the creative path

Do you ever just get preoccupied in the day to day, the week to week, the month to month that you forget to stop and take a look back just for the sake of recognizing how far you've traveled?

We keep walking our creative paths; striving, sharing, expressing, working, playing, moving, and creating. There are days we skip along like children, effortless in joy and other we labor just to take one more step. But, we keep walking because as creative women, it's just what we do. We wouldn't have it any other way. But what about really taking stock of all that we've done? It's high time we do that for ourselves. Because we've all come pretty far. Wouldn't you agree?

I was fortunate enough to talk about the creative path with the inspiring Jamie Ridler for a podcast at the Creative Living Series.  Just talking with Jamie helped me reflect on my own creative journey and got me to slow down long enough to look back and acknowledge how far I've come and how my once-upon-a-time dream of gathering like-minded, like-hearted creative, photography loving women together has grown and is thriving. It left me so humbled and full of gratitude that my path has led me to all of you. 

You can listen in on the podcast at Jamie's site (CLICK HERE TO LISTEN).

And in celebration of each of us and this amazing place where we gather to share our passions, how about another Expressive Photography book giveaway? Consider it an expression of my love and gratitude. And I mean it with everything I am!

Share with us something from your own creative path today. Anything at all that celebrates how far you've come! Go you!

To be entered to win a copy of Expressive Photography just leave your comment here between now and Friday at midnight EST.

Congrats to Laura Gillmore/GenBug for winning a copy of Expressive Photography! Woot!

Comments

[Angie Willis]

I would just LOVE a copy of your book. Your post has made me think a lot about my creative journey and I think I need to work out the route of my path to see where I am and how I got here. I seem to have leaped about all over the place following deer trails and rabbit runs here there and everywhere but I keep coming back to SOMETHING. I don't think I've quite worked out what that something is yet though.

[Marcie]

Oh..how I'd love a copy of that book. Here's one of my 'creative' images:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1303

[cigi]

I would be thrilled to win a copy of the book. Thank you for the opportunity! My daily photo project has been the perfect vehicle for traveling the creative path as well as a tangible way to track my progress.
http://instamaticgratification.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/248365/

[Kat]

Yay for the opportunity to win the book! And also "yay" for the reminder to take a look at the journey along our creative path. It is so easy to get wrapped up in whatever struggle is happening at the present moment, and forget how far we've come. I happened to look back at that for myself, not too long ago, here: http://www.kateyeview.com/2010/08/creative-contemplation.html
Off to listen to the podcast. Thanks!

[Jan]

I have a copy of your book, but would love to share it with a friend. I love coming here every morning and seeing what you've created for that day. I hope to one day to put all my passion for photog and writing onto one place as you do each day.

[And Miles To Go...]

I had a lot of creativity this weekend when going to an old town and shooting pictures. I would love to win a copy of the book.

http://brewerfamily8.blogspot.com/2010/09/daytripping-in-old-ellicott-city.html

[Renee Stengel]

I love this post - sometimes I get frustrated about what I have not YET acomplished, and forget to be thankful for how far I have ALREADY come! I was just reflecting yesterday, my son is only three years old and he was 6 months old when I really started focusing in on newborn and childrens photography. I look at those first images, and while the mothers loved them, they are a WORLD away from what I am able to create today - just 2.5 years (and two kids!) later. I am so thankful for women like you who continue to encourage women like me to follow our own creative paths - I am a better person, wife, and mother because of that path.
Thank you.

[Heidi]

my creative journey is still evolving but I've come full circle from making and crafting as a child, into embracing my craftiness and understanding, as an adult, I need to indulge my passion so I can do all the other stuff (boring) in my life! this image was taken for The Sketchbook Project I'm working on called Facing Forward - In order to go forward we need to see where we've been and sometimes that self-reflection takes us down a different path. Thanks for the encouragement!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/83913324@N00/5014490954/

[Kathy Jo Camamcho]

Talk about looking back. I look at the images I captured before I started to learn about my camera. Although I'm grateful for all of those older photos, I'm truly loving the new images I'm capturing. And if I've come this far, and I travel forward, it will only get better.

[Gina@Bella Vita]

thanks! i could use that book!

[Ari]

My creative path is at a standstill right now, so it was great to take a moment to reevaluate. I have been neglecting uploading daily pictures to my blog like I had aimed to, and I keep allowing myself to get distracted from the things I care about that allow me to express myself, such as piano. However, thinking about how I've been a regular blogger since April, and how 14 years of piano lessons are really paying off, i do enjoy my creative path despite the obstacles.

[s.patel]

i am working on an assignment for a photog class--i guess you could say i'm near the beginning of my own creative journey! would love a copy of the book!

