Sunday, August 25, 2013

Decorator turned Photographer

I love taking photos, really, I do ... but I've never thought of myself as a photographer. Over the years, I've taken some pretty nice photos of my yard and of my home and design work, but I always chocked them up to luck, and a pretty decent camera. So when a coordinator of the Lewiston Jazz Festival called me last Tuesday to ask if I would photograph the event on Saturday, I was both excited and bewildered ... was I really good enough to call myself a photographer and be this successful event's only source of 2014 marketing material? 


What made it even more scary was the fact that I've been kinda down in the dumps lately. My creativity is at an all time low. So, when I showed up, camera in hand, there was a great deal of trepidation.


I started snapping photos, one after the other, until 7 hours had passed and 900 photos had been taken. Then last night, I stayed up for hours checking out the final product, cleaning them up a bit ... and something surprising happened.


I started to feel my mood alter. I was happy, excited, a little surprised, but most importantly something I've not felt in months ... proud. 


Slowly but surely, as I went through all of those pictures I snapped not really knowing if I had enough creative juice to make them worth anyone's while, I learned an important lesson. 


Creative people like you and me, never lose our creativity. 


From time to time, we may find ourselves in a lull. 


We may think it's time to throw in the towel, and do something less demanding and stressful. 


We may second guess ourselves at every turn ... feeling like nothing is as good as it should be. 


But eventually, the cloud lifts, and the brass saxophone appears. 


That creative gene reappears. Bolder and Invigorated. 


So, if like me, you've found yourself in a creative lull, or a moment of the blues ... 


Don't throw in the towel. 


Allow your creative ticker the time that it needs to recharge ... 


and it'll return the favor with a fresh and new perspective that will result in your best work yet ... 


Maybe even in an area you never knew you had talent. 


You're special ... and stand out in a crowd. 


Talent transcends. 
Lull's pass.
And it all gets better.
Promise.

28 comments:

  1. Lovely work, Artie, especially the second image. Your message is a good one to remember.
    Best...Victoria

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    1. Thanks Victoria ... there were great ones, but I can't share. :(

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  2. Thank you, thank you! Our Lord knew what I needed this Sunday, and it was you!

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  3. Love this. I'm sharing this with my singer-songwriter daughter. I think that she'll appreciate it. Thanks. Cherry Kay

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    1. I hope she does Cherry Kay. Thank you for coming by.
      A

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  4. Talent transcends indeed. Many of these are wonderful, Artie. Very nice job. And I do believe I spy with my little eye the Frontier House.

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    1. Yes sir. There was a stage on the porch of Frontier House. Some great photos couldn't be shared here ... but they'll be out there in 2014. :)

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  5. What a great post! Just what I needed! And I soooo wish they had that Festival while I was growing up there.Go Niagara!

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    1. Wish it were here in Niagara Falls Chris C. It was in Lewiston. They have everything figured out. We really should take a page from their playbook.
      xoxo,
      A

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  6. Hey Artie, great shots here! My favorite is the sax. Then the one with the drumsticks and wallet and watch -- very unexpected. Glad that whole experience got you out of a funk. And I do agree, all creative types slide that slippery slope from time to time. I'm fighting that with my blog. Just busy doing instead of writing about doing and no ambition to put my day into words. Burnout I suppose. Glad you are back in action ;-)

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    1. Thank you Carol! Burnout happens. But you'll get reinvigorated by something unexpected. You'll see!
      xoxo,
      A

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  7. Artie dear,

    The only one who doubted your incredible creativity was you! So glad to hear you are feeling it again!

    xoxo
    Mimi

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  8. Who knew your creativity would come out in this special way? I loved your advice about trusting in your own creative abilities. Mine have been dormant. I refuse to pick up a paint brush because I don't trust that the talent I once had could be awakened again. Why can't I just paint with abandon and forget about trying so hard to be at the level I was when I layed down the paint brush so long ago?

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    1. Peggy you have to just get yourself a couple of canvases and start layering on the color. I think once you have talent in that area, it's like riding a bike. The first time you get back on you may wobble a bit, but once you've pedaled a ways, you'll be on your way to the Tour d'France!! You can do it, I believe in you!
      xoxo,
      A

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  9. Dear Artie,
    I am so excited that you did this. Really amazing photography! See what taking that challenge accomplished!
    I also may pick up the brush again. I do need to order a cross bottle...I hope you are still creating some; as I do have your ad up!!

    email me when you have time. kalbert1@kc.rr.com

    xoxo
    Karena
    Feature: Artist Anne Harwell

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    1. Hey Karena,
      Cross Bottles have been one of the things that has suffered with this sort of lull in my creativity. But the one that is on the site has been there for a month or more - with no interest. So, I don't know that I'm missing too much in the way of business. I should have more made by October. :)
      xoxo,
      A

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  10. Great photographs! You are a photographer! Love them all!

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  11. Applause, applause. Wonderful, heartfelt images that has brought the event to life through your images.

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    1. Thank you Katherine!
      I so appreciate it!
      xoxo,
      A

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  12. feel like I'm there wonderful eye!

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    1. Thanks Victoria. It was a fantastic event. Oh - and they asked me to do it next year, too!
      YAY!
      xoxo,
      A

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  13. Dear Artie -
    These photos are superb! They are intimate and dignified. I really love many of them, and felt as if I was there sitting in that crowd. Well done!!
    Cheers,
    Loi

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  14. What an an inspiring post for all of us that feel we are just missing the mark at times. Your photos captured the soul of the event...well done!!

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  15. wow you are rallllllllllllllllllllly great!!! so proud o fyou.

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