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Because how could I not?!?! But…before I do…I really need to say a genuine heartfelt thank you to every single one of you who commented. You can not possibly imagine how blessed I was to read your words. I read every single comment…and I was inspired, encouraged, HUMBLED, and thankful for every single one of...
Congratulations Dana! Excited for you!
Congratulations Dana! You are one lucky girl! Have fun. 
Congratulations Dana, I know you will have an amazing time. And thank you Sandi for opening my eyes. I really hope to be blessed enough this spring to take your workshop. I’m shooting for the April workshop
Congrats Dana! That rocks and you are blessed! Have fun
WOW! I loved her comment. By what she said has changed my way of thinking!!
Thanks you!!
I have tried a couple of times to join your Project 52 and have yet to succeed and get an email from you. Any idea what the problem is? I would love the challenge! THANKS…I just discovered your work last week and love it.
What a touching testimonial of your work and process of photography! Love the images from that session she referred to as well.
I received notice I had won Friday…at the carwash…via my cell phone. I was shaking so much I dropped my phone. I really do try not to be dramatic; but I seriously lost control of my hands. To top it off I couldn’t respond because I have been out of town all weekend…computer free!
I am so grateful for the many kind responses and congratulations! I am so grateful for this unexpected opportunity! I ALMOST did not enter this contest. I knew how I felt after reading Sandi’s “INSPIRE” post and I wrote about it…and then did nothing…for two nights. TAKE RISKS, BE INSPIRED, BE REAL – GROW. I hit “send” late Thursday night; not for the amazing giveaway – but for the opportunity to BE REAL, TAKE A RISK and ultimately…GROW.
I am beyond excited for Sandi’s workshop. Thank you, Sandi, for this amazing opportunity and for continuing to inspire us all!
Peace, Progress and P-FifTy Two!!!
CREATE :: INSPIRE :: BE INSPIRED :: BE REAL :: GROW :: CAPTURE :: SEE, TRULY SEE :: TAKE RISKS :: BE UNIQUE :: BE AN ARTIST :: BE ME I’m feeling all of those things…very deeply this year. I feel a desperation for those things really…a desperation to reconnect with the art of photography…and...
151 comments
Thanks first of all for being so REAL and open! The one that spoke the loudest to me was the Artist. I have had people describe me as an artist and I have corrected them and said I am a photographer. That’s true of photographer creating art … therefore, I am an artist!!! Thanks for the inspiration – much needed!
Oh my goodness! Would love to win this! First, I am inspired by your amazing talent! You rock. But to you questions..I was inspired mostly by the capture one. As a photographer and a mother, I really want to get that portal into the light and the lives of those I am photographing. To capture them with that inner light coming out. So this is always my goal…and this year, I want to keep doing that, and be more patient in my personal life! Thanks for doing this!
I want to take risks.. I want to take them with my business, my art, and my life. No risk, no reward right? Thank you for all of this wonderful inspiration. xoxo
Taking Risks. I want to be more creative but where do you find creativity? I don’t want to be safe and go for the smile, I want to do different things be edgier and different. Kristina
“I need to BE INSPIRED because a stagnant photographer is not an artist. The whole world is filled with inspiration…and I need to allow myself the time and the freedom to indulge in it.”
I agree whole heartedly with this statement. My goal for 2011 is to continue to find inspiration in the world around me. I want my photography to constantly be changing and evolving.
That was SO good Sandi. And I’m so happy that you decided to start Project 52. I’m so glad to be participating in it. So many of those struck something within me, but I think the loudest 2 were being real and growing this year. I want to be real, be raw… with people and myself…and to stretch myself in every area. I would love to come to one of your workshops but I’m not sure if you allow fellow area photogs to do so. Either way, I’m glad to be taking this year long challenge with so many great people!
Loved this post..all of it and would love to win a spot at your workshop. For me this year I want to be ME and have my photography express what I like.
You are the top of my list for photographers that inspire me!! What really resonates with me is being unique. I really want find my own place in this industry so my goal this year is to learn to be the best I can be AS ME and to find a way to be unique in my area as an artist.
Oh my…this would be terrifical!!
What most spoke/speaks to me is to BE REAL. While this isn’t something new to me, it’s something I need to be constantly reminded of. I can’t be something or someone I wasn’t created to be. I just would never fit into a mold that wasn’t shaped correctly. I struggle with finding out who I really am. I know Who I WANT to be. I am more real today than I was yesterday and will be even maore real tomorrow.
Lisa
I’ve been giving some of this a lot of thought lately. Thank you for the opportunity to share where my musings have led me. The word “create” is a misnomer when discussing the human’s ability to produce something. Only God has the unique ability to bring about something from nothing. Mankind uses that which is to form something else – a different shape, medium, element… but there is “nothing new under the sun.” My search for increased creativity has led to nothing but discouragement and sometimes despair, simply because I’m running after something that CANNOT
This blog post is as if you reached into my brain and saw what I have been trying to verbalize. Thank you!
I think the “Be Me” is what is challenging me the most this year. I can’t be everything to everyone. In life or my work. I have to figure out how to be comfortable with that.
be (hit the wrong button, darn!) It has helped me put my own drive into perspective by changing the way I look at this very topic you’ve posted. I am still formulating my own response to the rudimentary truth of my inability to create at all. But this year, I intend for my focus to be this: “What will I do with what I’ve been given?” I aspire to more deeply realize my own potential to take what I have and turn it into something that is uniquely me. I could go on. Succinct I am not. But thanks again for giving a small outlet for these stifled thoughts which none of the wonderful, supportive people in my little life can truly say they understand. I do not need to be in the running for your extremely generous offer since I can’t be in Scottsdale in Feb. But I wanted to share with you that you do often motivate me to think, to examine my viewpoint and my skills, and to do more. Thank you, Sandi.
This would be an amazing opportunity! I am inspired by the whole post! But mostly about the taking risks!
I want to grow my business and myself… 2 things that can not happen with out taking risks!
SEE-TRULY SEE…..I have realized through just these last 2 weeks of PROJECT 52 that so much of life and especially people just pass me by with a bare notice. This weeks assignment of taking a photo of a total stranger has made me really look at everyone I pass by, and by doing that I realize how much I didnt SEE before. Thanks You for that Sandi!!!!
Not only are you a fantastic photographer..but a beautiful writer as well! Everything you said is an inspiration to me, but I think I take heart to the idea of taking risks. I am terrified to step out..terrified of failure, so much so, that I don’t just take the risk. I think that it is very profound. If you don’t step out, you will forever be in a rut..and it really IS it’s own source of failure! Thank you!
I ADORE this post — seriously this is amazingly fabulous and I LOVE how real you are and how you share your feelings on things so vibrantly!
That picture — I adore. Plain and simple. Adoration is abundant
My favorite? CAPTURE. I need to see beyond so that merges into other things on your list, but capture moments, memories, not just big cheesy grins of my children but MORE — to see and capture the world around me in ways I haven’t previously done.
♥
If I win or not, I must say Thank You. From the bottom of my heart. Not only for the inspiration but also for your generosity. There is not enough people in the world like yourself.
That being said, what most inspired me from your list, is Be inspired. I think all artist derive there inspiration from the things around them and many other things. I just want to open myself more…heart, mind and soul to having a better ability of feeling that inspiration.
And in my own life I want to grow. There is always room as a person to grow, become a better person and hopefully help others to grow as well. But to also grow as a photographer and artist. Im still in the fetal stages of this amazing journey of photography. Everyday I learn something new, and I hope that daily growth never stops. In life and photography.
Great post. loved it. i need to be ME. I want to show photography in my own way…and not the way that everyone else does it. i’m bored, i’ve seen it, i’m uninspired…it’s time to refocus. it’s exciting to think about the growth that will occur during project 52! Thanks for the post.
