When I first started photoblogging, my intent was to upload a post nearly daily, to force myself to pick my camera up and fire the shutter as often as possible. I figured that if I made myself pick up my camera frequently, my photography would naturally have to improve.
I was right. What I didn’t bargain on, however, was how difficult it would be to find subject matter to shoot on a daily basis. In addition, by making the results of my efforts public, I was forced to not only ensure that I had an image to share, but that there was variety in what I shared. I mean, I think my kid is the cutest thing in the world, but even she got bored of seeing herself constantly on my site.
On one particularly frustrating day this past May, I grabbed my camera and decided to go out into my garden (again) to see if there was anything interesting to shoot (again). Our home is 50 years old and has a very mature garden — my husband and I have contributed very little to its foliage. On this day, I found myself going into a dark little corner I’d never investigated before … and came upon the blossom you see above. I’d never seen anything like it, and was thrilled with all the colour and texture that was right there before me, waiting to be captured.
These days, as we beginning counting down to a new year, it dawns on me that perhaps I should consider adopting the same approach in all aspects of my life: maybe, as I contemplate my goals for 2009 (and beyond), achieving them might just be a matter of (a) sticking with it, and (b) daring to explore experiences and opportunities I’d never investigated before. Hmm.
Something to think about. Perhaps I’ll keep the image above near me as a reminder.
Today’s giveaway is an 8×10 print of the image of the iris above. Simply leave a comment on this post to be automatically entered for a chance to win!
Becky says
What an amazing picture… and post. You always inspire me!
Candace S says
Gorgeous photo. My goal is a photo a day in 2009.
Darla says
wow. that photo reminds you of all intrinsic and subtle beauty that surrounds us. Brava!
lilia says
What a lovely image, and a beautiful post. I’ve already won something this month, so this isn’t an entry comment – I just wanted to say how beautiful it was!! ๐
Aimee Greeblemonkey says
I love your photos. All you ladies inspire me all the time.
Wendy says
Such a stunning image! And thank you for the reminder to go beyond the obvious and look for more!
betrank says
What a beautiful bloom and you captured it so perfectly. My sister is an avid gardner and I miss walking with her daily through her gardens. She moved to Florida nearly 6 years ago and the distance keeps us from hanging out like we used to. I miss her every day. Though I have to admit that we all got a really good laugh when we realized that just her plants took up half the space of a large moving truck back then.
Have a wonderful day!
Katherine says
That "post a photo a day" thing is nigh on impossible I think. This photo is beautiful though!
danasparkle says
i have just begun a brave new adventure to blog regularly using photography as a creative expression.
i feel shy to share but am so inspired by the amazing courageous creative community in the cyber-universe that i hope to make a daily committment in 2009 too. each individual must bring their view of the world into the collective consciousness because it makes a difference in the world. like your photo & reflection has. thanx.
kosenrufu mama says
wonderful photo! you inspire me everytime!!!
Marcie says
A beautifully captured flower. I too know the challenges of finding something interesting to photograph each day. Yesterday we had torrential pouring rain:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=620
Hay says
That is a great philosophy. If we never explore, how can we discover?
Sebrina says
The above picture is beautiful!! And I love your post today!
Shirley says
i just found your blog this morning and love it. I will be back.
sandi says
Gorgeous iris and great words to live by. thanks!
Jen Lee says
I love the image of the stumbled-upon blossom. Lovely.
Pamela says
Just found this blog, love the flower photo, will be back to read more!
http://www.ukreal1.blogspot.com
Heather says
What a incredible shot and inspiring words! Let’s begin today with this new approach.
Heather says
Whew… your words are timely. For a month now I’ve been embarking on my own personal "Project 365" – trying to take at least one photo every day. I’m not even trying to post publicly, but I’ve felt as though I have no new subject to shoot. Thanks for sharing your story– it inspires me to keep looking!
shelli says
That is the most beautiful shot of a flower I’ve seen in a long time. I’d love to have it!
I have given myself the challenge of posting a photo each day too, and I have run into the same challenges, though it’s very fun too!
Kath says
Ah, it is time to star thinking about the new year. I feel like this year has just begun. Time is flying and photography along with our blog has forced me to focus on the moment more. I like it. And I like the print too!
Bunny says
It’s beautiful! I, too, have a very "grow where you are planted" photography approach. My own yard, my own flowers, my own town are where I find the most inspiration.
nadia says
What a great picture, would love to be able to hang it in my living room! I have always admired your work, Karen
Jennifer says
Beautiful photo. What a wonderful surprise that must have been!
I think those goals are great. Okay if I borrow?
Puna says
Oh my goodness, this site mimicks my life so many times and in so many ways, the timing is eerie. I clicked on your link to tredways.org and decided to do her photo challenge. A challenge it is…finding something to photograph everyday, not just the special occasions…wow.
