Insight - Warrnambool Photographer
INSIGHT
For Families + Photographers
Each month I hope to share with you a little something that I have found to be insightful, interesting, useful, educational, enjoyable or just plain funny... This could include anything from resources, recommendations, books, photography tools, business tips, challenges, projects, and more. Here are this months insights - I hope you discover something you'll enjoy too.
PS: There is also a little sweet treat for anyone who books a session this winter but you’ll need to sign up to find out more xx
READING
'ANY ORDINARY DAY' - By Leigh Sales
’Somehow we need to be aware that we’re mortal, that this time is finite… It’s knowing this is all going to end, so let’s make it matter.’
I picked this book up at the library and couldn't put it down. Often we forget that life can suddenly change forever when a completely random and unimaginable event or tragedy strikes. It's easy to take for granted our everyday normal and forget that life is at times so fragile. Sales explore's this notion of 'Blindsides' and takes a meaningful and well researched look at how we process our fears around the possibility of such events occurring. She dives deeply into understanding our human capacity for resilience and through a series of interviews with various people who have faced the unimaginable, uncovers untold human strength, hope and even humour in the aftermath. This is an utterly compelling, heartfelt and candid read. Put it beside your bed, you wont want to turn the lights out!
LISTENING TO
I recently discovered NICK BROADHURST a Byron Bay singer songwriter who mixes 'lush, cinematic pop orchestrations with simple, heartfelt lyrics'. His music is the perfect accompaniment to any late night editing session and he may well have earned a spot up there with my old favourite's FELIX RIEBL and DAMIEN RICE. Have a listen and tell me what you think - Perhaps for next month I could work on putting together a Spotify playlist for you...?
ALSO ... I don't know about you but I spend hours in the car and whenever I get the chance, I love to listen to pod casts. My favourites usually revolve around themes of business, marketing, SEO, personal development, motivation and photography.
This week I wanted to share Elizabeth Gilbert's Pod cast 'Magic Lessons' which would have to be put in the motivational and personal development categories. I have listened to several episodes now and can't help going back for the golden nuggets of wisdom that she share's with both the listener and her guests. Gilbert speaks directly to the essence of what every creative is striving to communicate. She understands the struggles both internal and external and breaks them down with her innate wisdom and honesty. If you need a dose of motivation then start with her latest Episode “Show Up Before You’re Ready” featuring Glennon Doyle Melton. Despite her very American and at times religious approach I think her messages are generous and authentic and I can't help but feel like her work is a gift to all creatives. Have a listen!
FOLLOWING
Social media for me has lost a lot of its appeal. Instagram in particular with all its advertisements, sponsored posts and new algorithm is not nearly as exciting as it used to be. At times however I do come across certain artists and creatives who totally blow me away and it's these such discoveries that keep me coming back for more...
This month thanks to SM I stumbled upon Jenna Christina. Jenna is based in the San Francisco Bay Area and specialises in newborn, baby and family photos sessions. Her style is 100% documentary and she features a lot of black and white imagery in her work. Her message 'real is more interesting than perfect' is one of pure authenticity and she focuses entirely on capturing life as it unfolds with no direction or posing. Her blog is also full of amazing content for both photographers and her clients. If you have the time to get totally lost in her emotive family imagery and beautifully written posts then swing over to have a read HERE.
CREATING
So many photographers talk about taking on personal projects to refine their own unique and individual photography style. The benefits that come with practising something everyday are obvious, repetition and practice just can't be overestimated. So with this, I decided (after a few previous failed attempts) to tackle a 365 project head on this year.
A 365, as its name suggests, is a commitment to taking a photo every day. I do this and upload them to an app called Collect which collates the imagery into an online calendar. I have to admit this hasn't been easy. Creative ruts are real, but by pushing yourself beyond your normal limitations you really do start to develop your creativity, understand your why and capture fleeting moments that would be otherwise gone forever.
In order to keep myself accountable, I have been sharing my pics occasionally via my social media stories but I also wanted to share a few favourites from this month with you here.
There is no doubt I took some really crappy pics on the days that I just didn't have the time or inclination but do you know what ... each one of those crappy pics holds a memory or meaning that I am pleased I actually preserved and in years to come despite them not being technically brilliant or outstandingly creative I will still treasure them as a small moment that mattered to me.
If you feel the need to take on a personal project then I would definitely say give it a shot. For some further inspiration on developing your creativity with personal projects, you could check out this post from GURU Anna Hardy. Anna is Amazing and I want to tell you all about her next month so stay tuned!
