Shooting For Yourself & A Sale
I know I said I was taking a vacation, but I just can’t stay away 
Yesterday, one of my favorite photographers, Jose Villa, tweeted “Photographers: Don’t ever stop shooting for yourself”. It is such a great reminder. Once you stop shooting for yourself it takes all the fun out of photography. I think this time of year a lot of professional photographers are in a rut. Well, at least I know I am. There has been months and months of endless work with no break and major holiday deadlines to contend with. And on top of that I was trying to get everything ready for the holidays with my family and make it perfect. It seems like this time of year I’m just over shooting. I need a break! But, it’s such a good reminder to keep shooting for yourself. Some people shoot landscapes. Other people shoot abandoned buildings. I shoot this little guy.
Canon 5D, 50 1.2
f2.0, 1/200, ISO 320
I do my best to record the little things that I think I will never forget, but I’m sure over time I will. Like the way he has to hold ALL of his Crayons while coloring. And the way he bites his tongue when he concentrates really hard. I don’t want to ever forget those things. Brayden is my inspiration. After he was born I feel that my photography went to a whole different level. I don’t know what it is. Maybe that I can connect to families and kids better. Maybe that as a mom I want to record other people’s kids and their quirky traits that make them unique. Maybe after he was born I began to see the world differently. I’m not sure. Whatever it is I know that he helps me keep my passion for photography alive. What’s your inspiration? What do you shoot for yourself?
Now I’ll be finishing my vacation until January 4th. Happy New Year!
PS A few people have asked if the UNposing Guide is going to be going on sale for the holidays. I didn’t even think of it! So, sure. You asked for it and here it is. The UNposing Guide Happy New Year Sale! Enter in “newyear” in the discount code to receive 20% discount through January 1st. Happy New Year!
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
I love the focus on his little concentrating mouth and that fist full of crayons! Perfect!
.-= Ryann´s last blog ..The Baskette Brothers =-.
Gasp! Jose Villa did our wedding photos! I KNEW I liked you for a reason (wink). Have a great NYE and here’s to great starts in 2010!
Cheers, Sarah
Love seeing your photos of Brayden. My inspiration has always been my kiddos. It has been nice to turn the lens on them these days when I don’t have deadlines to meet. Seeing the joy in their eyes or expression when they are doing something they like is always what I aim for. I no longer even worry if they are even looking into my lens.
My inspiration is my kids!!! I have always loved photography, but after having children my love of photography went to a whole new level!
My inspiration is my kiddos too and all the little things that bring them joy, make them unique and light up their eyes. And, I love capturing the details that we want to remember forever, for myself, and for other families! HNY to all of you!
OMG… I do that same thing with my tongue when I concentrate!! Love him!! And I’m so happy that he likes me now, and lets me pick him up when I see him to give him a big hug and kiss!
.-= Jamie Bengard´s last blog ..Nana’s Santa Party =-.
So cute! It is so important to keep shooting for ourselves
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Barcelona~Las Ramblas =-.
I love this photo and reminder! Everyday photos of my kiddos were neglected during Christmas card season too.
.-= melissa´s last blog ..Image of the Year Contest =-.
great reminder!
.-= Noel´s last blog ..Little A =-.
What great advice; to keep shooting for yourself. Thank you for that reminder! Like always, I love this picture of Brayden! I love everything about it!
.-= Bobbie Brown´s last blog ..Miscellaneous Monday =-.
KEEP SHOOTING FOR YOURSELF! Wow…thank you so much for this simple reminder. I just LOVE all the Pic’s of B, he is soooo Cute. My sweet pea is 6 years old and hate her pictures taken, however sometimes she let’s me and I go wild. Have a Safe and Happy NEW year and all the BEST to your and your loved ones in 2010.
I know exactly what you mean when you say your photography has gone to a whole ‘nother level after Brayden! I think all “Momtogs” can relate to that because our inspirations are our children and at the end of the day, they are the ones who keep our creative juices flowing and our imaginations running! If it wasn’t for my daughter, I don’t think I would be the photographer that I am today.
.-= Navy Sou´s last blog ..Christmas 2009 =-.
Nana sticks out her tongue when she exercises . . . it’s hereditary!
I saw Jose’s twitter update a few days ago and since then it’s been on my mind
Thanks for all you do on here your momtog blog.
I love it!
Happy New Year to you and yours!
xo
Thank you, thank you! I ordered the UNposing guide as soon as I saw that you put it on sale. I actually have even already ordered it from Snapfish and it should be in my mailbox, but I haven’t checked yet, since we just got back from vacation this evening. I already love it!!!!
.-= Shannon Miller´s last blog ..Just because… =-.
What a great reminder! I have a nine month old daughter, and I can totally relate with how having her in my life has changed the way I see everything, and has inspired me to create. It’s amazing! I love it!
Drew, this picture made me melt! I can’t wait to see him next week so I can color with him! Give him lots of hugs and kisses from me!
This post made me cry. I have been so busy with client holiday sessions, and then so burned out this month, that I really haven’t taken many pics of my own kids. Now I’m sad about the moments I lost that are going to fade for me over time. I vow to get my camera out tomorrow and photograph my kids. And I’m also not going to critique my images or get mad at myself when they look flat, or cluttered, or washed out from the flash, instead, I’m going to be happy that I’ve captured a funny or special moment forever! Thanks for the much needed reminder!
.-= Carebear´s last blog ..What Were You Thinking??!! =-.