

a great pictures, for more information on photography explore http://www.thrumyphotos.com

[Jen]

I'm exploring sun flare. Spring is in Minnesota and I feel like I could shoot sun flare and back lighting every single day and not tire of it lately:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/enniferj8/3464941991/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/enniferj8/3529481575/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/enniferj8/3529478399/