I've been working on my stuff. By this I mean I'm thinking a lot lately about how to get "better" as a photographer . For me, to define "better" is hard.

Better at:

1. Photoshop/Lightroom?

2. Manual mode?

3. Capturing in camera?

4. Understanding my subject?

5. Marketing?

6. Blogging/FB/Twitter/Flickr?

7. Lighting?

For me the answer lies in a mix of all of these answers. Take a look at these two, very important pictures.

I had the privilage of creating images with a family in early October of this year it kind of changed how I look at photography. I was there to shoot pics of the family together and also to shoot the senior pics for thier daughter. In between clothing changes for her, I asked these two to sit in this chair and to NOT smile. I was very adamant, DO NOT SMILE. These are some of the images that I captured. They were in hysterics, they couldn't sit still, and I was laughing just as hard as they were. Who could resist making images at this time. It was magical. These two young kids showed me that this SHOULD be a fun, exciting time. Learning things like this are what I'm trying to get better at. It's a process. I'm slowly learning to catch cues when they happen. So... for me to get "better" means to be just a little more open to those cues the next time I go out to create art.

Slow down.

Create images with meaning.

Observe.

We live in a fast paced world and it's important for us, as artists, to take a step back and chill out a bit. Relax and create great images that tell stories. I'm working on just that. How about you? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. What are you dealing with in your photographic career?

This is just one more thing that I will be adding to my list of "hope to accomplish". Hopefully it will stick. We'll see.