Shutter Sisters

images of imperfection

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As we wrap up our October’s One Word Project, I am still basking in the glow of the beauty of imperfection. The ideas, images and affirmations that have been shared over the past month have been inspiring and motivating, to say the least. The integrity and authenticity of this community never ceases to amaze me.

What’s stays with me now is knowing that we have engaged in a collective energy that goes far beyond just a creative photography project. We are seeing ourselves and the world around us through a more compassionate lens; embracing who we are as beautifully imperfect. That’s a really big deal. Can you feel it?

As Brené Brown says in her book The Gifts of Imperfection, “choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect.”

Here’s to all of us for being brave as we have cultivated our courage together, declaring that being imperfect isn’t just acceptable, it’s beautiful. Keep those images of imperfection coming today as we flex our creative muscles of authenticity! If you would like Brene Brown to consider any of your images of imperfection from the month in the OWP for a video she is making in honor of the beauty of imperfection, please tag your images in our OWP Flickr pool “beauty of imperfection”. Remember when you are tagging your shots with a phrase like this, you must use the quoation marks in your tag to keep the words together in your tag.

And how about a giveaway today to celebrate all this awesomeness? Leave a comment here between now and Thursday 11/4 at  midnight EST for a chance to win the cutest little camera ever: the Fujifilm Instax Mini.YAY!

A special thanks to the amazing Brené Brown for inspiring us along this path of beautiful imperfection; for the last 30 days and beyond.

As for our new word for November? Come back tomorrow when we announce it! We promise you’ll have something wonderful to focus on.

Comments

  1. I've thoroughly enjoyed the photos that have been submitted over the past month. Each one so breathtakingly beautiful in its' imperfection.

    "choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect."

    My new, favorite quote. I hope more people embrace the beauty of being imperfect.

  6. OMG… I would love to win this. My camera got stolen so this would certainly make me happy in the meantime. I probably won't get a new camera till sometime next year. Good luck to everyone!

  8. Oh my goodness. I love this quotation, "choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect" and the above photograph. Beautiful simplicity. I needed to be reminded of this today. Thanks for offering a rad giveaway today — another reason why I love Shutter Sisters! xo

  10. Sometimes what initially is considered an imperfection is what makes it unexpected and interesting. It makes you take a 2nd look and think about what you see.

  15. This aligned so perfectly with some of my personal explorations. Or maybe I explored that direction because of what I read here? Either way, I appreciated the view to accepting imperfection, and finding the beauty in it.

  16. I'm so sorry I missed this month. Midterms for a college teacher mean little else. 🙂

    I am going to get one of these cameras this year, I have promised myself…but I'd love not to have to buy it. 🙂 You always have the coolest stuff.

  18. Wow this is such a great price. Can I turn in as a german as well! Would be amazing! I've seen this on so many blogs lately, I'd love to have one too :)!

  19. Wonderful photo that demonstrates how perfect nature is with all of it's so called "imperfections". Love this little camera…would be great for making placecards at the table for Thanksgiving…woo hoo! Thanks for a fun giveaway, fondly, Roberta

  22. I have really enjoyed seeing so many peeks at different people's perspective of imperfection!!

  23. Your blog is always such a great inspiration! I love the idea of pushing past perfection for the sake of authenticity. I'm going to keep that thought with me. Thank you!

  28. I have loved the invitation to see imperfection as beauty and art this month. It is a trend that will continue for me, I am sure.

  30. Sometimes the greatest beauty happens in the midst of a mistake. Here's to our "imperfections" and how they make us PERFECTLY wonderful!

  34. Imperfection is sometimes perfection.

    Would love to win camera, keeping my fingers crossed.

  37. I have to work much harder to accept my imperfections not just in my pictures but in life. I'm going to look into getting that book from the library.

  41. Wow! I've only recently been referred to this site and I have gotten so much out of all the entries. Not just inspiration for my photography, but inspiration throughout other aspects of my life. I've placed an order for your book and I am so looking forward to receiving it. I can't wait to see what's coming for this month. I'm 100% on board and will tune in everyday…promise! I truly LOVE all the photographs I've reviewed…spectacular!

  42. As a lover of Shabby Chic, I completely agree with the quote! What is often considered imperfection is just evidence of use and of love!

  46. Love the posts and the topic of imperfection…I noticed much through this past month and appreciated the imperfect even more. Would love that little camera…I've been eyeing one for a long time. Perfect quote!