I know that challenges grow me, mature me, stretch me. So here’s a couple of what I’ve done so far…and I know some of them reflect the novice photographer that I am…
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/december-pro-dec-10/
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2008/12/09/december-photo-pcjt-dec-9/
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/december-photo-proj-dec-8/
Thank you Shutter Sisters for the sisters that you are…
Stephanie says
Oh this would be a beautiful print for my bathroom….do you think it would be a good enough reason to redo the bathroom?
hil says
I’ve been playing with my "365" project so this is an important point.
mary says
Yes, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the thought of learning to take a really good photograph; then I look back on the past year and realize that by just picking up a camera every day, I’ve learned an awful lot… love your iris!
lizzy says
the photo is exquisite.
and so so true (then why do i forget so easily?)–sticking with it & taking risks, being bold.
raina says
I appreciate your sentiment. I want to push my creativity in 2009 a little further. The print is wonderful…mother nature offers the best subjects for photos.
Liz//Tipping Point Photo says
I had the same thoughts yesterday, though didn’t come anywhere near your articulate expression of them. Bravo.
My solution may be to partake in Flickr’s 365, but we’ll see what happens. Here’s to embracing change in 2009!
(And, of course, the iris is absolutely exquisite in this shot! Are you using a macro lens?)
Jean M Fogle says
Seek and you shall find and the garden is the best place for finding treasures! You inspired me to go back and find some of my closeup flower shots. I am always inspired by shutter sisters ! I posted my closeups today.
http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com
wn says
One of the things I am thankful for this year is Shutter Sisters…for inspiring me to keep my camera handy…even when I’m tired, even when I’m cranky and most of all when I am busy. Life happens…it’s up to us to capture it!
The light in that photo is fantastic!
Irene Lenihan says
I love that photo. Isn’t it amazing what we can capture if we just keep at it. Thanks for the reminder.
Kelley says
Beautiful! My mom remembers her best friend by irises. She gave her some and they still grow. Her friend was murdered 17 years ago. She would LOVE this picture!
I want a new lens for my camera!
Cindy says
Beautiful picture.
AppleTree says
beautiful
misti says
I love African Iris. Irises are hard to grow here in our muggy south Florida and only tough ones will do. I have a large pot of them in my garden.
krista says
love it.
Cheryl says
Gorgeous…
camerashymomma says
i love this post. i find it mentally challenging to take a photo a day or more. often i fall into the rut of "it’s all been done before! it’s all been seen, been said before!" but that’s not true! everyday we can have fresh eyes if we let ourselves be in it, or get small, or stand back to look. i love that you have a great garden to play in.
Lee says
Stunning! What a gorgeous photo. And, I’m thinking you’ve stumbled onto something. I too am thinking about modifications – and taking more chances – in 2009!
Stephanie Fox says
Terrific picture.
renee @ FIMBY says
gorgeous. and I love the advice, having tenacity and a sense of adventure.
1momof5 says
I completely relate with the challenges of finding new photo subjects. I have tried to stretch myself this year, and it is both fun and challenging. The iris picture is gorgeous!
Erin says
Beautiful picture!!!
Lucy says
*sigh*
Your photos and words and sentiments behind each are compelling. Thank you.
Sharon says
What a perfect reminder!
charlane says
it is very much a challenge to shoot everyday despite what my photography instructor tells me. But, as you illustrated in that search we can find undiscovered beauty.
margie says
unexpected colour. always a surprise.
http://3yrplan.typepad.com/photo_du_jour/
Kathleen O. says
That’s an amazing thing to stumble upon! I tend to stop shooting as much during the winter months in New England. Perhaps its time to think about some sort of photo project…I am too intimidated to do Project 365, but maybe a photo a day for a month might work…
nikkole! says
i have been working an a self portrait 365 project.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/_nikkole/sets/72157605284394257/
some days are harder than others
some days the photos are better than others.
but for sure it has helped me.
wondering what i will shoot 365 when this project is over.
not only has it helped me with my photography
but also with how i see the world.
Holly says
That is a beautiful shot! Thanks for sharing.
Alina says
Lovely capture.
Grey Street Girl says
It’s an incredible challenge to find good subject matter this time of year. I went to an antique store and bought a bunch of junk. That helped and it was fun discovering cool old things and wondering where they’d been. After doing only outdoor photography forever, I needed to improve my indoor skills anyway.
I love that you found this flower. To me, that is the essence of photography – finding that hidden gem and giving it eternal life. Beautiful picture!
Emily says
That is a beautiful shot!
krista says
oh! this beautiful photo would look great in my children’s yoga studio!
namaste,
krista
Liz Dager says
Flowers are my absolute favorite thing in the world. They make me feel joyful just looking at them!
Celia says
what a gorgeous shot!
Julie W. says
"…daring to explore experiences and opportunities I’d never investigated before."
