Exploring with Children

 Elucidating Photography {Dallas - Fort Worth - Hurst, Texas Custom Photography}

 

 I have been in my new state of Texas for a little over 2 months. I have some amazing family scheduled in for location shoots and thought I would go exploring for some great spots. Of course, I brought my children along and have to "test" out the area!


The first spot I found was in my neighborhood, it is a little alley way, I believe used for drainage. I drove by it a couple times and couldn't wait to shoot here! So we walked my oldest to school, and the twins and I did a mini shoot to test it out!

Next was a weekend adventure, so we were able to include my oldest! My husband loves his dirt bikes and 4 wheelers, so not long after moving here he found some riding trails in the back of our HUGE neighborhood. He saw the trails, I saw all of the "safe" locations for shoots! There is a beautiful location with trees ( & much needed shade) with clearings that were made for me! Now, one clearing was made for me when I was a teenager, it included someones thrown out coach, coupled with someones thrown out cushions (both different flower prints, it was awesome, lol). There were some cement rocks that were supposed to make a circle (I believe) for a small fire pit, this was all decorated with the various wrappers and beer cans thrown into the trees. I was so happy when in the middle of my shoot volunteers from the home owners association showed up with a trailer and trash bags to remove it all. I thankful thanked them for clearing the better location! Gotta love that home owners association!!!

Amber's Daughters

 Elucidating Photography {Dallas - Fort Worth - Hurst Custom Photography}

Let me tell you, it is a blessing to have a beautiful little girl in the studio, but add her 3 month old little sister and amazing Mother and it makes for an unbelievable day. Amber is one of my first clients here in Texas that I had not met prior to her shoot. We have a couple phone conversations where we talked about life, our children and she told me more about the area. I knew right away I was going to love meeting her. Having a Mother as beautiful as her, it isn't hard to believe how gorgeous these children are! I am blessed to have gotten to meet Amber and her daughters, I feel like I have gained a friend in this unknown state!

You're a Photographer with NO talent!

Metro Detroit, Mi / Fort Worth / Dallas / Hurst, TX Photographer {Custom Photography}

As many photographers, when I first started out I had big hopes and dreams. I thought I was a good photographer, decent at least. I started my Facebook fan page, and started networking with other photographers and prop shops. Doing so, I got very discouraged, seeing how beautiful and crisp other photog's photo's were, mine just didn't stand up next to them. I booked my first Wedding, it was a long time friend of mines wedding, and that's when I got even more discouraged. A more established photographer who I had met and worked with personally (that is all I will say) wanted to book the wedding as well, and got very upset when she told him she was going with me. He then went on to post on Facebook

"Pisses me off that these Brides book a photographer who has absolutely no talent, when there is talent sitting right in front of their face".

 When I read his post, I knew it was about me. At the time, I was jealous of his work, and though he may have a reason to be saying the things he was. I had been getting more Portrait sessions, reading more books, watching more tutorials, and growing every shoot. I knew it, and I was happy with my work, even though I still had room to grow. But then again he writes

 "I don't understand all these people are booking sessions with her, she has no talent".

 By that time, I was out to prove something. I was out to prove that I was talented. At first, I wanted to "show him", but at the end of the day, it was for myself. I stopped looking at other people work who had already developed their skill and wishing I could be that good. I started looking at myself and seeing what I could improve, what I wasn't getting. I took a couple workshops on posing and practiced with my camera, natural lighting techniques and studio lights whenever possible. I ordered new books on editing, and spent hours on YouTube.com watching tutorials. I did my homework. I upgraded my equipment (for me, it really helped) and I am happy at the place I am at. Not trying to be cocky, but I actually blow his images out of the water now, and he has completely stopped talking to me. Truthfully, it makes me feel good, but it inst important, I would like to see him grow as well, just loose the attitude in the mean time.

I guess, the main lesson of this story is, don't listen to others that put you down. Also, don't put others down that you think aren't as good as you. Encourage them, if it bothers you that they are that bad and you think you are so much better, help them! At the end of the day all that matters is that you believe in yourself. Do not compare yourself to others, find inspiration from them to nurture your inner talent. One day, those photographers may be taking inspiration from you. You don't get that far ahead  being jealous, you dig yourself into a rut! AND, no matter how good you get, you can always get better, so no giving up!

I know that I still have lessons and techniques to learn, but I am better then I was a year ago, and next year, I will be even better! I know that I have an eye for photography, but I still have more skills to learn (photography is ever growing, new techniques and lessons are to be learned everyday)

Now, here are some shots from when I first started out, over 2 years ago......

Here are some shots about a year ago....

And, here is my work today.....

As you can see, anyone can grow, you just have to believe in yourself and do your homework! I am excited to grow more over the next year!