Only a week or so into my 365 project last year, I was feeling discouraged. Outside it was cold and gray. Already, I was finding it hard think of anything new to photograph. I looked at friends’ 365 projects and thought, “Well, sure, if I lived in a sunny, gorgeous location or had a gear bag full of L-series lenses and fancy lighting equipment and I didn’t have to take three small children wherever I went, this would be easy. As it is, I’m toiling away with a 50mm lens on my 40D in gloomy old Pittsburgh with three kids in tow.”
I talked to my brother. He was living in San Francisco toting a Canon 5D Mark II with access to some interesting lenses and equipment. He felt like if only he wasn’t in an office all day with self-conscious adults… it’d be easy.
I began to look at my circumstances differently.
When the weather is interesting, I can go outside.
Sometimes the messes created at my house are beautiful.
I can go to museums when they are empty.
The challenge, that doesn’t change with location, gear, or time alone, is to keep working regardless of how creative I’m feeling at the moment.
“Inspiration exists but it has to find us working.” – Pablo Picasso
What a lovely way to express a true thought. It always looks easier for someone else. The photos are also lovely … Avery at the museum is a CLASSIC (very Wyeth-like).
Beautiful and ever so true words if I only I could think this clearly when chaos surrounds me, nice quote to.
The space in the photo made me think, our children are such a huge part of our lives, even when they are so small.
Thanks Jennifer, keep up the good work.
So true: the challenge is to keep working.
Thanks for working, Jenny: your work inspires me to carry on with my work.
This is a great post. On a gray day (like TODAY) I find myself very discouraged. Next time, maybe I will take out my camera and look for something beautiful to make the gloom lift and bring some inspiration back. So happy to read your words.
I hear ya! This is great to read while I am still doing my 365. Some days I do the comparing too… if only I had kids my own kids to photograph, if only I had this or that equipment, if only there was sun. But they are all just excuses, there are always good photos to be had, some are just harder to find I think. Thanks for the photo inspiration, I just love the fog and museum one… you are so talented!
P.S. I use a 40D too!
Thanks for the comments.
Abigail – I loved that you said, "if only I had my own kids to photograph…" I my kids really inspire the majority of my photos AND sometimes it's hard because of them. I've noticed that you use a 40D too. Again, when I'm making excuses anything will do.
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