Thank you Sandi for the opportunity for someone to win such an ‘amazing’ gift. The statement that has inspired me the most is ‘Be Me’. I’ve experienced tremendous change in my life over the last three years (i.e., career change, moving to another state, becoming pregnant/having a baby after 15 years of marriage, to no longer having a career, to moving again, to being a stay at home mom). All this is leading me to discover a new me, without losing the real me, because it’s the only me. With this being said, I always pray that my pictures inspire or touch people; however, I know that I must be inspired first, for I am my hardest critic. This tells me to never stop learning, and to never stop growing in my work.
I must say that people like you are what truly inspires me. I am fairly new to the photo world, and I live in a very “photographer populated” area so its really hard to find others that truly want to inspire or help other people grow. So today sitting here in tears as I read your post it gives me new light and new hope that I will be able to grow and succeed. It would be a total honor to come and learn from you. Thank you.
First of all, this post was truly inspiring. Thank you for such an intimate view into your heart. I need to GROW as a photographer. It is a blessing to be able to admire the talent and gifts of other artists, but I want to learn new skills so that my work will one day be as amazing as the others. Project 52 has been wonderful to stir the creative juices. Thanks for the post.
Take risks! This year I need to take business risks as well as creative risks! I guess the worse I can do is fail! Thanks for this wonderful post!
I know this isn’t ORIGINAL, but it’s genuine….THANK YOU for your words and your beauty. I stalked…err, looked at your blog yesterday for quite a while and I was truly inspired. Not just by your amazing photographs (they do rock) but by YOU. I loved to read your blog posts. Love that you always seem to post about being behind/trying to catch up/meant to post sooner! Love your Friday movie night and Sunday at your parents. You just seem so refreshingly real. Love that.
I loved your phrase “proverbial photographer PJs.” LOL I’d live in my PJs if I could.
And I loved Ed’s quote about his eyes being the equipment he uses. So tired of “friends” asking me what camera I use, what lens. It’s my eye people!
I believe I’d like to work on taking risks with regard to photography and perhaps one day a little business. I would like to spend this entire next year learning, experimenting, failing, succeeding, finding my voice/style, growing and having fun while doing it.
Intention is my word of the moment and I would like to be intentional about appreciating the beauty in the every day. All those every day moments and average snap shots where the kids aren’t dressed the way I want them = my life. The sum of my parts. To not worry if the laundry isn’t done (can I get an Amen?) or the house isn’t perfect. I will allow myself the freedom to do/look/visit/explore/create/admire – take in all that inspires me. It’s everywhere and it’s available to each of us.
I am already signed up for your workshop in AZ and am very much looking forward to it. Thank you for this post. I’m going to be intentional about making my own list that defines me! You’ve inspired so many.
The one thing that really stood out to me was BE INSPIRED – “The whole world is filled with inspiration…and I need to allow myself the time and the freedom to indulge in it.” For me, I need to remember that this is not a race – it is a lifelong journey I signed up for when I started calling myself a “photographer”. I will never learn everything. I will always be a student. I need to accept this and slow down so I can not only learn, but be truly inspired.
You had me at “be inspired”… especially the part about giving yourself the time and freedom to explore your inspiration. This past year has been one of tremendous growth for me, but already I can begin to feel the spinning of my wheels as I get mired in the same kinds of photo shoots, poses, etc. Thanks!
First of all, I’m so glad I happened apon your site…your talent, and yes…your inspiration. I am very new to this whole “photography” business thing. Infact, I just launched my business January 1st and my site is still under construction. ha ha ha. Okay, I would LOVE to win this…but to be honest, I’m not sure I could afford to go. I still want to comment, because the part about “Be an Artist” has given me a sense of belonging. It’s so hard…as I’m sure most of you know, to be the new kid. It’s hard when people ask me “why?”, “what equipment do I use”, “it’s a tough business, are you sure you want to do this?” (no i don’t get asked the last one very often…but it’s still been tossed out there. I am not persuing this because I want to say “I’m a photographer” when someone asks what I do for a living. Infact, my dream for the majority of my life has been to say “I’m an artist”. Great Photographers are artists. They can take a moment in time, and caputure it…beautifully. It’s the same as a painter with a brush. Not everyone can pick up a brush and create their own version of a Monet. So…I will say “I am an Artist!” I use photography as an expression of my art, my creative being…ME! I want to learn and grow and live this every day. Every bit of your post has been inspiring, I could elaborate on every point. However, I will stick with “be an artist” because that’s what motivates me every day. It’s what allows me to say “yes, I do belong” when the doubt starts creeping in. I have a talent…I am a photographer…and I am an artist!
Sandi girl, you INSPIRE me DAILY! This post in particular..I’m going to reuse the quote you found on Ed’s website in that I need to remember that MY EYES are the only thing that is truly unique. My vision, the WAY I see the world, and most importantly in this business, the WAY I CHOOSE TO CAPTURE IT! I’ve been in a bit of a rut lately (who knew!) and down on myself for not being financially able to get what i think i need to continue to grow and develop my craft more daily. What I’ve come to realize in the past few weeks is that i need to be TRUE to ME….and how I see things, and less how I THINK other’s want to see them. If I am not unique, I am not ME! Thanks to Project 52, my family, and yourself, I’m realizing that more every day.
Love ya “twin.”
Take Risks! That stood out the most to me, that is the one thing I am afraid to do. I hold myself back from moving forward, CONSTANTLY. I need to be willing to put myself out there and not be afraid of the outcome. I’m inspired by all of the things you’ve written, but that one spoke to me on a very personal and professional level.
To BE ME…I need to sit back and be me sometimes. I’m so many different people sometimes and I love to be (mom, wife, cook, driver, scheduler etc). I want to focus on who I am in Christ and show that through my life’s work.
Wow! What a wonderful gift! I am DYING to go to one of your workshops – I just absolutely love your work. 
)
I can relate to each thing you said, but the one that spoke to me the most was “GROW.” I know I have a lot of work ahead to improve my skills to become the photographer I want to be and know I can be. I have put together my own little list of things I want to do this year to GROW and improve as a photographer. My own personal goal for 2011 is to photograph my family more often…without the posing! I definitely don’t document my own life as much as I should!
Yes! I want to ‘be’ all these things this year too! But most of all… I want to be unique. I find myself drooling over very, tremendously, amazingly talented photographers and trying to ‘be’ them. But what makes my work special, my own, is that it’s MINE. And I want to tap into my me-ness this year and make my own way. Do I want to be inspired by other? Yes! I just was! But I want it to enhance MY art… THANK YOU SANDI! *i hope i win i hope i win i hope i win*
SEE-really see…that speaks to me because sometimes I get in the day to day rush of building my business to where I so badly want to see it be, that I forget to slow down and take in what is going on around me. Before I started my business I could see beauty in everything and everyone, I feel some-days I just loose that ability-because I am to focused on other things. Thank you for the inspiration to really “see” the reason I picked up a camera in the first place.
You are a true inspiration.
WOW!!!! Not sure I can pick one thing from your list. My last few years have been hard and full of risks, So I have had enough of that for now. This year we moved back to NJ (home) from Colorado where I was a high school digital photo teacher, I inspired and in the end found that teaching inspired me to find my love for photography (my college major) again. So when I moved home, I started my own business, well that’s kinda still a work in progress. That’s why I signed up for your workshop, I need some inspiration, direction, focus…so I can be an inspired artist. Ps. I checked out Ed Flores online, his work is quite impressive, thanks for the inspiration!
I am so inspired by everything about this post – especially your commitment to “Be Real”, because to me, that’s sometimes the scariest, riskiest action of all. Being real requires courage and strength of heart. It requires faith in yourself, commitment to yourself…confidence in yourself and trust in others. It requires acceptance of who you are, at the true core of your being, and it requires that you share that realness with others. There are so many things I’m dedicated to working on – not just this year, but always. Mostly, I am going to try very hard to Be Me – to find ME, and honor Me. There are so many amazing artists in our industry that it’s easy to get caught up wanting to imitate someone: “I want to shoot like THAT”, and “I want to style my shoots like HER”, and “I want to post process my images like HIM”. What I want is to be inspired by the world around me. I want to capture life, to create images that mean someTHING to someBODY. I want to create images that make people FEEL something. But I want to do it in a way that is uniquely ME. I want to learn from others but I want to take that and apply it in a way that reflects ME. I don’t want to be a mini-me of someone great. I want to be the best ME I can be, and give the best ME I can to my clients. And I hope that somewhere along the way, that translates into a successful photography career. But if not, that’s o.k. At least I’ll be ME
Although I would love to win a spot to one of your workshops it wouldn’t be possible for me…. Work, travel, kids, etc. But I still just wanted to let you know that you have helped me to come out of my comfort zone. I have always loved photograpy not only being behind the camera but looking at how other people see the world. I am by no means a professional photographer or an artist but it is the one thing that I really enjoy but have not had the courage to try to see if others see what I see when I look through the lens. So with that being said Project 52 has already helped me to be confident in what I am trying do and take to risks because thats the only way I will be able to grow and learn to actually one day be able to call myself a photographer.