  51. I got the DSLR – my first – and one that I'd been saving for and deciding on for over a year – this month.
    So as I experiment with all those knobs and dials, none of which I completely understand, I'm knee-deep in a whole mess of imperfection.

    I definitely did not get this big girl camera just to ride it with the training wheels. So this month's theme was the perfect message for me, at the just-right time. Go off auto – risk not getting the perfect shot – it's the only way to learn.
    thanks!

  52. Great giveaway. I just started Ms. Brown's book and I am enjoying it. Thank you for all the inspiration your blog gives me.
    Sandi

  56. Not only do I love and imbrace 'imperfect' photos… I've been embracing Brene's Imperfections book. The combination of the two is giving me an idea for a self photo project…

  60. I shoot for the imperfection – gives my photos life sometimes!! Love the the Fujifilm Instax Mini – I will have to check out Brené Brown book The Gifts of Imperfection

  62. I thoroughly enjoyed this month's theme. I had the opportunity to read Brene's book during this month, and my husband is currently in the process of reading it now–very inspirational. What a wonderful, inspiring month. Thank you.

  67. I have seriously enjoyed this month of exploring and embracing imperfection. Thanks to everyone who shared their wonderful photos. Can't wait to see what the new theme is!

  73. As we pulled out of the driveway…special snacks forgotten, map book forgotten, I told my daughter…"if mommy waited until conditions were perfect, we'd never go anywhere!"

  79. Since I"m really not that great at picture taking, this month made me feel a lot better about what I take. I'm just sorry I discovered this wonderful community mid October. And that camera is just way to cute.

  80. Imperfection was by far my favorite OWP theme so far. 🙂 I think finding beauty in imperfection is something we do daily, or should. It's a wonderful concept to think on and shoot.

  87. So in love with this photo. The spiderweb is such a magical miracle and you captured it so beautifully with all the light surrounding it!!

  88. Your lovely website is an INSPIRATION to me…everyday! I wake up and can't wait to pick up my camera to document my day!

  89. I happened upon your book today and now I am on your site; loving what I am seeing and reading. I am looking forward to reading The Gifts of Imperfection and posting some images in November. Thanks

  91. Just having found this community of talented women, I feel so lucky! I spent October taking the 'Picture Fall' class and couldn't be more inspired by everyone here…thanks for that! I'm really looking forward to joining in the November fun…

  92. I'm so inspired by Brene! I have her book on my desk, ready to be read as soon as I get a chance.

    The Instax is such an adorable little camera; I've been lusting after it for ages…

  95. Perfect timing for me to read this quote (which I love!) –This book is now on my read list.

  99. Despite a day of pea soup fog, we headed out onto Humboldt Bay, looking for that ‘perfect’ water/landscape shot. A girl can wish can’t she? The light was a bear to work with and depending on which direction, no matter how slight the angle, the colors were dramatically different. Two photos at almost the same moment, a simple swivel – one looking to the north west, the other north east – I didn’t get that ‘perfect’ shot, but I will be reflecting on the challenge of light.

    http://humbirdhum.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/afternoon-commute-on-humboldt-bay/

  101. love this post. love the quote.

    I'm on a new path. One to reclaim me and love me and be proud of me, again.

    One to see my own imperfections and appreciate them for the beauty they give, as I do in others.

  105. I saw this new camera a couple of weeks ago in an article and read up quite a bit on it, I think that is an awesome idea! I am a camera freak and there are times when it would be absolutely awesome to just be able to hand someone their pics right away, they would love that! 🙂 I have tried many cameras out and found that I am a huge Fuji fan, I have a Fujifilm S8000 and am so happy with it, it's nice to know that my favorite company is coming up with this new instant camera, that is awesome. I would love to win that camera and be able to make others happy with their shots that I take. Thanks so much for having this contest 🙂

  110. it has been great to focus on the beauty of imperfection this past month! thank you so much for having chosen this word! I am very curious about the one for November!!!
    thank you for the chance to participate in the giveaway, it is a very very cute camera!!!

  114. Gosh I love this whole imperfection thing – I have horrible perfectionist tendencies so…this forces me to be imperfect – thank!

  115. your images are enjoyable to view, but your posts that accompany them are what keep me coming back

    thank you for sharing your day's activities, your questions and your encouragement

  120. That is my new favorite quote….

    As Brené Brown says in her book The Gifts of Imperfection, "choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect."