beginner's mind

I got my first DSLR in June 2008 and have been doing the novice-but-learning photographer thing for 6 months now. I wanted to take better pictures of my girls, so I got the camera, then I took a class, then I reconnected with an old friend---an art school grad and 20-year photography veteran. He not only offered to look at my photos but was *enthusiastic* about doing so.

After several rounds of comments and critique and encouragement, my confidence grew strong enough to put some photos up on RedBubble and submit to microstock sites. I’ve also applied to exhibit my photos at the local library. So far, no sales on RedBubble, 100% rejection by the stock sites, and no word back from the library.

But...weirdly, my confidence remains unshaken. Honestly. I’m still happy with my photos, still get new ideas every day, still think constantly about where I’ll go the next time I get some solo time to shoot (mother of two litte girls, full-time job...you know the drill).

Now, contrast this with how I approach writing. I have a writing degree, I work in communications, I have taken several writing workshops and journaled since I was 16. But when I think about submitting my writing for artistic critique, I flinch. Hard. So hard that I have, to date, been paralyzed. I cannot bring myself to take risks as a writer because I am so deeply invested. In Buddhist terms, I’ve lost my beginner’s mind.

And here’s what I think the take-home for Shutter Sisters devotees is: If you are feeling creatively shy or risk-averse, try a wholly new art form. Dig in hard for a while, then put yourself out there for review---by your friends, by the masses, by degreed professionals, whoever. Like my photographer self, you’ll have very little to lose.

Once you remember the freedom of being a beginner, transfer it to your original art form. You may find the courage to hear criticism of your first creative love, which can only make you better. 

I mean, look at me: I just submitted this unsolicited guest post. Will it be accepted? I don’t know, but have lost nothing in the trying, and am not feeling so shaky inside that I can’t hit the send button. It’s not a monumental risk, but up until today, I lacked the gumption.

And now I’ve done it.

Photograph and words courtesy of Guest Blogger / Honorary Sister Anna Weaver (aka NotAnna).

Comments

[kosenrufu mama]

your work, photpgraphy and writing, is excellent for me, my compliments to you!!! especially for your courage and your challenge!!!!
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/

[Marcie]

I think we all have moments of self-doubt Even posting images of a slightly different genre can push your edge:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=652

[Gypsy Alex]

Well done, sister! I've had a very similar experience. For years, I struggled with my insecurities in regards to my illustration. On the back seat, I always had my camera. Always taking the world in... Having that intimate dialogue with myself behind the lens.... A true conversation... So true that I never noticed what I was doing exactly. That careless practice opened me and allowed me to do my best work (i think). My soul work with images. Not self conscious, not aiming at a higher prize, not focused on technique... Just doing what I felt was right. It worked. Now I have embraced it as my life's work! So your insight is just perfect! The beginners mind is quite a lovely zen concept. I think at some point I will return to play with illustration, but for the time being, photography is doing the trick for me. It was truly the beginners mind that allowed me to find a true passion that I can now enjoy more than I worry about! Bravo to you!

[cindy k]

i agree with you so much! i'm new to photography and of all the arts/crafts i've done over the years, searching for that thing that comes 'naturally' to me, photography seems to be it. of everything i've created, i'm happiest with my photos even when they're not great and it takes a lot less angst to create something i find appealing. i don't give up. and, i'm always saying i'm a beginner and not ashamed to do so. i got my first dslr in sept 08.

i love the idea of applying this mentality to other areas, i work in marketing, and will keep it in mind today. your photos and writing are really wonderful. thanks!

[Marcie Vargas]

This is such a timely post for me to read! I just started shooting last April after being given a secondhand point and shoot, and I feel like I have more confidence in my photography right now than my writing. I'm a published poet and former journalist, and this just seems almost easier.
I've been experimenting with combining short poetry and photography into a type of short story which seems to be working for me.
http://www.marcievargas.com/everyone_knew/index.html
http://www.marcievargas.com/the_best_sunday/index.html

[camerashymomma]

that photograph is beautiful, the golden ripples in the water are divine.

it's good to remember to take risks, to step off even with unsure feet. good for you for taking that step and hitting SEND! i'm so glad you did. for me, writing is a force that begs to escape and run away from me. words need to find homes in wanting ears. that is the driving force for me to continue (or not to stop myself) we all have something to say. we can say it through photography as well. you have done both so well! i hope your words and photography find many homes out in the world.

