Go Crazy or Get Creative

Lady Bird, She flies, originally uploaded by Kazoomi.

Last week, I said I would be concentrating on picking out photos for my printed portfolio. I knew I had to pick photos that represented what I want to do as a photographer, which is to focus entirely on people-portraits. Of course, I want to stand apart from other photographers. For a moment when going through photos for my portfolio, I tortured myself into feeling like I needed better photos. More people. Different scenes. Super unique ideas. I've figured out I don't have to worry, all I have to do is stay focused on the goal. :) It's natural to want to succeed, master the craft, feel like you're the best. Maybe not the best out of everyone, but to be the best you that ever lived. That's a good goal to start with. No shame.

During the past week, something happened that gave me a swift kick in the ass. So I turned my tiny dining room into a tiny studio and experimented with self-portraiture. I did not have a particular goal in mind, at first. I just wanted to get off my ass and do something. I truly believe it's in us to go crazy or get creative. I don't really mind going crazy, as long as I can plan it like a vacation. :)

[continued...]

Mrs. Peacock, originally uploaded by Kazoomi.

Self-portraiture, as cathartic as it may be for an artist, can be mistaken by others as selfishness and narcissism. But I'm here to tell you that there is nothing at all wrong with the process of self-exploration. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't yet been daring enough.

At the end of this year, I will turn 30. Only recently have I discovered exactly what I plan to do with the rest of my life and how I will pursue a career in art photography. I have always been an expressive, imaginative person geared toward the visual & performing arts. I love story-telling. Music, movies, and books have been a consistent and reliable source of inspiration and motivation for me. I have given chance just about every kind of artistic outlet there is, just to see what feels right to me. And while I do not know where my career in photography will go, I do know that I'm going somewhere I want to be.

Amerikan Geisha, originally uploaded by Kazoomi.