sudden find

When I first started photoblogging, my intent was to upload a post nearly daily, to force myself to pick my camera up and fire the shutter as often as possible.  I figured that if I made myself pick up my camera frequently, my photography would naturally have to improve.

I was right.  What I didn't bargain on, however, was how difficult it would be to find subject matter to shoot on a daily basis.  In addition, by making the results of my efforts public, I was forced to not only ensure that I had an image to share, but that there was variety in what I shared.  I mean, I think my kid is the cutest thing in the world, but even she got bored of seeing herself constantly on my site.

On one particularly frustrating day this past May, I grabbed my camera and decided to go out into my garden (again) to see if there was anything interesting to shoot (again).  Our home is 50 years old and has a very mature garden -- my husband and I have contributed very little to its foliage.  On this day, I found myself going into a dark little corner I'd never investigated before ... and came upon the blossom you see above.  I'd never seen anything like it, and was thrilled with all the colour and texture that was right there before me, waiting to be captured.

These days, as we beginning counting down to a new year, it dawns on me that perhaps I should consider adopting the same approach in all aspects of my life:  maybe, as I contemplate my goals for 2009 (and beyond), achieving them might just be a matter of (a) sticking with it, and (b) daring to explore experiences and opportunities I'd never investigated before.  Hmm.

Something to think about.  Perhaps I'll keep the image above near me as a reminder.

 Today's giveaway is an 8x10 print of the image of the iris above.  Simply leave a comment on this post to be automatically entered for a chance to win!

Comments

[Becky]

What an amazing picture... and post. You always inspire me!

[Candace S]

Gorgeous photo. My goal is a photo a day in 2009.

[Darla]

wow. that photo reminds you of all intrinsic and subtle beauty that surrounds us. Brava!

[lilia]

What a lovely image, and a beautiful post. I've already won something this month, so this isn't an entry comment - I just wanted to say how beautiful it was!! :-)

[Aimee Greeblemonkey]

I love your photos. All you ladies inspire me all the time.

[Wendy]

Such a stunning image! And thank you for the reminder to go beyond the obvious and look for more!

[betrank]

What a beautiful bloom and you captured it so perfectly. My sister is an avid gardner and I miss walking with her daily through her gardens. She moved to Florida nearly 6 years ago and the distance keeps us from hanging out like we used to. I miss her every day. Though I have to admit that we all got a really good laugh when we realized that just her plants took up half the space of a large moving truck back then.

Have a wonderful day!

[Katherine]

That "post a photo a day" thing is nigh on impossible I think. This photo is beautiful though!

[danasparkle]

i have just begun a brave new adventure to blog regularly using photography as a creative expression.
i feel shy to share but am so inspired by the amazing courageous creative community in the cyber-universe that i hope to make a daily committment in 2009 too. each individual must bring their view of the world into the collective consciousness because it makes a difference in the world. like your photo & reflection has. thanx.

[kosenrufu mama]

wonderful photo! you inspire me everytime!!!

[Marcie]

A beautifully captured flower. I too know the challenges of finding something interesting to photograph each day. Yesterday we had torrential pouring rain:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=620

[Hay]

That is a great philosophy. If we never explore, how can we discover?

[Sebrina]

The above picture is beautiful!! And I love your post today!

[Shirley]

i just found your blog this morning and love it. I will be back.

[sandi]

Gorgeous iris and great words to live by. thanks!

[Jen Lee]

I love the image of the stumbled-upon blossom. Lovely.

[Pamela]

Just found this blog, love the flower photo, will be back to read more!
http://www.ukreal1.blogspot.com

[Heather]

What a incredible shot and inspiring words! Let's begin today with this new approach.

[Heather]

Whew... your words are timely. For a month now I've been embarking on my own personal "Project 365" - trying to take at least one photo every day. I'm not even trying to post publicly, but I've felt as though I have no new subject to shoot. Thanks for sharing your story-- it inspires me to keep looking!

[shelli]

That is the most beautiful shot of a flower I've seen in a long time. I'd love to have it!

I have given myself the challenge of posting a photo each day too, and I have run into the same challenges, though it's very fun too!

[Kath]

Ah, it is time to star thinking about the new year. I feel like this year has just begun. Time is flying and photography along with our blog has forced me to focus on the moment more. I like it. And I like the print too!