[Puna]

Thank you for this forum where we all, amateurs and professionals alike, can express our creativity daily. Thanks to all of you who comment and for your wonderful images, where I get inspiration every day.

[Jodyangel]

I so agree. Its good to be bold and to tred where you haven't gone before. I am trying new things almost daily in my photography lol. I can't say I have a narrow perspective but that I love photographing almost anything at this point. When I browse thru flickr tho I am compelled to try new approaches.
I'm glad you hit send. Love your blog btw...gorgeous work =)

[Jean M Fogle]

Even tho I have done photography for years, even make a living from it, I still often feel I know nothing ! We are all beginners as there is so much to learn.
I started with film so digital has made me a beginnner again and right now i am learning Lightroom , it took me days to find how to save, or I should say export!
Hang in there, good things come to people that are persistant, I should know.
http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com

[Charlane]

"I took them to the edge and they were afraid. I took them to the edge and they were very afraid. I took them to the edge and I pushed them and they flew.

--- taking classes was the best thing I ever did. I highly recommend it. It got me used to critique and I learned to move from the "green square" mode. I can't imagine being without a camera in my hand.

[Krista]

I love this post. Perhaps it is because I can relate on so many levels. I haven't yet had my DSLR for a year. I'm still new, still making mistakes, and still finding incredible joy in sharing those rare photos that speak to me. I've joined Flickr groups. I've posted photos to my blog, something I rarely did before owning the Nikon D40 I love so much.

Yet, like today's author, I'm a writer, too. I have no problem sharing my work with friends and family because they're usually kind, even in critique. However, sending off the manuscript to someone who won't have to look me in the eye over every Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, intimidates me. When I do find the courage, I become paranoid. I suddenly realize my stories are terrible to the point of embarrassing.

For this reason, I just want to give today's guest blogger a big ole hug and "way to go!".

[busymomma66]

Thank you so much for sharing. It's nice to know that I'm not alone in analysis paralysis. Keep giving girlfriend, both in writing and photography, you've got a gift, share it.

[Jen]

Yes, these sentiments are well shared. It's amazing how we are surrounded by such talent and can be intimidate by it too. Keep being inspired...photography is one of those things in your life that will constantly evolve. Thanks for your post.

[Kath]

A very timely post. I too am beginning, trying, pushing and not afraid to share what I'm doing. I think that gives some weight to this little inner voice that is trying to be heard, the voice is telling me that I can take photos, good ones. Today I posted some "ice" photos and I'm seriously wishing I didn't have to work so I could go out and take more.
This New Year is filled with promise and fear, conflicting things for sure, but I think the fear of what may come from an economic point of view is leading us all to turn to true beauty and art that we create ourselves and that provides promise and comfort.

[maz]

I am SO glad you decided to take the plunge and submit your guest post; I have read it and re read it. It has allowed me to see what I do in a totally different light. I am going to have a t shirt printed "I have a beginner's mind" and wear it every day! Thankyou so much for sharing your thoughts.....

http://divingforpearls.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/the-beginners-mind.html

[Lizabeth]

Your words speak a powerful truth, inviting me to be courageous. Thank you!

[Gayle]

Anna, this is a great post! So glad you did submit it!

[Liz]

That was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Thank you so much.

[spread your wings]

your words ring true to me as well. i am an art director by profession and a painter at home and have many moments of self doubt or intimidation. when i tried pottery and photography for the first time I didn't feel that intimidation but a new sense of creativity and freedom - nothing much was expected of me so I guess i couldn't fail -so when i did well i wanted to explore it more. there is a freedom in being a beginner.
thanks for hitting "send".

[Kristin]

I feel exactly the same way about my photography. Now going on 11 cameras, i still take as many photos as possible and still submit them to sites and try to sell them on Etsy. No sales yet. I am still confident and enjoy every minute of it, and love most of my pictures.

[Diane Schuller]

Bravo! That was a risk well worth taking. Thumbs up.

http://albertaphotography.wordpress.com

[Sharon]

Keep celebrating your courage and your newfound skills in photography. Your photo is gorgeous, by the way. And send your writing out too. It's a new year and there's no better time to try.