SEE-TRULY SEE– -I used to truly see, but with all the business responsibilities I think I have lost my ability to see beauty in everything I come across. I feel like I have lost my creativity and I have been taking on 30 day projects and Project 52 that have already helped me get back on track of seeing the beauty through my eyes. MY goal this year is to be ME.. to simply be me and let that show through my photographs. I want people to see my photographs and just KNOW that it’s my photograph. Thank you for this as it has opened my eyes even more!
Wow, just reading this has truly inspired and moved me. You are so willing to put yourself out there. I think that is truly a very important part of being a photographer. We must take the risk and put ourselves out there every day when we shoot. I am inspired the most by being *real*. How many of us are really comfortable with who we are as a person and willing to be just us in front of everyone. This is also a resolution to me, I know not everyone will agree with me, and hey, some might not even like me, but I am ok with that(I think) because I like me. This is not my only goal this year, the other is to take risks. By being a starting photographer, it is a risk in itself. I need to take the plunge the rest of the way and know that God is guiding me to where I want to be/am supposed to be in life.
Thank you Sandi for being YOU!
Risk – when I read what you wrote about risk it hit me hard. I’m hiding behind the computer and not taking risk. I keep thinking I need to take more workshops, read more books and what more youtube videos. I need to just get out there and “Just DO IT” I’m going to make myself get out there, I’m not getting any younger.
I love this entire post. How can I choose just one of your goals as inspiration, I find inspiration in all of them. I guess if I have to choose the one that most fits into my goals it would be to grow. It is a goal of mine to grow as a photographer (a person, a friend, a wife, a daughter…)and really expand my knowlege and hopefully grow my talent. I finally have the equipment that I think will help drive me. So I guess a goal of mine for this year would be to learn how to use my equipment better (camera & photo editing software) to create amazing photographs.
Sandi– I feel so BLESSED to have stumbled across you on facebook!!! What an inspiration you are! Thank you sor sharing your heart! Your workshops were the very reason I kept coming back to your page! I cannot believe you are offering this and my heart is all a-flutter just thinking of the possiblility! I have so much to learn!! This is what you posted above that touch me the most ” we need to see the world…truly see it…not just look at it.” !!!!!!! LOVE LOVE!! ANd with our Project 52 assignment this week, I am determined to keep that in mind! THanks again for being so transparent! Praying God’s richest blessings & favor over you in 2011!!
What a generous gift, Sandi. You are such a great mentor for me even if I never do make it to one of your workshops. I need to do all of these things, but the one that stands out to me the most, for sure is “Taking risks”. As a well known “non risk taker” I have decided that this is my year to end that – to step outside of my “safe zone” and dive right in. And WHILE diving in, work on ALL of the other things that you listed, as well.
Definitely most inspired by needing to grow! So here’s a start and with a little bit of luck I’ll be able to kick off that growing in February. 
Amongst many mentioned above, the entire BE REAL and GROW paragraphs suit me to a T! It’s unbelievable. Also, when I get down, I need to keep my PMA (positive mental attitude) in check and forge ahead!!! I’ve come a LONG way in a short time… and I want to KEEP ON GROWING! YAY!
This is such an amazing opportunity! I would do anything to attend a workshop that you host You inspire me everyday! I absolutely love everything about your work.
From your list I am inspired most by taking risks. This year I have made a resolution to take risks. I have fallen into a comfort zone and I am digging my way out. I started at the beginning of this year with your Project 52. Every week it stretches me to do things I normally would not do. I normally take pictures for “work” and forget to take them for me. So this year I plan to use my talents for more than just what I am used to. I plan to expand my portfolio to a whole new leave!
Again, thank you for this opportunity!
Sandi, not looking to win but I was so moved by your words I just had to tell you!! I can’t wait for the DC Workshop!! Thanks for sharing this piece of yourself!
Amazing post, Sandi. And an amazing opportunity. This post is inspiration to me in so many ways, but the one that struck closest to home was to take risks. I have always been afraid to take this business on, although I have been capturing moments in time with cameras for most of my life. Over the past 6 months, I have been encouraged more than ever by friends and family to pursue this passion, and I have decided that 2011 is the year to take the risk. It’s scary, and I know there will be lots of ups and downs, but I’m pushing myself to take the chance. You inspire me so much, and I look forward to meeting you in person at one of your workshops…. if not this year, maybe next. And by the way, Project 52 intimidates me every week, but I’m taking the risk and following through. Thanks!!
To really look past my lens and capture more than just a picture.
Great Post!
You are such an inspiration! I’m having a hard time narrowing down just one thing….since it needs to be just one then I am going with GROW. There are so many things that I need to learn and I need to be challenged in order to grow and develop into the artist I want to be. The one thing I want to work on this year is myself as a whole. I want to get the mental, spiritual, and physical aspects of my life in balance.
I need to take risks. I NEED to take risks. When I worked full time in my college graduate job I longed to do photography professionally. Now that I have moved to a new, small town with tons of amateur-wanting-to-turn-pro photographers and I am without that college graduate job I am forced to scrape for money…mostly through photography. I know I have invested more time, energy, and tears than a lot of budding photographers around here but they are putting themselves out there and I’m not. Because I’m scared. Of failure, of rejection, and sometimes even of succeeding. But now as our livelihood depends on it, I really need to take some risks, put myself out there, and just be ME. Because deep down I know I can succeed at what I love. I know I can…but I am so scared.
Although I identify with every single one of your points, I’m choosing Risk. I need to remember to believe, to continue to push, to always be learning, to trust… To take the risk. Kudos to you for inspiring us, you’re paying it forward! Thanks so much!
Oh…calling myself an artist…that’s the one the sticks out most to me. Photographer, yes. But artist is scary. I’ve been too afraid to take risks, to afraid to even allow myself to see my artistic vision. But an artist I am.
I want to be me…the quote that everyone else is taken is exactly right. I need to be inspired by other’s photography but be sure to be me. I will be me and reflect my own creative style in 2011!
your work is amazing!
i need to be unique. i want to find my style/voice and be confident in shooting only that. i want to truly differentiate my brand and work.
your workshop has always been on my list to try and do. keeping my fingers crossed!
I am going to be me…..I love the quote to be yourself, everyone else is taken. I am going to be sure to be inspired by other photographers but be certain that I am being real to myself. I will be sure to be me throughout my images in 2011!
I want to grow. That has been the thing that has been eating at me for this past year, everything that life has thrown at me has been it seems to stop me from growing, stop me from wanting to grow. that was the word that was most inspiring in this post.. besides the fact that you wrote the whole thing… THAT was inspiring in its self. I am entering because life is trying to keep me from your workshop, I planned to attend in April for my birthday and my entering this contest is me telling life to STUFF IT, I am not done growing and I will keep striving.
So We’ll be meeting in 2011 whether I win this contest or not Miss B. I’m looking forward to it.
Your words are so inspiring! From the first day I saw your website and photos, I was inspired. You have triggered the love I have for photography beyond what I ever thought I wanted to do with it. Your words have inspired me to want to be an artist, be real and see what I never thought I could. I need to be unique and capture what I love in my photos. I know what I want to be when I grow up, just don’t know how to get there. But my fave…I need to take risks. I need to challenge myself out of my comfort zone. I become so afraid to fail that we never even open to the door to try anything, or do something different. If I don’t take risks then I will never know what I am capable of being.