What a fantastic way to word this – our mission in life!! I needed a reminder that, at this crazy time of year, I need to take some time to "smell the flowers"! Thanks for the inspiration!
Betsy says
Love the thoughts that go along with this image. Thanks.
karin says
stunning …. the photo AND the words. ๐
thanks for the inspiration!
thursday says
Lovely Iris. A nice reminder of a less wintery time!
Lashley says
I recently started reading -Writing Down the Bones- by Natalie Goldberg. The subtitle is "Freeing the Writer Within" and she spends the first part of the book urging people to -practice- writing — to do it a lot in order to get better. One line says something to the effect of needing to feel free to write the worst junk in the world and have it be ok. My boyfriend, from whom I borrowed the book, has encouraged me to do the same thing with photography – to keep doing it a lot, be ok with the worst junk in the world, and continually get better.
Amazing how these principles translate!
Helen G says
Always loved irises and this picture is beautifu! Inspirational post also! Thank you.
Becky says
Stunning!
mika says
all goals i need to very much consider for myself…i find i haven’t been pushing myself photographically enough lately..it’s slightly frustrating, but i find hope in reading this post…
devan says
gorgeous!
Traci says
oh what a gorgeous giveaway! ๐
CarrieJ says
I love irises! I have some in the backyard that were my grandfather’s. I eagerly await their blooms every year ๐
Robyn says
Gorgeous photo. Absolutely beautiful.
brittany says
i completely agree. this summer when i was traveling posting photos was easy, now that life is back to normal i have a very hard time finding things that i find interesting, much less the public eye finding interesting.
Wanda says
NaBloPoMo inspired me to post every day and I am trying to keep the tradition going. I am not shooting every day, but I am shooting more often. And I love new–especially this time of year.
http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com/2008/12/love-thursday-121108.html
lisa says
Indeed, I think one of my goals in 2009 will be to "stick with it" in regards to several areas. Well said ๐
elk says
such inspiration from the cornor of a garden ~delightful
Sherry says
I love this post and this photo. Thank you for continuing to inspire.
Sue says
Thanks for reminding me to shoot daily!
Lily says
Great pic! How difficult is it sometimes to shoot a daily pic and how fascinating when we try and leave our daily path regulary and find new opportunities. I wish you a lot of good finds!
Tina says
so sweet and simple I love it!
Bria says
I am so grateful the inspiration I’ve found on this blog. You’re beautiful!
Kyla says
What a stunning photo! I love all the colors and details . . . and it would look SMASHING on my living room wall! ๐
nancy l. says
This picture is stunning!! Beautiful!
Thanks for the chance to win.
Mariella says
So Beautiful – thank you!!
jeanne says
amazing, really
JachiCue says
that’s gorgeous
jennifer says
found your blog today. made my day!
victoria winters says
Try, try again.
Sheri says
Beautiful shot. And definitely something to think about as we get ready for a new year. Thank you!
Freda says
That’s crazy! I took almost the same picture a couple weeks ago!
You can see it on my blog!
http://www.fredaherrera.typepad.com
stella says
that is definitely inspiration for me.. to have the photographs improve via constant practice. yay! X
Julie Alvarez says
This flower is beautiful!
Good words go here with it…
lindsey says
I love Irises… they are the flower from my sorority, which is cheesy, but it’s what brought me to love and admire them.
Jen says
beautiful!
Sherry says
Beautiful photo!
Deanna says
that is a beautiful picture. i also enjoy photography and i am really excited because i will be purchasing a new camera this weekend, can’t wait!!!!
Lisa says
Beautiful photo and an inspiring entry!
elizabeth says
that is a good something to think about. My problem is that I never get tired of photos of the pup, and he can’t complain about seeing himself featured too often. ๐
sarah says
how lovely this would look in my daughter Iris’s room
Karen says
I gave up on the 365 Day Project–for many reasons, but not being able to find a subject was certainly one of them. With my children grown (and to think I didn’t take photos much when they were young) it seems really difficult. I think I’ll print this post and try again in 2009.
Nannie of 3 says
Simply put – magnificant!
Brianna says
What a beautiful photo!
Bonny says
The Iris macro is beautiful! It’s one of my favourite flowers. Not sure how that came to be, I used to really like roses. (Still do, but I like Irises better).
I love reading your Blog, even if I found it relatively recently. You offer some fabulous tips. I thought I’d like to tell you ‘Thank You’.
Sue Carter says
What a beautiful photo. Great words of inspiration for 2009
anna says
Amazing colours – what a great find when you least expect it.
Elaine says
beautiful!
jodyangel says
ooOOo am I too late? Well working nights makes it difficult to keep up =)
I love your Iris pic. And I hope I still have a chance to win it. I would lovingly care for it!
Jessie says
This is beautiful, it would look great framed in my new house.
Amanda says
Beautiful! What an addition this would make to any home!
Kari says
love it!
reeva says
this is beautiful