[Bunny]

It's beautiful! I, too, have a very "grow where you are planted" photography approach. My own yard, my own flowers, my own town are where I find the most inspiration.

[nadia]

What a great picture, would love to be able to hang it in my living room! I have always admired your work, Karen

[Jennifer]

Beautiful photo. What a wonderful surprise that must have been!

I think those goals are great. Okay if I borrow?

[Puna]

Oh my goodness, this site mimicks my life so many times and in so many ways, the timing is eerie. I clicked on your link to tredways.org and decided to do her photo challenge. A challenge it is...finding something to photograph everyday, not just the special occasions...wow.

I know that challenges grow me, mature me, stretch me. So here's a couple of what I've done so far...and I know some of them reflect the novice photographer that I am...

http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2008/12/10/december-pro-dec-10/
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2008/12/09/december-photo-pcjt-dec-9/
http://lifesignatures.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/december-photo-proj-dec-8/

Thank you Shutter Sisters for the sisters that you are...

[Stephanie]

Oh this would be a beautiful print for my bathroom....do you think it would be a good enough reason to redo the bathroom?

[hil]

I've been playing with my "365" project so this is an important point.

[mary]

Yes, sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the thought of learning to take a really good photograph; then I look back on the past year and realize that by just picking up a camera every day, I've learned an awful lot... love your iris!

[lizzy]

the photo is exquisite.
and so so true (then why do i forget so easily?)--sticking with it & taking risks, being bold.

[raina]

I appreciate your sentiment. I want to push my creativity in 2009 a little further. The print is wonderful...mother nature offers the best subjects for photos.

[Liz//Tipping Point Photo]

I had the same thoughts yesterday, though didn't come anywhere near your articulate expression of them. Bravo.
My solution may be to partake in Flickr's 365, but we'll see what happens. Here's to embracing change in 2009!
(And, of course, the iris is absolutely exquisite in this shot! Are you using a macro lens?)

[Jean M Fogle]

Seek and you shall find and the garden is the best place for finding treasures! You inspired me to go back and find some of my closeup flower shots. I am always inspired by shutter sisters ! I posted my closeups today.

http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com

[wn]

One of the things I am thankful for this year is Shutter Sisters...for inspiring me to keep my camera handy...even when I'm tired, even when I'm cranky and most of all when I am busy. Life happens...it's up to us to capture it!

The light in that photo is fantastic!

[Irene Lenihan]

I love that photo. Isn't it amazing what we can capture if we just keep at it. Thanks for the reminder.

[Kelley]

Beautiful! My mom remembers her best friend by irises. She gave her some and they still grow. Her friend was murdered 17 years ago. She would LOVE this picture!

I want a new lens for my camera!

[Cindy]

Beautiful picture.

[AppleTree]

beautiful

[misti]

I love African Iris. Irises are hard to grow here in our muggy south Florida and only tough ones will do. I have a large pot of them in my garden.

[krista]

love it.

[Cheryl]

Gorgeous...

[camerashymomma]

i love this post. i find it mentally challenging to take a photo a day or more. often i fall into the rut of "it's all been done before! it's all been seen, been said before!" but that's not true! everyday we can have fresh eyes if we let ourselves be in it, or get small, or stand back to look. i love that you have a great garden to play in.

[Lee]

Stunning! What a gorgeous photo. And, I'm thinking you've stumbled onto something. I too am thinking about modifications - and taking more chances - in 2009!

[Stephanie Fox]

Terrific picture.

[renee @ FIMBY]

gorgeous. and I love the advice, having tenacity and a sense of adventure.

[1momof5]

I completely relate with the challenges of finding new photo subjects. I have tried to stretch myself this year, and it is both fun and challenging. The iris picture is gorgeous!

[Erin]

Beautiful picture!!!

[Lucy]

*sigh*
Your photos and words and sentiments behind each are compelling. Thank you.

[Sharon]

What a perfect reminder!

[charlane]

it is very much a challenge to shoot everyday despite what my photography instructor tells me. But, as you illustrated in that search we can find undiscovered beauty.

[margie]

unexpected colour. always a surprise.

http://3yrplan.typepad.com/photo_du_jour/