You've really inspired me today. I plan to pick up my camera and see what's out there!

[Toni]

Boy, can I totally relate to what you, my new favorite guest blogger, have written. I am a glass artist and, while I don't mind critiques of my work at all - I relish it in fact, I've been paralyzed by my self-imposed critiques for the past six months. I haven't created one single new piece of work. I've been concentrating on my photography during that time and thoroughly enjoying it. Hopefully through photography the joy in working in glass will soon return.

[Suzanne]

Oddly enough, I have the exact opposite experience and reaction to being a beginner and having a "beginner's mind." I have multiple degrees in English and faith in my writing. It is the packed earth upon which I stand.

Photography is entirely another matter.

I've been taking pictures for about a year, actively learning from books and friends for about six months. It's taken me that long to join a flickr group. I hesitated for a long time before pressing OK on my first submission to the Shutter Sister's pool this morning and, since then, have returned numerous times to see the sent photo out there in the world.

I feel more exposed in my photos, even though very few of them are of me.

[mama-pan]

thanks so much for these words. Took a look at your redbubble site, too--I love all the oranges!

[Jen]

Your photos are amazing. Thanks for the inspirational post. I received my D60 in June 2008 too. So I know exactly how you feel.

[Bridge]

your words resonate with me. i get deep joy from photographing and sharing. i also like to write on my blog, it often seems like nobody is listening or looking but i do it just the same. thanks for your post.

[Amy]

I love this thought. Thank you for your words. :)

[Rebecca]

I can for sure relate! This last year I have so learned that going for it an just putting it out there gains so much more. All that matters is you are having fun and enjoying it! Great posting! And love the photo!

[laura-dolcepics]

Thank you for your wise insight! Your photos are really lovely. Wish you much success!

[Shalet]

Excellent post and thanks for the encouragement!

[Anali]

Thank you for the information and the inspiration!!

[Gooseberried]

I've lost mine beginner's mind too, when it comes to writing. I remember I used to write at all hours in the night my sophomore year of college when I was younger and hardly needed sleep to survive. I can't do that anymore. I sit there and criticize myself even when there's nothing on the blank paper.

[Katy]

Thanks for saying this. I am a singer first, and photographer second (like you I am learning as I go). I am so shy to sing in front of people, yet I jump at any chance to show my photographs...I think a rebalancing needs to happen in my art too.

[nikkole!]

thank you
for writing this!

[elizabeth]

Heh. I submitted some favorite photos to a stock site and they were all rejected. It didn't phase me a bit. I decided that stock photos and I do not have the same taste, LOL, and I forgot that idea immediately.

Great insight!

[MammaLoves]

Thanks for this thought. I feel the same way. Trying new things keeps us young too they say.

[NotAnna]

Thank you all for the comments and encouragement. Reading your reactions to my words and photos made Thursday a red letter day for me, for sure. If only all risks could have such gratifying pay-off! (But then, if there were guarantees, I reckon they wouldn't be risks.)

I am flattered and emboldened and truly, madly grateful.

[buttercupyaya]

Very beautiful said. I hope all of us who are weary and shaky about sharing will find courage and strength in yours.
Dana

[Nikki]

I can completely relate to your post. I became most interested in taking photos when my son was born a few years ago. My DSLR is one of my most prized possessions now. I take photos primarily for myself and then if others appreciate them it's just a bonus. I sometimes fantasize about doing something more with my interest in photography, but now it is fun to play. I'm home full time with the kids (2) and it's handy to have easy access to a creative outlet.

Thanks for the thoughtfulness.

[Suvarna]

Congratulations on finding the courage to take a risk and on the acceptance of your post! I can definitely relate.
Your writing is engaging, timely and thoughtful, thanks for sharing it.

[shelli]

I'm glad you submitted this post. Similarly, I got my first DSLR in June 2008, and though my first love is writing, I've been having more fun lately taking photos. So I completely understand what you're saying. It's exactly my experience too.

[Sarah with an H]

I am so impressed with you! Keep taking photos and keep writing!

[canvas prints]

So excellent pictures of photography. I wondered with your talent and works.