Oh, Sandi! I am so glad you wrote about such challenges today. I relate to all of them, however the one that stands out the most is to TAKE RISKS. I am not a natural risk-taker. And, I sometimes want to crumble in the face of criticism. However, without my taking risks I will NEVER do anything unique, inspiring, truly “me”, artistic, bold, challenging, or real. (A lot of the other points on your list are encompassed by this point.) I need to be brave enough to fail hard…if that is what God wills. So be it. And, the beginning of courage starts with your workshop in a few weeks. I know it will be life-changing for me! Thanks for the chance to win a tuition-free attendance! Bless you!
I am most inspired by GROW. I definately need to grow not only as a photographer but as a business owner. I can relate to your post in many ways. I always want to be improving and growing in my photography skills, especially finding my style, and learning new techniques. Thanks for hosting this amazing giveaway!
As a new photographer, I’ve spent the past year + learning how to shoot & edit (learning both Photoshop & Lightroom). I’ve shot for another photographer & a few times on my own. I’ve done well to be so new to the biz, but I’m been so concerned w/ “acting like I know what I’m doing” b/c I fear someone will see through me… And the problem w/ that is… I’ve failed to TAKE RISKS. In 2011, that’s exactly what I’m going to do, creatively & professionally…by marketing my business.
I am most inspired by the need to inspire others. I am still learning and has a lot more to learn about photography and teaching (since I am a teacher and I love it). If my work and ideas cannot inspire others or teach something to others then I personally don’t feel fulfilled and cannot distinguish myself from others. Photography and teaching go hand in hand in this because I want to be able to teach and inspire through my lenses and my eyes too. And that’s why I am trying to learn more and more and trying to grow everyday as a human being, as a teacher and as a photographer (which I am not sure if I should call myself yet).
I have been sleeping for approximately two hours per night for the last few nights, but those wonderful dreamy hours have been filled with visions of me attending one of (any of) your workshops. If randomness is the way to win, I’m ONE of the most random people I know! (I do tend to keep crazy, random, CREATIVE, cool best friends that keep me going on a daily basis with their random thoughts and humor, pieces of ridiculous conversation and support like some others could only wish for).
I am inspired everyday by things that appear out of nowhere that I could have easily missed but for some reason didn’t. I’m so thankful for those things and for your beautiful words that tug at my heart to try . . .to reach . . . to see . . . to grow and then to do it all again but differently the next day. My goal has always been to be unique. It seems easy enough, but it’s not. It is my constant goal, however, to find something new and different and special to that client, that day, that hour, that minute. After reading your list, I definitely need to work on more than one, and of course growing is the reason I am participating in Project 52 (This project excites me like nothing else). But I really need to BE REAL. I need to BE REAL in many ways: I’m learning the hard way to BE REAL about the expectations of myself. I need to BE REAL with MY expectations of what I want to accomplish and what I am willing to do. I can embrace the fact that when I take that first shot of the day, the REAL ME kicks into auto mode and I’m extremely happy with those moments. That’s it though. The rest of the REAL ME is a must to find, to love, to accept and to embrace. I must know who I am this year so everyone can too. Thank you again for inspiring me on level after level after level. ♥♥♥
Love it!!! Inspired to grow. Right now I’m just a mom with a camera who has big dreams of someday producing the same images I find myself constantly drooling over.
This year I want to work on being confident enough to remember that I have the ability to someday be a successful photographer.
I want to CREATE! I recently looked inside myself and realized that I am constantly creating… creating something… anything… creating things with a HUGE variety of evolving mediums. And when I’m not, I’m pretty restless and/or unfulfilled. I simply have to be producing something and creating something to get something inside of me out. This was all a revelation to me very recently. Now I’m gonna try and embrace it!
Nancy
The item from your list that most resonated with me was to GROW. I find that I am not really content unless I am learning something new. I have to have a project, be creating something new, trying it out, planning something, etc ( in other words GROWING myself ) in order to be really happy.
However, with the fact that I love to GROW, I have problems with undertaking too much at once. I will be working on being more INTENTIONAL about whatever it is I am doing. I no longer want to fall into something I want to take back control of where my energies go.
Great, thought provoking stuff here! I would love a seat in your workshop!
Oh would I love this! I have been drooling over these workshops and really want to take one. i was most inspired by UNIQUE. I am trying to find my style right now, so this fits right in. One thing I will work on is growing. It’s a constant process, and I need to devote more time to practice.
I actually just joined your project 52 experiment and have been so touched by this ALREADY! It’s my first week (week3) and I was in tears when I got my shot! I have to thank Robin Simmons for letting me in on your awesome site. THANK YOU ROBIN! Hope one of us wins!!! I will split mine with you if I win! I have really enjoyed your site Sandi! Everything I’ve seen has been inspiring! Unfortunately I’m still a newbie and am not familiar with PhotoShop yet. I do not own a professional camera per say. As a matter of fact, I’m an RN in labor and delivery. That’s my degree, that’s what I’ve always known. Until my son gets a brain tumor…my world is ROCKED. I had to refocus my life and needed to felt like someone was in control, because it certainly wasn’t me! Photography is God’s purpose for my life. Strangely enough, I’m thrilled to call myself an artist/photographer. Thank you Sandi for sharing your wonderful knowledge with all of us!
This year I’m inspired to be ME. I’m quickly getting over being what others need or want me to be and I’m ready to do what I love and love what I do. Either I be ME or there’s no point to this profession. There are plenty of others that are great at imitation but I only want to be ME. ME. Feels good!
I need to GROW, I need to grow in so many areas. In 2011 I am working on mastering light & a focused marketing plan ;o)
Probably depends on the time of year on which one resonates the most with me but right now….it’s GROW. During the slower periods, I am pushed to grow and learn so your workshop would be the perfect fit. What a wonderful post – it was so hard to choose just one. I am also inspired by Project 52 – believe it will make me reach many of the other items on your list. Thank you Sandi.
I need to be/do many of the things you have listed. I really need to take more risks, talk to more people, and put myself out there more! I LOVE photography. I love making memories, I love the art behind it. I need to convey this with everything I do. I need to take more risks with my clients and reach beyond the “standard” pics. I find that when I go a bit outside of the “comfort zone” my pics are so much better.
Sandi what an amazing “GIFT” you are giving! I would love love love to win this. The one thing that has struck me the most is taking risks. I am an aspiring Photographer and it is such a challenge for me to get out there and do what I love to do and to take risks get out of my comfort zone so to speek. I am constantly looking at other amazing photographers around me for inspiration and I need to just take that risk and me, be the one that inspire others! This year I am really wanting to get out there and market myself, to take that risk and to inspire those other than family and friends. I want to inspire people to look at my work and say “Wow she does AMAZING work… I want to hire her!” So I thank you so much for this opportunity of winning this gift and if I do not win I will continue to take challenges and better myself in any way possible because I know there is alot to learn before I am the photographer I would love to be one day! Again thank you.
I want to be inspired, I tend to get in a rut and keep doing the same thing I want to take more risks and d omore photography for me. I also would like to grow my business make time for a better business plan.
A workshop, I have never done one, I am fairly new to photography, but this one sounds amazing! The one thing that inspired me the most about what you wrote is Seeing. I see beauty in so many things now that I may not have noticed before through my camera. I see things I want to photograph everywhere I go now, and when I see the actual result of the moment I have captured, it is so uplifting. I think seeing is KEY. The one thing I will be trying to do this year in my own life is learning as much as I can about photography. I have lots to learn, but love every minute of it. Thank you for your inspiration.
What isn’t inspiring about this post?!!
I am NOT a risk-taker by any stretch of the word! I’ve inhibited myself with this flaw my entire life! I just passed my year mark of my photography learning adventure. And for once in my life I don’t care what anyone else thinks… I’m passionate about this! This year I’m going to TAKE RISKS at whatever cost. I’m completely inspired to just chase it, even if I fail fail fail. I will eventually come out on top– and I really need to believe that! Thanks for the motivation!
