Another huge source of creative inspiration for me has been photographer Deb Schwedhelm. Her work is ethereal, captivating, and simple beautiful... but on top of all that her writing also strikes a chord with me because it is so honest. Part of my journey as a photographer has been real desire to nail down how I want to define and shape my style. As I've said before, I believe that a huge part of developing your style is being able to recognize who you are as an individual and really tapping into what you can uniquely bring to the table with your gifts and talents - not simply fixating on what someone else does and attempting to emulate that (more amazing words on this here). All that being said, months ago when Deb announced that she was going to be doing her first ever workshop with friend and fellow photog Leah Zawadski - I jumped in with both feet. Especially when I saw this as the description for the retreat:
informative and inspiring.
open and honest.
creative and exciting.
a place where photographers and friends can gather together...
to share, learn and grow.
a wallflower friend...
a person who see's the world for what it really is, all the beauty and the ugly...
someone who knows life is only for the one who is not afraid and
that joy is only for him who does not fear to be alone.
you will never, not even if you try, forget a wallflower friend.
{adapted from urban dictionary}
So in preparation for the Wallflower Friends retreat, I've been combing through all my archives and finding/choosing photos that I love because I just love them... not because it is what a client would want or because everyone is looking and smiling... just because they resonate with ME.
informative and inspiring.
open and honest.
creative and exciting.
a place where photographers and friends can gather together...
to share, learn and grow.
a wallflower friend...
a person who see's the world for what it really is, all the beauty and the ugly...
someone who knows life is only for the one who is not afraid and
that joy is only for him who does not fear to be alone.
you will never, not even if you try, forget a wallflower friend.
{adapted from urban dictionary}
So in preparation for the Wallflower Friends retreat, I've been combing through all my archives and finding/choosing photos that I love because I just love them... not because it is what a client would want or because everyone is looking and smiling... just because they resonate with ME.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
wallflower friends.
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One of my MOST favorite photographers, Nick Onken, has just made some crazy awesome updates to his blog and portfolio site. From the moment I came across Nick's work a long time back, he captivated me with his sheer creative genius and willingness to share the knowledge he has gained along the way. Seriously, if you are looking for inspiration just read back through his blog archives and stroll through his portfolio images. They blow my mind.
He is also releasing his new book March 16th, which I'll surely be investing in. Check out details on that here.
Nick's images are just chock full of motion and emotion. I just want to camp out in his images sometimes...
He is also releasing his new book March 16th, which I'll surely be investing in. Check out details on that here.
Nick's images are just chock full of motion and emotion. I just want to camp out in his images sometimes...
Mallory says:
Nick Onken is one of my VERY favorites too! There is so much edge and energy in his work. They make you feel like your actually there, in the moment. This is a girl that never really idolized anyone growing up; that was just before I found Nick Onken :)
(03.04.10 @ 04:24 PM)
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crazy awesome inspiration: nick onken
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The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to
leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your
intuition. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover
is yourself." -- Alan Alda
One of the highlights of my trip to DC last week was spending some quality time in the US Botanical Garden. No, it's not your standard museum, but I found it captivating and quite possibly one of the most serene places I have been in a long time. I allowed myself to simply sit still (not something I'm very good at) and just take in the sweetness of the air, the beauty of the light passing though the greenhouse and the vast colors, shapes and designs that surrounded me. As I started to stroll with my camera in hand, I was struck with the sheer creativity displayed in the plants. I began to lose myself in trying to see everything from a new perspective, and losing myself with my camera in hand is one of the most delicious feelings. My self consciousness takes the back seat for a little while... I stop wondering if I look funny trying to lean over and shoot a certain angle... because what I'm seeing through my viewfinder becomes worthy of 100% of my attention. Yes, it is most certainly a delicious feeling to leave the city of my comfort and wander into the wilderness of my intuition.
So whether it's photography, or anything else... find that place for you :)
One of the highlights of my trip to DC last week was spending some quality time in the US Botanical Garden. No, it's not your standard museum, but I found it captivating and quite possibly one of the most serene places I have been in a long time. I allowed myself to simply sit still (not something I'm very good at) and just take in the sweetness of the air, the beauty of the light passing though the greenhouse and the vast colors, shapes and designs that surrounded me. As I started to stroll with my camera in hand, I was struck with the sheer creativity displayed in the plants. I began to lose myself in trying to see everything from a new perspective, and losing myself with my camera in hand is one of the most delicious feelings. My self consciousness takes the back seat for a little while... I stop wondering if I look funny trying to lean over and shoot a certain angle... because what I'm seeing through my viewfinder becomes worthy of 100% of my attention. Yes, it is most certainly a delicious feeling to leave the city of my comfort and wander into the wilderness of my intuition.
So whether it's photography, or anything else... find that place for you :)
jen hunt says:
i want to bring a cup of coffee and a book and stay here for 3 days..
(02.01.10 @ 09:20 AM)
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creativity from the source.
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I still find each day too short
for all the thoughts I want to think,
all the walks I want to take,
all the books I want to read,
and all the friends I want to see.
