images of imperfection

As we wrap up our October's One Word Project, I am still basking in the glow of the beauty of imperfection. The ideas, images and affirmations that have been shared over the past month have been inspiring and motivating, to say the least. The integrity and authenticity of this community never ceases to amaze me.

What's stays with me now is knowing that we have engaged in a collective energy that goes far beyond just a creative photography project. We are seeing ourselves and the world around us through a more compassionate lens; embracing who we are as beautifully imperfect. That's a really big deal. Can you feel it?

As Brené Brown says in her book The Gifts of Imperfection, "choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect."

Here's to all of us for being brave as we have cultivated our courage together, declaring that being imperfect isn't just acceptable, it's beautiful. Keep those images of imperfection coming today as we flex our creative muscles of authenticity! If you would like Brene Brown to consider any of your images of imperfection from the month in the OWP for a video she is making in honor of the beauty of imperfection, please tag your images in our OWP Flickr pool "beauty of imperfection". Remember when you are tagging your shots with a phrase like this, you must use the quoation marks in your tag to keep the words together in your tag.

And how about a giveaway today to celebrate all this awesomeness? Leave a comment here between now and Thursday 11/4 at  midnight EST for a chance to win the cutest little camera ever: the Fujifilm Instax Mini.YAY!

A special thanks to the amazing Brené Brown for inspiring us along this path of beautiful imperfection; for the last 30 days and beyond.

As for our new word for November? Come back tomorrow when we announce it! We promise you'll have something wonderful to focus on.

Comments

[Betty R. (SouthJrzyGrl)]

I've thoroughly enjoyed the photos that have been submitted over the past month. Each one so breathtakingly beautiful in its' imperfection.

"choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect."

My new, favorite quote. I hope more people embrace the beauty of being imperfect.

[nicolle]

that quote is perfect! also I have been wanting that camera forever, fingers crossed! :)

[Amy T]

What a lovely write up and images, I must check out Brene's book!

x

[Mary]

Love it!

[Susan]

Great Quote! Love that camera too! It would be a fun way to teach my daughters about photography!

[Ana Guerrero]

OMG... I would love to win this. My camera got stolen so this would certainly make me happy in the meantime. I probably won't get a new camera till sometime next year. Good luck to everyone!

[kathryn]

Imperfectly perfect... that is what I love to capture!

[Lynette]

Oh my goodness. I love this quotation, "choosing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect" and the above photograph. Beautiful simplicity. I needed to be reminded of this today. Thanks for offering a rad giveaway today -- another reason why I love Shutter Sisters! xo

[Lisa Flanagan]

great reminder to let go of the 'perfectionist" within - you never know what beauty you may discover.

[KarenW]

Sometimes what initially is considered an imperfection is what makes it unexpected and interesting. It makes you take a 2nd look and think about what you see.

[Christina]

Perfect word choice! Thanks!

[Patricia Davidson]

Beautiful image! Thanks for the opportunity to win a camera. I've joined your Flickr pool. Inspiring images there :)

[Alison]

It's been an amazing month of exploration and self-discovery. Thanks for inspiring it!

[mary catherine]

i would love to win that instax mini! my daughter has been all about taking pictures lately and instant prints would be so much fun for us both. thanks!

[Kat]

This aligned so perfectly with some of my personal explorations. Or maybe I explored that direction because of what I read here? Either way, I appreciated the view to accepting imperfection, and finding the beauty in it.

[Laurie]

I'm so sorry I missed this month. Midterms for a college teacher mean little else. :)

I am going to get one of these cameras this year, I have promised myself...but I'd love not to have to buy it. :) You always have the coolest stuff.

[kristyk]

Gotta get my chance in to win... so cute!

[Fee]

Wow this is such a great price. Can I turn in as a german as well! Would be amazing! I've seen this on so many blogs lately, I'd love to have one too :)!

[Robert]

Wonderful photo that demonstrates how perfect nature is with all of it's so called "imperfections". Love this little camera...would be great for making placecards at the table for Thanksgiving...woo hoo! Thanks for a fun giveaway, fondly, Roberta

[Ellen]

What a cute camera!

[Becky Sue]

Beautiful web. I would love that camera!

[Christa Allgood]

I have really enjoyed seeing so many peeks at different people's perspective of imperfection!!

[Andrea]

Your blog is always such a great inspiration! I love the idea of pushing past perfection for the sake of authenticity. I'm going to keep that thought with me. Thank you!

[hurworld]

Added a few imperfect photos to the OWP pool :)

Keep up the good work, love the inspiration these posts provide.

[Vanessa]

Love this and I would definitely put that Instax to good use!

Speaking of imperfection, my polaroid shots today is definitely imperfect but I still like them. http://www.flickr.com/photos/vasumo/5142723201/

[Tracy]

this was a great theme, really enjoyed it! lots of food for thought. can't wait to see what is chosen for this month.

[Angela]

I photographed 12 women for an hour, ended up with 215 photos, then processed only 31 as they were the "best" shots. Then I thought "Oh what the heck, they're all good!" and made a stop motion video of the whole lot:

http://angela-hemming.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-to-do-with-all-those-extra-photos.html

[sarai]

I have loved the invitation to see imperfection as beauty and art this month. It is a trend that will continue for me, I am sure.

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

I'd really like to read that book mentioned. Sounds like it would do me a world of good! thanks for the suggestion :D

~WW
http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com

[Alesa]

Sometimes the greatest beauty happens in the midst of a mistake. Here's to our "imperfections" and how they make us PERFECTLY wonderful!

[AppleTree]

I need to commit to embracing that level of authenticity.

[Trude]

Huzzah for embracing "imperfection"! Would love to be able to play with an Instax! :D

[Kara]

Thanks for the giveaway! Would love to win!! :)

[Lorena Mora]

Imperfection is sometimes perfection.

Would love to win camera, keeping my fingers crossed.

[Martha Cardenas]

Love the quote!

Entering for my chance to win.

[Dario Cordova]

Cool camera, hope I win.

[Casey]

I have to work much harder to accept my imperfections not just in my pictures but in life. I'm going to look into getting that book from the library.

[Dina @ 4 Lettre Words]

I want it!! And, I can't wait to see what the new word is...

[Jose L. Lopez]

Cool giveaway hope I win!

[Beth B.]

Love the OWP! Thanks!

[Jess]

Wow! I've only recently been referred to this site and I have gotten so much out of all the entries. Not just inspiration for my photography, but inspiration throughout other aspects of my life. I've placed an order for your book and I am so looking forward to receiving it. I can't wait to see what's coming for this month. I'm 100% on board and will tune in everyday...promise! I truly LOVE all the photographs I've reviewed...spectacular!

[Mary]

As a lover of Shabby Chic, I completely agree with the quote! What is often considered imperfection is just evidence of use and of love!

[Melissa M.]

Great giveaway!

[Puna]

I would love a little camera:)

I speak of imperfection here...
http://visionandverb.com/2010/11/counting-my-blessings/

[Erin Faye]

i wasn't able to contribute this month as much as I had wanted, but I loved looking through the flickr pool at everyones images.

[Tracy Schmitt]

Love the posts and the topic of imperfection...I noticed much through this past month and appreciated the imperfect even more. Would love that little camera...I've been eyeing one for a long time. Perfect quote!

[Dana Beth]

that camera is totally on my wishlist!

[KH]

I love this quote! It really applies to my life right now...

[Misty Garrison]

viva imperfection!!!

[patti]

Though-provoking post. Acceptance of imperfection makes us all "normal".