I’m so inspired by this whole article! And nevermind that I was just discussing with a good friend how amazing it would be to attend your workshop with her (we’re from good ol’ Idaho)! Thank you for the uplifting article!
Great POST! Thank you for the inspiration you passed onto us! I felt most connected to the need to be inspired and to inspire. To me they almost go hand in hand. Sometimes, when I get so busy – I loose track of the art (which is why I started photography in the first place). My inspiration for my work disappears and I don’t even feel like sharing or passing on my work because I am sure it doesn’t inspire others. I need to get my photography mojo back. . . I’d love to be inspired more by you in Scottsdale!
Wow. Your list in itself is inspiring. I need to do some self reflection too. I am most inspired to see that you are wanting to GROW. You are a great photographer already and its nice to see that you still have places that you want to take your photography. The one thing that I want to work on is CAPTURING— my hearts desire is to capture those REAL emotions and not the fakey smile. I want people to look at my images and feel like they can see exactly what the subject is feeling at that moment. Getting to a personal level with my clients will always be my goal. Thanks for sharing
It’s really hard to say that just one thing from this list inspires me because it all does! Especially this time of year. I feel that this time of year I tend to question myself, my artistic ability, my business smarts, etc., etc. Mostly I think it’s that I need to BE ME that might inspire me most. And not only because Oscar Wilde is one of my all time favorite writers and I absolutely LOVE that quote, but also because I need to remember that who I am is fabulous and that I should be proud to be who I am! Thank you for sharing this! It really comes at a perfect time!
“I need to SEE, TRULY SEE”
One goal of mine for this year is to step back and focus less on the posed, and set up and do more lifestyle, documentary type photos. I feel like this has gotten lost somewhat in starting a business. I want to go back there, it’s when I enjoyed taking photos the most.
I am so inspired by this post, your list is amazing and hit home on so many personal levels for me. GROWING is what inspired me on your list….i am also very aware of every flaw i have, and my need to keep learning and bettering myself. And allowing myself to get better instead of beating myself up about all my failures and misplaced efforts. Thank you so much for sharing, and i would be blessed to win this and attend your workshop….it genuinely would mean the world to me.
Carrie Weaver
This is so refreshing and awesome to read! Thank you so much!
I think the GROW part applies to me the most. I am always so scared of learning new things. I am a visual learner so I get confused easily when reading things so it scares me. I need to jump out there and find different ideas/ways to learn and grown as a photographer. What do I have to lose? Nothing!
“I need to GROW. I know where my weaknesses lie as a photographer…I’m acutely aware of them…painfully aware of them, actually. If I’m content to stay where I am…then I will never be where I want to be…” THIS totally inspired me the most and I feel exactly the same way this year. I know my weaknesses and I am trying to overcome them this year.
I would say the biggest thing I am working on in my life this year is to CHALLENGE myself. This goes for growing my photography business, staying on a budget, eating healthy and a few other personal items. If I think of it all as a challenge then I will work harder to get there. Life is a challenge afterall and how you rise to the challenge defines who you are.
Thank you for the awesome blog post and opportunity!
I say YES to every point you shared. I love photographing for money but the reason I got into the trade WAS my vision and unique way of seeing life.
I don’t want to lose the creativity and love for life and the passion that is expressed through the lens.
I am going to take pictures just because. Not worry about tomorrow ,live for today and shoot with an eye for excellence and life.
I love it! & i am telling you now i am going to borrow some of that.. Wow that is a lot like i feel but i just cannot put it into words like that. i need reassurance, even though i know in my heart of hearts i have done a great job, that is my biggest flaw. i think its that, that keeps me me, a flaw that makes me look for new & exciting things to do & create, to take risks. they dont always work, but when they do they are brilliant! thanks for giving me the inspiration with your wise words.
Keep being you!
I would love to have this opportunity!
The item on your list that inspires me the most is “Grow.” I’m a fairly new photographer and I already know… it’s too easy to get stuck in a rut! You need to try new things and experiment and grow or you’ll lose your drive!
Wow. This is a wonderful post. And exactly what I needed at the moment. I think the one that resonates most with me right now is “take risks”. Im too often scared to take risks for fear of failure, when in reality, Im failing myself by not taking those risks. Anyway, thank you for this.
The one that spoke to me the most was *inspire*. My goal is to inspire my clients, so that when they look at their images they feel an emotional connection with them. I love when they say that the images I captured made them get teary eyed! Thank you for this opportunity, I would love to win.
I need to TAKE RISKS is what really hit home with me. Far too often (with photography and with other areas of my life) I am much too content to sit in my little zone of comfort and never reach out. It is outside of this little box, however, I have found that I can truly grow as a photographer, as a person and glorify my God. Thank you so much for the giveaway! It is very generous of you!
WOW!!! you said you were going to make it easy, but how can it be easy to choose only ONE when It seem you took the list out of my head and translated it to words I could not come up with, every single item in your list speaks to me in more ways that you can imagine. Thank you so much for verbalizing it for us to see, you are truly inspiring! but if I must choose I guess I would go with I need to be ME, I’m fairly new to the business side of photography and haven’t yet defined my own style, I’m constantly looking at other photographers for inspiration which has led me into a mix of styles I admire but that are not tryly me! so this year I plan to find myself both personally and in business, I need to define who I am and Who I want to be, how do I want clients to see me and feel me trough my work! I’s a crazy passion this one of ours, it can lead you in so many directions that is very easy to get lost! but you have brought me back to the right path and I have a new purpose, I will find my style and grow with it, because I agree with you, I know where my faults are in photography and I must grow, learn and be inspired every day to continue to better myself, this will be an everending journey! Thank you so much.
Wow. What a lovely post …and an awesome opportunity. Thank you for sharing and the chance to be touched by your generosity. Although your entire post is truly inspiring, the TAKE RISKS really speaks to me. It’s where I am. right. now. It’s like that quote…I cannot remember who said it…”If you set your sights on the moon, you might just become a star.” Well, I’m ready to shine.
I need to be inspired…that really is my NEED right now…I have felt so overwhelmed the past few years allowing “photography” to take over the photographer…so much to the point that I have painfully closed my shop for a year to try and reevaluate and become inspired by something…someone…anything..I’m so lost right now and I need help beyond words..my website is a mess and I hate to even pick up my camera because I just feel spent…please help Me get back on track…I can’t do it on my own….
I need to GROW – You can never stop growing and learning as a person and as a photographer. I want to grow in my knowledge of lighting, posing, and marketing. I want to grow as a person to become more patient and tolerant of things I can not change. I also want to grow in my service and charity work and continue to give back to my community.
TAKE RISKS
Wow, does that ever pin me down. This whole turning a hobby into a business is risky, isn’t it? I feel very outside my comfort zone, and yet I know this is what I want. Am I ready? I guess I’ll find out. One thing I DO know is that I won’t ever get anywhere with it just by talking about wanting to. And so I’m plunging in, grateful for inspiring photographers like you that go out of their way to encourage those of us just starting on the journey. Thank you for being real.
Well, first off I’m not a photographer nor have I ever taken any type of classes. However, many people often ask me who photographs my twin boys and I tell them I did with my point and shoot camera. So the one that speaks to me the most is taking RISKS. This year I purchased my first “real” camera and I am going to take a risk and I am going to try this out. Maybe one day I can quit my day job.
I want to BE ME more. I get so caught up in what the fads & fashions of photos are that I forget I have a fairly extensive stage of experience all my own. I need to get back to who I was & why everyone begged me to go pro in the first place & stop worrying so much about what everyone else does in their photos.
