Thursday, April 26, 2012

Takes My Breath Away


When I first read the assignment, I assumed I should attempt to create the most fabulous, breathtaking image I'd ever shot and edited. I envisioned a big set up and trying to do something clever with light and processing.

 

But this has been a difficult few weeks. 

 

Instead, the words took on a different meaning. Frankly, it's felt a bit claustrophobic around here. It hasn't taken much to for me to feel like I didn't have much breath in my lungs between paying taxes, releasing a new texture pack, sharing a car with a husband who was working long hours away from home, losing a washing machine and an external drive, tons of school and sports activities, and the untimely passing of some people who were dear to me.

 

My tank was empty.

 

On Tuesday, someone asked for an example from an old session. I'm not the most organized girl and it got me looking thru a bunch of old pictures I'd taken and never "developed". I started thinking about these lost images and the forgotten beauty in them. In my personal archives, sometimes my focus was off, or perhaps my kid's expression didn't seem quite "right", or perhaps I'd under or overexposed the shot or flat out hadn't nailed the composition. But there was an honesty and a simplicity in some of these forgotten shots from days at the park or afternoons at the beach that I loved.

 

So I'm putting on my mommy-goggles and I'm allowing myself to enjoy the simple authentic beauty in these moments and I'm sharing them with you. I'm sure they will underwhelm you but you know what is in my heart. These are treasured moments when I wasn't begging a kid to look at me, to sit here, to wear something else, to stop tickling his brother. Just moments that were real and relaxed. I added a texture and a few curves, but largely left them as they were shot, editing time about 15 minutes total. I wanted them to stay simple and unglamorous.

 

And in remembering these moments, I felt myself reviving a bit. I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed, but remembering what is at the heart of photography and why I ever wanted to do it reminds me that creating art without expectations can be very healing. That it isn't about processing, or textures, or wardrobe or props. It's about remembering the everyday beauty in our lives and the days we have to spend with the people we love.

 

Swinging...
















Thanks for listening. Now prepare to be inspired by the rest of the group! Next up the talented Becky Earl.

10 comments:

  1. I love this Jessica. I hear you about life being overwhelming right now. Hang in there. xoxo Beautiful post!

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  2. I am sorry you are having such a rough time. Your pictures are beautiful and inspiring. I love the first one that is out of focus. There is something so intriguing about it. It really draws me in.

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  3. Hang in there and take life moment to moment. These images are beautiful, I could get lost in them.

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  4. real.life...is always inspiring and beautiful. i hope things get better quickly. just love his little front tooth peeking out!

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  5. hardly underwhelming lovely lady....i've always been the most touched by the purest moments in photography. these are keepsakes for sure. i'm glad you went a diggin' and shared them. a perfect post for the topic. you're a beautiful soul. take some deep breaths (i know...doesn't work for me either) and let life sink in. sunnier days ahead. xoxoxoxoxo

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  6. these images are crazy awesome Jess. the light well everything.. the way they say kid-dom to me.. just wonderful.. sorry you are running on empty.. when you get some time treat yourself to something just for you.. love ya

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  7. Authenticity. That's what this is. That's what you are. Wonderful stuff, Jessica.

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  8. I was so inspired by your post. It is a simple truth that you forget as a photographer. We are so worried about getting everything perfect, that we forget to simply admire what is already perfect around us. Thanks for the encouraging words and hope the stress in your life subsides very soon!

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  9. Thank you for helping me remember about perspective. Very great post. Beautiful images.

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  10. you captured this week's theme perfectly! you are so talented

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