Last week Kir guest wrote about what it means to her to be a Naked Girl in a Dress. This week, Alexandra of Good Day, Regular People, was the guest writer with a similar message.
Alexandra wrote about what draws her into a particular blog: what she loves to read. Alexandra seeks out authenticity. She wrote about someone writing in their soul before tapping it out on a keyboard. Alexandra stated these naked writers are brave.
Brave
What I discovered in myself this week is that while I am capable of being naked here, I am not comfortable on the same level with my photography. Right now I feel as I did in the first few months of blogging. In the beginning I felt nauseous each time I hit the Publish button because again I had just shared with the world my deepest thoughts and feelings.
How would it be received?
Did I really want to share so much?
With complete clarity this week I realized why my Portfolio class is so difficult for me. Yes, it is stressful for anyone to review their body of work with the instructor and pick 15 images that best represents a photographer’s style and ability. But my issue goes beyond this; I don’t even want to share images with my instructor.
Each week I am to bring in new images. We review, compare to what has made the cut so far, and work out what should be brought in the next week. For several weeks I have been bringing very few to class. Each meeting I tell the instructor if I don’t think they are worthy, I am not going to let him review.
Yes, I am stubborn.
And a little too critical of my work at this stage.
This stress has affected my ability to shoot lately. My last few photo shoots have been frustrating; I just couldn’t make it all come together.
Just recognizing what is happening in me has helped me to relax with my camera. Yesterday I shot and felt I was in my groove again. It was a beautiful evening with a cool breeze blowing. I set up my shots on the deck, cranked Pandora, and enjoyed the experience.
I still have progress to make, but now that I know the issue, I will work towards feeling more free sharing my images.
Naked and brave with my images.
That is what I strive for right now.
Instead of telling you the multiple flaws in the images I made last night, I will just share a few without commentary. And I will work through the nauseous feeling that will take hold after I hit publish today.
For Song of the Week I am sharing a song from the photo shoot last night. I listened to Louis Armstrong Radio on Pandora. Louis Armstrong’s song “Le Vie En Rose” is one of my favorites.
Enjoy!
Happy Friday!
Comments
5 responses to “Getting Naked and Brave as a Photographer”
I think the photos are fantastic. You should be proud of them.
If there are flaws in those photographs, I am not seeing them! They’re beautiful! I understand that nauseous feeling when you hit “publish”, but really, rest assured, you are very talented and your readers love you for who you are. I know I do. :)
I’m no expert on photography but in my opinion, those photos are great.
I get it. I really do.
For me, it seems like because something I CREATE will be on display, rather than who I AM, it feels more raw and exposed. I haven’t yet figured out why that is, but that seems to be the theme for me when I’m struggling like you’ve described.
And for the record, I think your photographs are beautiful!
So, just a quickie, if you don’t mind the help…
First, get a piece of paper (just one sheet) and write down your principles, goals, or why you’re a photographer.
Shorter is better
Now, whenever you get ready to show…
READ your list again and be sure you’re still on the same track.
What you are accomplishing with this exercise is eliminating your fears, shyness, or trepidation.
Because if your photography meets YOUR approval…
then you’ve already won the battle.
And then you’re sharing your success story with others.
d=^))