This is wonderful The part you discussed about having the need to see, truly see, is what resonated with ‘me most of all. I am blessed to be married with three beautiful healthy children, a nursing career, and a burning desire ever pushing ‘me to photography. I have discovered recently that the glasses I was seeing through, were not the rose-colored glasses I once thought they were. I was stuck in a blur, running to this and that, with the end if the day approaching, so little being accomplished, seldom a heart felt laugh with my family, and exhaustion beyond anything I’d ever known. I decided around Christmas I need to see. Really SEE the beauty around ‘me in all things. The days of driving through the prairie have started to captivate me once again, as I am able to see the way the light illuminates the earth, and in appreciating that, it has begun to illuminate my soul! I am striving to love myself more this year. I believe this is important – as my children will grow learning the importance of self love as well. Once a person is comfortable in their own skin, beauty will freely pour. I want to raise happy, content and confident children, and their momma is right on track with that herself! Thank you for this opportunity, these last ten minutes of reflection have both grounded and inspired ‘me. Thank you for your generosity…
In the profound words of Oscar Wilde…”Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”
Something that I struggle with, sometimes more than I should, as a photographer. I want to be better, be original, think out of the box– be more.
Something I will continue to work on as I grow into the photographer I know I want to be.
Also made me think of my teenager who struggles to be herself everyday. In this day and age, being 14 is though.
As her mother, I try to set a good example through everything I do.
What a great post and opportunity to win to participate in one of UR workshops! <3 I think we can all relate to almost every one of those points you mentioned. But for me, RISKS stood out the most. Why??? I think taking risks really pushes our creativity as the artist and many of us don't do this as often as we should. And for some, not at all. Some of us hold back, fearful of the outcome, or have all these amazing ideas but don't take the time to put them in action. What's the worst that can happen if you don't try? It doesn't work. So what? Start something new and discover what's fabulous and works for YOU! Not the photog next to you but something that makes YOU stand out from others. Each year, I TRY (although not always succeeding) to learn something new or photograph a new aspect of photography. Just to keep things "fresh". Try it.
I really liked your article — thanks for sharing yourself. So many things resonated with me, but I think the one thing I should focus on most is just to capture. I think the more and more that I find great photographers and new tips and tricks about photography the more I realize how much of a beginner I am in this art. I’ve only had my DSLR for just under 2 years. When I first got it I would take it everywhere and take pictures of EVERYTHING! But now, because I want my pictures to look perfect like everyone else’s seems to be.. I choose not to take pictures. And that’s digressing! I love the camera and I love recording memories and things I see. I need to get back to that and how I felt when spent all my savings on my first “real” camera. Thanks for inspiring me to capture more of my life and for this chance to win a workshop. That would be rad! And.. it would give me a reason to go surprise my mother for a visit.
Thankyou so much for the inspiration today…I know that I need to get working on my own list…a list of not only how I need to grow But encouraging reminders of how I already hacvehow I already have…
Your words which are most inspiring for me today are “See, Truly See”…I am just beginning my own personal journey in the Art of Photography, it has been a lifelong dream of mine…one that I have not had the courage to pursue until now…So it is my wish to Truly See Myself and how I can be the tool to Truly Capture the beauty in the faces and spaces that sorround me…
Thank you for your thought provoking list and for the generous offer of a free workshop :O)
Take care and Good Luck on your Journey in 2011 and beyond! :0)
Sandi, you have inspired me to See, Truly See. I am an artist,(I am way more comfortable with that label than photographer) and I always have been. Lately, with time passing by so quickly I rarely take the time to use my eyes and see. My eyes are my most valuable tool, and I have, in recent months,learned that even with camera in hand, I don’t take the time to see what is on the other side of my lens. I know that there is a precious child, or a loving mother but it isn’t until I have left them, downloaded their image to my computer, and am getting ready to edit that I take the time to SEE them. This year, I am going to take the time to use my eyes, and my camera and my lens and SEE, TRULY SEE!
Thank you for sharing your heart and your passion in this blog. What I am challenging myself with this year is **I need to BE UNIQUE.** So many times I look at other peoples work and compare myself and wish I had their photography style. I need to stop doing that. And hope that I can only be inspired by other photographers this year instead of feeling jealous or envious of their style. Not sure if that make sense but I sure would love to come to your workshop!
Wow, Jennifer Minor linked this on Facebook and I am so glad I took the time to check out the link. So much of that struck a cord with me, but if I had to pick just one I would have to go with “BE ME”. This year one of my goals is to be myself even though I am sometimes afraid of what others may think, and to let that journey help define my art.
Thank you for sharing this, in so many ways it was what I needed to hear. I would love to attend your workshop!
As a fairly new photographer, this is exactly what I needed at this point in my career. Thank you so much for the heartfelt inspiration and good luck to you in all that you do
your entire article was inspiring….and I enjoyed every word of it…how do I choose just one when I can relate to so many? I guess if I have to pick the one thing that inspired me the most, it would be to “be me”. I have a full time job, a husband and two children, and it’s difficult to find the time to really focus on me, and have always put others and their needs before my own…which I believe is how it should be when you have small children. But I will be 50 this year, and I feel like it’s time for me to really look deep in my soul and find joy in the simple things in life In the last few years I have completely fallen in love with photography and have found that it brings me more joy than anything ever has before (other than my family) And I want to learn as much as I can and I spend hours and hours admiring other photographer’s work and trying to absorb every bit of information I can find. I’m like a sponge and can’t seem to get enough when it comes to learning all I can about it. And there is so much to learn. From taking the pictures, to editing, to printing and all the choices involved with each part, and then if you want to turn it into an actual business and make money at your art, then that is a whole new can of worms. Right now I only want to concentrate on learning as much as I can and trying different techniques and learning what works and what doesn’t….I guess you could say I’m trying to find my own style. I love trying new things, and I am set on stepping out of my box somehow…but the one thing I know I need to work on and that is my self confidence when it comes to my work. I get intimidated when I look at so many other photographers that have been doing their art for years and years….and although I admire their work, sometimes I feel like I could never make it to that level. I need to stay focused on the fact that I love it, and that it brings me joy, and I need to quit comparing myself to others…I do not need to compete in this arena…only find out how to express myself and continue to grow. Right? One thing I do know for sure and that is the thing I love most about my photography, is sharing it with others….and seeing their reaction to that split second moment captured by my camera of a loved one, or a special moment…that is what brings me true happiness. So this year I am focusing on what really inspires me and to just “Be Me”!
Sandi, You have know idea how bad I needed this article. As I was reading I even got choked up a little. I wanted to jump out of my chair and run get my camera and shout to the world that I am an artist and I can do this!! As I was reading I thought to myself “I am totally going to leave Sandi a message to let her know how inspirational she is to me.” As I continued to read and found out that you were giving away a seat at your workshop I almost screamed out loud! You have know idea how bad I want to attend!! I am one of your biggest fans and blog followers!! This whole post gave me goosbumps but one part that stuck out the most was “take risks.” I believe that is the part that holds me back the most is the fear of failure. Thank you for being you and sharing your awesome talent and inspiration with others!
I love what you said about “GROW” It is great that you are aware of your weaknesses and what you can improve on. I have SO much to improve on and would LOVE LOVE LOVE this! I am “growing” with your 52 week project. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you for being you! You are truly an inspiration to all of us. My goal for this year is to Take Risks. I always question myself when doing photos. Wondering what people will think of the place, or the lighting or anything else. You have showed me that amazing photographs can be shot anywhere. I have tried to sign up for your workshop a couple of times and when it gets closer, guess what something comes up and I can’t afford it. Winning this spot to your workshop would be the greatest thing. Any help from one of the most amazing photographers I have ever seen would be amazing. I learn so much even from the blogs, I can’t even imagine what it would be like to actually see you and work with you in person.
All of the above. For sure. Being real and being me stood out. The older I get the easier that seems to come. I guess what I really want is to grow. To go forwards, to get better. Would love to go to the work shop and be inspired. (Thanks for this inspiring post!)
WOW. The Lord works in ways that the human cannot explain.
My preacher did a lesson on “pruning” two weeks ago that led me to rethink, reorganize, and like you said BE INSPIRED!
I’m not kidding when I type in the EXACT email I sent my photog BFF Katie McCrary last week. Here it is; Copied and Pasted:
Katie:
“You wanna know what conversation I had with Tyler: my love for photography was becoming a love of money…
I began thinking it was all about business and making a huge profit and it became more and more a money making hobby and less about the love for photography.
I quit taking my camera to peoples events because “I wasn’t getting paid.”
