I’ve been negligent about keeping up with my blogging. Sometimes just trying to think about what to share makes my head hurt. So I blow it off and do something else!
But several days ago I got an email from a fellow photographer that made me think. Don’t get me wrong, I’m introspective to begin with, but this made me consider how I view myself and my art. It also gave me a nice little boost, which I really needed at the time.
I was asking this photographer about an organization I’m considering joining and I wanted to get a photographer’s perspective on it. She had taken a look at my website and in her email reply to me she referenced my "high end fashion photography".
This surprised me and the phrase ran through my head: “but I don’t do high end fashion photography!”
I photograph normal people with jobs, families, pets, PTA meetings, mortgages, car troubles and everything else that goes with a “normal” life. I just try to make them look spectacular through posing and lighting (not by taking years or pounds off them via Photoshop!) Okay, I have photographed a few models/aspiring models, but we didn’t do anything fancy at all, mainly on street photography using existing light.
But this did get me thinking about our self-perceptions. Not counting somebody with a really distorted image of themselves (such as an anorexic), the visions we have of ourselves often aren’t what other people see.
I think we all know classic beauties who scrutinize “flaws” that nobody else can even see. Or the guy who clearly has above average intelligence but he just keeps working in a menial job. Or the person who always sells himself short and has never recognized that they have an incredible talent for something.
I certainly never considered any of my photos as “high end fashion photography”. So I’m taking another look with a different eye. I can see similarities and I do try to make many of my clients look like models, but I think I consider my photography to be more artistic. As a result of this “new perspective”, I am emphasizing the artistic aspects of my photography more than I have in the past. It makes sense anyhow, since I’m also a painter.
How do you see yourself and your talents? Do you need to take a second view or to pay closer attention to what the people around you are saying? An old year is coming to an end and a new one is beginning, so now might be the time to take another look at yourself.
To repeat some wise words: “Change your perspective and you change your life.”
Photos by Colleen D. Gjefle / © 2011 / GJFOTO.com
Great Post! See yourself as you want to be seen. Love that.
Colleen, You hit the nail on the head. I like the last line “Change your perspective and you change your life.” I like to photograph anything…but another photographer said to me recently… “I’m Joe from anywhere. How do I know your photographs when I see them?” In other words, what is my style? What is my signature? The photos from this post show your signature well, in my opinion. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks Ginger. And thanks for the link to your album gallery. Have some great images but I think I enjoyed your Myrtle Beach vacation pics!! Love the ones with the kids playing with the light sabers!