-author unknown
Somewhat randomly, I'm spending this week in DC and I must say that being in a new place (especially one as fabulous as this) seems to waken my senses. This morning I walked with my dear friend Claire to work, then sipped my coffee and I walked and walked into downtown DC and right up to the Lincoln Memorial. As I walked I was reminded of my days in Chicago, the hustle and bustle of everyone getting to work, and the variety of fashion/shapes/sizes. I laughed to myself about how different my morning walks are now... around a quiet neighborhood, with a big pup in tow. But this is good for me, like I said, I feel like I was experiencing the sights and sounds with a heightened awareness. I truly believe that sometimes just breaking out of what is familiar and routine can be the best thing to refresh your perspective.
So after my initial walk about, I headed back the Claire's house and started again with my camera in tow. Stopping at anything and everything that struck me as beautiful or interesting. Here are some of the sights along the path between her house and her office. My challenge to her is to see if she can spot all these the next time she makes the walk herself :)
for all the thoughts I want to think,
all the walks I want to take,
all the books I want to read,
and all the friends I want to see.
-author unknown
Somewhat randomly, I'm spending this week in DC and I must say that being in a new place (especially one as fabulous as this) seems to waken my senses. This morning I walked with my dear friend Claire to work, then sipped my coffee and I walked and walked into downtown DC and right up to the Lincoln Memorial. As I walked I was reminded of my days in Chicago, the hustle and bustle of everyone getting to work, and the variety of fashion/shapes/sizes. I laughed to myself about how different my morning walks are now... around a quiet neighborhood, with a big pup in tow. But this is good for me, like I said, I feel like I was experiencing the sights and sounds with a heightened awareness. I truly believe that sometimes just breaking out of what is familiar and routine can be the best thing to refresh your perspective.
So after my initial walk about, I headed back the Claire's house and started again with my camera in tow. Stopping at anything and everything that struck me as beautiful or interesting. Here are some of the sights along the path between her house and her office. My challenge to her is to see if she can spot all these the next time she makes the walk herself :)
claire says:
this SERIOUSLY makes my walk to work come alive and puts a story behind it. thank you! i really wish i could walk to work with you every morning! oh...and challenge accepted:).
(01.26.10 @ 05:27 PM)
Katie says:
Why wasn't I invited?!?
(01.26.10 @ 08:18 PM)
Meredith says:
for reals....
(01.27.10 @ 11:58 AM)
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claire's walk to work.
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The
moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed
before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is
something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh
Last week I had a really fun one-on-one teaching session with a client/friend, and I arranged for little man Eli to come model for us!
Over the course of the past few years I've watched several of my best friends become new mom's and I have to say that it truly is a marvelous transition. Watching them guide and help grow a new little life, well it sometimes makes a happy little lump in my throat. Angie, Eli's mom, is certainly no exception... she is an amazing mother to both Noah and Eli. But honestly, just look at Eli... how could you not be head over heels for those dark eyes and velvety cheeks? Not only is this little guy growing like crazy (this was just him a few short weeks ago), but I think he just might be getting more deliciously handsome with each passing day. Thanks for sharing him with us Angie!
Last week I had a really fun one-on-one teaching session with a client/friend, and I arranged for little man Eli to come model for us!
Over the course of the past few years I've watched several of my best friends become new mom's and I have to say that it truly is a marvelous transition. Watching them guide and help grow a new little life, well it sometimes makes a happy little lump in my throat. Angie, Eli's mom, is certainly no exception... she is an amazing mother to both Noah and Eli. But honestly, just look at Eli... how could you not be head over heels for those dark eyes and velvety cheeks? Not only is this little guy growing like crazy (this was just him a few short weeks ago), but I think he just might be getting more deliciously handsome with each passing day. Thanks for sharing him with us Angie!
meredith huntley says:
his chubby cheeks are beyond precious! :)
(01.05.10 @ 10:41 AM)
Beverly Daniels says:
Amy.....
Love it ! Of course, Me Mama Beverly is gonna love it. I need prints......!!!!!!!!!!
I thank God for your gift and looking thru the lens with the eyes of love!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless!
Beverly Daniels says:
Amy.....
Love it ! Of course, Me Mama Beverly is gonna love it. I need prints......!!!!!!!!!!
I thank God for your gift and looking thru the lens with the eyes of love!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless!
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry:
little man eli: continued
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hey there-finally checking all of the wallflower friends blogs! love your work so much!
(02.13.10 @ 10:31 AM)can you believe it..only one more month until we leave?!
so funny b/c i just posted the description of the workshop on my blog.
e.x.c.i.t.e.d!!!!!
cannot wait to meet you!
emily
i spy my favorite little girl! i can't wait to see how your heart and passion explode after this workshop! xoxxo
(02.13.10 @ 08:45 PM)Love these pics because they do feel like my sweet amy girl :) Do excited for you to go to the conference! I love your beautiful heart!
(02.16.10 @ 09:59 PM)