So that’s why I decided to keep my prices fair and make it more about the love of taking pictures than a “business transaction.”
So, I’m doing a glamour shot session with my close girlfreinds next week so we can frame pictures of just us to give to our husbands for v-day, so excited!!!
Today I’m photographing a soldier coming home…for all that he has done to serve and honor our country-I’m donating my God given talent.
Because when its all said and done, the pictures is what photography is all about. Using my talent for the Lord’s glory so that through my pictures the world can see the goodness of our Creator.
I’ve been pruning…putting my priorities back into check!
Love ya girl!! So thankful for our freindship!!
Kara
Either way of winning a spot, it’s so refreshing to read another photographer doing what my preacher said “pruning.”
Thanks for your post, I’m INSPIRED!
I love to capture the moments I am privelged to be a part of, I need to take a piece ot that home with me. To capture is to remember.
I love to capture the world around me and take it home – to capture is to remember, the experience, the feelings, and the wonder.
Sandi, what about you and your photography doesn’t inspire me!? What hit home the most to me, is taking risks. I don’t like taking risks. I love comfort zones. I love the expected. I don’t like failing, especially if it’s at the expense of someone else! However, as a photographer, comfort zones aren’t ART. To me, it’s simply a great picture. Taking risks and reaching for the sky is what allows you to grow a little. And the more we take risks, the more we grow. The best photographs are all results of risks that one is willing to take. I need to be a risk taker in 2011. I’ve captured the same photograph with different bodies time after time. I wanna be better, I wanna do better, I wanna create better ART. I wanna feel my heart patter when I see a risk pay off and I wanna know where to turn for help when I fall smack dab on my rear! And I SO desperately wanna attend a workshop and even better if it’s free! Who doesn’t love FREE. Thank you for giving daily and inspiring us and for giving us the chance to win a spot!
Wow!!! Thank you so much for the inspiration.
I was mBe ME!!! I think so many of us want to focus on giving the client what they want instead of giving them what you offer. Stay true to yourself!
Your “inspire” is what inspired me. I want to know that what I do matters to someone. I want to affect someone and move them with my art. I want to make a difference in everything I do.
This year I am working on growing myself as a photographer. I would love to do this full time and for that to happen I need to grow in my technical abilities. I want to learn and absorb everything I possibly can. I want to read and watch and hear everything I can to become better at what I love to do…so that just maybe one day, I can truly offer the best of myself to someone thru a picture.
I enjoyed the Grow comment the most. As a photographer, you grow so many directions as you learn. You have to “grow” into yourself as a photographer I believe. You have to gain confidence through growth and experience to truly get to a place where you can appreciate your own work and talent. You have to get to a place where you stop comparing your work to others work and just start challenging yourself on your own growth. Thanks for the opportunity!!! Your giving spirit is appreciated!
I think the part about being yourself struck me most. I think we follow and admire photographers so often that sometimes we lose our own vision for our work. What a great contest, thank you!
What a truly inspiring post- so much food for thought. I was most inspired by the “Unique” comment. I truly feel that for me to grow as an artist I need to learn to be who I truly am, take what I’ve learned from so many, not only photographers, but the many teachers in my life, and stand out. So when others see my work, they know how my heart felt when I took the picture.
I am going to work on “Growing”. As a person you never stop growing, and so many times we become very complacent. I want to learn to look at life and my surrounding with love and to learn to see the beauty all around me.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
Sincerely,
Bobbi
I need to GROW. This is the essence of life. In mine I have grown into a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, teacher, photographer. Me is all of these things. I strive to always continue to grow, and to inspire others to do the same. Who knows what you can accomplish, if you but try? I believe this item on your list is the one that can encompas all the others. For who are any of us if we fail to grow? We fail to see, inspire and truly be the us we were meant to be, whether it be artist, teacher, mentor. Thank you for this!
“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?”
Robert H. Schuller
I want to truly see. I LOVE the reply when people ask what equipment you use…your eyes! I really am trying to develop my vision as an artist this year. I heard Jeremy Cowart say simply “vision wins.”
I love your thoughts on being and artist and being Unique. I think these go hand in hand and are a very important part of being a good photographer, and that is also what I am going to work on…is being more artistic, and find a new edge to my photos. I would love to come and take your workshop…hope I win!
Oh where to begin…i was inspired by one to many things you said, that i am almost sitting in tears right now…most specifically BE REAL, BE INSPIRED & GROW! I am struggling so much right now, coming off of the holidays and not being busy like so many others because i am still new. I am so obsessed with getting all my business practices in order that i am not using my camera as often as I should be or as I would like to be! I almost hate when people ask me how the business is going right now because i have to play it off like i am happy with it being slow because it gives me time to make everything just right, which is true to some extent…but i would so rather be shooting much more often than i am! I should be scouting locations but have convinced myself the cool urban ones are all in shady parts of town {i live in vegas so yeah most of them are} and the other locations are just boring desert which i am just tired of looking at so therefore completely uninspired by it!
I think for me, this year, i need to be okay with starting out slow instead of trying to hit the ground running. I have to be okay with what i tell others which is that i would rather achieve success doing it the right way the first time slowly, rather the wrong way fast! I have to have confidence when i say i am a photographer which is something else i struggle with because every time you turn around somebody else is saying they too are going to start a business just after hearing you did it…like it is so easy to come by anyone can do it! I feel committed to photography and that’s why i have invested so much into both financially and emotionally, as have so many of the other photographers trying to learn from you! And that is why i have just poured myself out to you…you can send the bill later for this therapy session:) But then again you did ask:) Thank you for such a great opportunity, whoever wins will be one lucky individual. xoxo ~S
“Be yourself everyone else is already taken” Man do I love his quotes!
Its a hard world out there these days and its easy to try and copy other people who are successful in their field. The thing is you will never do it exactly as they do it, and a copy never comes out as clearly as the original. So be original, be yourself, you are an artist because you have a unique vision so have the confidence to share yourself and share your unique vision. Because the best asset your business and your vision have is Y O U!
While every last one struck a cord with me, Be ME really hits home. I am setting a personal goals to be myself. To stop comparing myself to others and striving to be like them but to still allow myself to be inspired by them. To take pride in my successes and to learn from my mistskes. And to be the best me I can be
I’m most inspired by your need to GROW. When I read only the word ‘GROW’ I felt as though someone had kicked my foot or nudged me with an elbow. I need to grow in so many ways…first and foremost as a Christian. I like my relationship with the Lord slide so far back on the shelf last year that I’m having trouble getting rid of all the dust. Secondly, I need to grow as a photographer, which is one reason I’m participating in Project 52. When I saw this week’s assignment…I seriously thought you must be joking. I’ve even considered opting out! But I knew it will only make me better.
Thank you for the post!
I’m embracing my inner artist this year and striving to take risks and try new things. Not working on any 52 or 365 projects per se, but I am working on a personal project trying to represent some family stories through still life (which is new for me).
I, too, need to be REAL with myself. Real about my expectations. Real about my limits. Real about my drive. Real about my skills. Real about my passions in life. Thanks for the wake-up call.
I was inspired by “I need to be me”
I have realized that I have forgotten myself and have let my gOals be overlooked for the well ring of my family. I realize now that being me is best for notonly my self but those around me as well. I have a lot to offer in life I just need the confidence to do it! Thanks for the encouraging words!
the one thing from your list that inspired me the most is the same thing that I need to work on tremendously. That is taking risks…I am petrified of failure and have let it hold me back for way to long! So i am going to work on breaking out of that fear, and if I happen to fail, be ok with it and try again!
:: SEE, TRULY SEE ::
Sandi, I saw you shoot once, while I was out location scouting. I didn’t know who you were and hadn’t seen your work. You had a little girl sitting at table and she was little – maybe 2 or 3. And I saw the set up and the cute everything that went along with it but what stopped me in my tracks was watching YOU. You captured the honesty of this little girl because you forced NOTHING from her. You did not direct, you were not aggressive and in her face and you had a comforting command over the entire shoot. By allowing her space and letting her BE, I could actually SEE how you SAW HER, with complete acceptance and HONESTY. You captured HER and not how you or anyone wanted her to be. To this day that experience transcends anything I have learned about photography. If I want to capture WHAT IS, then I have to first accept what IS. When I accept what IS then I will SEE, TRULY SEE what IS.
