Nov 30, 2010

Feature :: And, Don't Forget the Joy

by: Brooke Weidauer

Six years ago my college professor asked me a question that became my ah-ha moment. “What do you really want to do with your life, whether it be in the field of social work or not”. My reply, “I am not sure exactly what I want to do but I know this, I want to create.” Four years passed before stumbling upon photography and like many who are JSO (just starting out), I was obsessed. I think this obsession extended far beyond what’s considered healthy. I stayed up researching, googling, and critiquing my images late into the next morning. Does this sound dramatic? Because it was. It was intense. But, the world of photography brought me joy. When I began photographing clients this happiness intensified. I relished in creating a beautiful image, relished in seeing the client’s joy when they visually comprehended how deeply their family loved each other. I found joy when clients saw how beautiful they themselves truly were and I’m not talking about physical beauty alone. This brought me joy.



And then sadly this joy gradually molded into work. All work with just a pinch of joy. At times I literally prayed for rain to postpone a session or threw my camera in time-out, promising to not pick it up, ever. I had lost the joy and I knew it. I was going to go find it. I began by doing some soul-searching. I knew I was a perfectionist to my detriment. This was a good starting point. I continued to mentally note all of the things that were taking away from this joy and then I did something about it.


Here are a few things I learned along the way, beginning with my obsession with perfection.

Do not strive for other’s perception of perfection:

Pretty catchy title, eh? What is perfection anyway? It’s an insatiable concept. If we continually reach for “perfection” in our photography we will be left unsatisfied. Why’s that you ask? Because perfection is in the eye of it’s beholder, which is you of course. I believe with art, perfection is how we interpret it. Imperfections often translate as perfection. Understandably we hope others will appreciate our work but we ought to first love, nah, embrace our own work even if it’s not considered perfect by others.


Shoot just for fun and invite some friends:


When I am in a funk, a rut or simply losing the joy, I shoot for fun. I shoot for me. Whenever I photograph who, what, and where I want, I return home rejuvenated. Arrange a shoot where you are in control, where you choose the models and the props and invite some photographer friends. I promise you will feel refreshed and anew.

Don’t get too down on yourself:

I like to compare photography to a roller coaster ride. We need to expect that with the highs, we will experience lows. We can’t be too hard on ourselves; photography is a journey. Learning takes time and mistakes are our biggest ally. And after all, don’t most of us love roller coasters?


Continue to learn and try new things:

If you notice your joy in photography slipping, it may be a matter of boredom. Try OCF (off-camera flash), experiment with compositions, black and white conversions, or attend a workshop, anything to challenge and educate yourself.

Don’t neglect what matters most:

Meaning our relationships. Hours quickly pass while sitting at the computer. Discipline yourself to work x amount of hours a day and dedicate the remaining hours to your loved ones. Some may not have the luxury of limiting sessions but for those of you who can and who feel they are neglecting their relationships, do it.

Take the time to enjoy your work:

Often times we are either too busy or we simply forget to appreciate our work. Choose a time to sit back in your computer chair, rest your hands behind your head, pull up your past work and enjoy.


Remember why you started:

Like I said, for me it was about creating a beautiful image and also basking in the subject’s own joy. Think of why you became a photographer and then remind yourself of those reasons when you feel you’ve lost hold of the joy.

And now my friends if you are ready to throw in the towel, if you’re praying for rain, and your camera is sitting in time out then maybe it’s a good time to make your own mental notes and rediscover your joy.

--
Brooke Weidauer
Brooke Ashley Photography
www.brookeashleyphotography.com
bashleyphotography@gmail.com

10 comments:

Kristie Young said...

Well written my friend. I could relate with most of what you said. Thanks for sharing all that you have learned with those of us who are a few steps behind still. You are wonderful.

Kristie Young said...
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Elder Larkin said...
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Anonymous said...

I loved your post! It is just what I needed. I am just starting out and and have been taring myself to pieces about my work. This article reminded me to stop and remember why I fell in love with photography in the first place thanks so much.

Becky Earl said...

Oh Brooke, you beautiful soul, you! Loved this article. It was written perfectly my friend. You are amazing, and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, talented friend!!

Tiffany Parrish said...

This is so TRUE!! I loved everything you said!!! What a sweet spirit you have and an AMAZING talent!!! Love it!!!

Elder Larkin said...

BROOKE I completely relate to wanting to give my camera a time out. Actually I've wanted to throw it out the window on occasion. I so needed to read your words. Thanks for sharing yourself with us. :)

brooke said...

I never said thank you for your lovely comments.. so THANK YOU. I appreciated knowing that you read this and .. liked it.. I hope it helps, thank you!

ChrisS said...

Brooke...I put my camera in time out about 7 years ago.....mostly due to my also being a "perfectionist to my own detriment". Well said. Actually, the whole article was so insightful and wise...... Thank you for being wise beyond your years. I feel like you are a young me and you expressed so many things I've thought and felt. After reading this, I went to your website and read your profile, and you STILL sound like a young me. You are even wearing clothes I have in your picture. Too funny/weird/odd. I am going to listen to your advice and rediscover my joy. Thank you. PS: I even have a daughter about your age named Brooke.

Brooke said...

Chris, your comment was so wonderful.. thank you, wow.. THANK YOU! I think this just made my week, month even. :)