“When people ask me what equipment I use, I tell them my eyes.” This sucked the air out of me. And I love getting the air sucked out of me because it makes me take action. Very profound and wowza. So this year I will be packin’ my eyes!
Thanks for the post, inspiration and for bringing us all together! And thank you everyone for sharing!!! I am inspired by all of you!!!
P FIfTy-2 RoCkS!
I was most inspired by your coments about taking risks. As someone newer to the business puting myself out there is often the hardest part. Would love love love to attend a workshop!
Wow! Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Taking Risks is the one that most inspires me. I sometimes wonder what I’m so afraid of.
The one thing I will be working on is to go for.. to take the risk and cross the barriers that I am hiding behind.
Andrea
I need to take risks . . . and move off of ground zero and decide what’s next. Thanks.
#5 Grow!
Grow as a person, wife, mother and photographer.
being a photographer isn’t just about pointing a camera and pushing a button. There’s many hats “like a mother” that you wear that people may not realize. I have to grown on so many levels that sometimes it can be over whelming. Like a mother I love my craft and want to nurture it so that one day I will be proud of the journey I took to grow.
Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity.
prosperity, peace and love
Denise
Sorry, I don’t think I answered second part.
This next year for me to grow I am involved in a 365 project and a Project 52 that has a theme. Plus in February a fellow photographer and I are supporting each other on a photography project covering 40 items. I want to make sure that I am being challenged to pick up my camera a Look at the world and capture it. In photographing everyday I will grow as a photographer.
Thank you sorry for not adding the second part.
Have a great day.
Denise
See. Truely See
Sandi, Thanks for the inspiration to get back to my photograph. I would love to learn more and do more. The See Truly See was the most inspirational to me. I did photography years ago before digital and see what I went to get but I stayed home with
my children and became afraid to say that I was a photographer because so many people out there say they are a photographer’s. and I feel they don’t see it the same as I do. I just need to follow my heart and bring the artist out that is within me and I just need to put it out here. Thanks for the inspiration!!
I really loved the whole post, but definitely the See, Truly See part stuck out for me! Someone is always going to have better/more equipment than me, but no one else will have my eyes. I will trust them more. Thanks!
What an amazing offer! Why are there not a million comments yet??
I am inspired by all of this post! The one item that I am MOST inspired by right now is to take risks!!! I hope to start my business in the next couple of months and I just need to put on my big girl pants and just do it! I tend to over-think… over-worry… and to let those things slow me down.
What I will be working on most this year is to find my own unique style and voice in my work. I am inspired by so many great photographers… and I want to learn and grow from them, but at the end of the day for my work to be individual and unique to my own vision and point of view.
It’s time to LIVE and LET GO of everything and everyone around me in this industry. I don’t mean, let’s not be friends. What I mean is that it’s time to not hang out on forums, stare at other’s blogs and try to be like someone we are not. I want to be ME, and this is what 2011 is. It’s about me continuing to find my passion for life, photography and love. By being on a continual journey of living for those things, it will continue to translate into my work, and I hope clients will see that. Thanks Sandi for sharing your heart, passion and dreams. I would REALLY love to come to your workshop, as I have been wanting to for quite some time, but finances have not been there at the right time. I adore you and your work. Thank you. xoxo
I LOVE your… “I NEED TO INSPIRE!” I completely feel the same way and I am working on inspiring others this year as well. And btw, YOU ROCK!
You have inspired me TO CAPTURE. There are so many moments I want to capture before my children get any older. I want to share my talents with others and give them some captured treasures. My goal for the year is two-fold, TO GROW and for me that means TAKING RISKS. I need to practice more to grow my skills and step out of my comfort zone. Thanks for the push, and the chance to win. I really appreciate it!
This list all hits hard with me. Be Inspired was the first one that really struck a chord. What a better person to be inspired by, than you at your workshop. Thanks for the opportunity!
To be myself. It is always so easy to try and be like someone else that you look up to. Not that it is a bad thing to try and become a better person, but not at the exspense of people not know who you are.
I’m inspired by “See, Truly See” because I’m constantly trying to do this myself with my photography. And one thing I’m going to work on is Taking Risks! My youngest will be going to school full time next fall and I need to figure out what to do with my life!
Thanks for the inspiration! I want to TAKE RISKS. I often hold my self back. I would like to take risks and let some creativity flow! I love your statement about the proverbial photographer pjs!
Carrie
Wow, this was amazing to read so thank you for that!!! As for me, I can relate to a lot of them but I would say I need to GROW!! I am my worst critic and I feel like I’m just stuck. I want to be able to take some workshops and expand my knowlege with photography. I need to be able to challenge myself, lay it all out there and never look back. I’m a very quiet person so to be in this business is a challenge for me. Looking at your work is so inspiring and I only wish I could be as good as you one day. I know in order to grow I need to take some workshops with other photographers and learn from them. I really appreciate this chance to be a better photographer, thank you so much!
I know that I am late. I had sick kids and am just finally getting to this. I wanted to respond because you touched me so deeply with your well written words. I would have to say that some if not most of what you said in BE REAL I could have written myself. Maybe not with such grace as you did, but they were words unwritten in my own heart. We recently relocated from AZ to Northern CA and I have been lost since the move. When I read those words it moved something deep inside me on so many levels.
I wanted to thank you for this amazing post. It’s really helped me to pick myself up, dust myself off and stop feeling sorry for myself. I am lonely and struggling, but it’s because I am who I am. I need to be OK with that. I need to find people who are OK with that as well. So this year I am going to work on being REAL with myself and others, ALWAYS! I am going to be real with my work and with my expectations. This has really given me so much to think about. Words can not express my gratitude for what you stirred up inside of me.
Sorry I am late posting. But I needed to say what I needed to say. Thank you!
I need to Grow… I need to challenge myself to learn new techniques in photography… I need to be challenged and to be supported in my growth… I need to put more of me into my images. I really want to get back to what I enjoy
I love your work and really want to take this class. My post processing is evolving and I am sure you can help make it shine. I will fly in from Germany if given the slot!
Grow and Take risks, are on my bucket list of things to do. I have so much I want to accomplish and am so ever gratefull to be ready to take action. Love you for giving me this big PUSH and making me feel more confident. I look up to you as a mentor in helping me create the beauty that can be captured for ever by photographs. GRACIAS, GRACIAS, GRACIAS………..
OK the contest is over…but I’m just now reading your post…and thank goodness I did! Seriously, you are the most inspiring and selfless photographer I know! I’m so thankful that you take the time to share you! Ha Ha Ha sounds corny, huh? You know how to put those thoughts in your head on paper (and in print and cyberspace) make sense out of it all and share it with all of us! You’re so generous Sandi! I feel so lucky to have found you and your never ending talents! I win!
[...] am for your enthusiasm for my work…and for so many of you to share how my meager words in the INSPIRE post encouraged you…well…it’s just extremely, extremely humbling. I’m so [...]
Happy New Year + 6 days! I’m a little late out of the gate this year. Have you ever seen the movie…or read the book…A Series of Unfortunate Events? Well…I could have written the sequel over the last 6 weeks of 2010. Aside from some personal family stress (everyone has that occasionally right?)…lots of illness…the...
4 comments
Hey Sandi,
I’d love to get in on this. I am doing a 365 project but I’d love to have this added to my goals for this year. I love the idea of having themes and I’m excited to take this year long journey with you and the other photogs around the country!!!
Amanda Bouws
Grand Rapids Photog
Aphotography
I have never done this before but it sounds like a learning experience and I am all up for that!! I enjoy looking at all images and am astounded by the imaginations I see. :0) Lucky I found your work!
Such a fun self portrait!
[...] A Project 365, which I am going to do on my own, taking a photo a day, and a Project 52 led by Sandi Bradshaw, taking a photo a week with a specific topic (this week is a self-portrait, which is also my day [...]
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