[ELK]

you have given so much here through friendship . art . encouragement ...the creative path always winds itself right back here...

or the kitchen sink:
http://www.redorgray.com/2010/09/thinking-happens-standing-by-creamy.html

[Jen at Cabin Fever]

At the last minute a couple days ago the girl I was photographing for her senior portraits decided that she wanted to change locations. It wasn't as great a location as the first, but I rolled with it and definitely had to pull some creativity out of my hat to take advantage of where we were, but the photos still turned out beautifully!

http://www.cabinfeververmont.com


http://www.nekphotography.blogspot.com

[marina]

Tracey, thank you for the inspiration, as always! I have been learning so much by coming to this wonderful place, in the past year. This is a photo I think I would not have thought and tried to capture one year ago:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36167691@N03/4954844875/in/photostream/lightbox/

And thank you so much for the chance to participate in the giveaway, I have not yet bought my copy of the book, even if I would live so much to have it!

[sue V]

this book looks awesome... i think we all need to stop and look once in a while....

[Kathryn]

A few times I've looked back at some of the original photos I took for my products on Etsy and compare them to those from today. I visably cringe when I think how bad they were at the start. I still have a long way to go but I can appreciate how far I've come and grown in the last two years.

[Katy]

Photography isn't my main artistic venture...I'm a singer/musician first. Right now, every job I have is related to music and music making - that is amazing for me, just two years since graduating from university. It's hard to capture singing in a photograph, especially when I'm the one onstage, but here is one from the recording session my ensemble did in August. Could I have imagined recording with a professional choir two years ago? Absolutely not! I am so excited and grateful that I get to do what I love as much as I do.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/katyharmer/4868440901/

[Marilyn Johnson]

I just put your book on my wish list last night. I would love a copy. Your post hit home this morning!

[AnnGeeDee]

I recently began putting images from my 365 project into a format that I'll be able to print at the end of the year when I'm done. It is such a feeling of accomplishment to know that I've made it this far. I can see how much I've learned over the course of the year and it fills me with joy that I'll have a book as a reminder.

[Terri Lynne]

I read 'Shutter Sisters' every single day. I am inspired by the work and stories on a dialy basis and thank you for the same.
Today, as I made my hour commute to work, starring right into the sun, I peaked the hill on the interstate and the sun was so amazingly beautiful. This morning, Ms. Sunshine was hidden behind some clouds and she gave off the most wonderful color of pink/fusha, ever. She didn't light up the city syline like all other mornings and the city seemed to be drowning in smog, but the sun was "ahhhhh" inspiring. I love how beautiful she is. I love how happy she makes me feel. I love that in the morning she can take my breath away.
I took a photo of her this morning with my camera phone. Yes, as I was driving...very slowly, mind you, I was sitting in traffic. The picture does absolutely no justice what-so-ever to her beauty.

[Gail]

I feel like I am on a very slow, cautious path of creativity...but I do see some change and improvement in my photos since I started...and I am having a "ball" as I travel this path:)...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22733432@N08/5009451743/
Much of my inspiration has been found visiting here...so thank you for that as well as for the opportunity to win this book!

[Mrs. H]

My creative path has just taken a major leap with the purchase of my first dslr. I have enjoyed looking back and seeing how my photos have changed (with just my p&s) after learning to pay attention to lighting and other "beginner" things as such. I am enjoying this time of learning and look forward to seeing where my path winds as a photographer (even as a hobbyist) in the future.

[Melissa Jones]

My creative journey has been and continues to be one of the best things in my life. I think changing my outlook on the process is what helps me the most. I have no desire to be perfect or constantly compare myself to other photographers. Connecting with people and capturing a particular time in a subject's life is my goal. I find that the more I stay centered on that the better my pictures become.

[Amanda]

I'm 31 and a half. . . I am grateful for every single step I've taken both in life and on my creative journey... for you see, they are one in the same. I learned long ago that art is not about competing or comparing... and since then, I've set my feet on a path to really hone in on my own personal style. . . I'm still working on that... and would love, love, love (puhleassse!) a copy of Expressive Photography. . .

Here's a photo of my most recent creative journey, an e-session with a fantastically cute couple.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cruel2bekind/5014173711/

It was my first time using a 50mm 1.4 ..... [squeeee!] would love to hear honest opinions.

[suzy]

thanks for this post today! i need to remember how far i have come!! would love the book too! :)

[joey]

Who won the last book give away? I must have missed it. Maybe I'll snag this one.

The best way for me to see how far I've come is to look back on my blog.

http://sea-bass.blogspot.com/

[BlessedMess]

Wonderful post...would love to remove the book from my Amazon Christmas List! (fingers crossed).

The last year has seen a lot of momentum creatively and just two months ago, I hit a huge personal milestone and shot my very first wedding...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12418609@N00/4899305210/in/set-72157624612023313/

It's important to look back, sometimes you forget where you've come from. And it helps clarify where you're headed. Here's to keeping to the path.

[Wayfaring Wanderer]

This is something that I have been doing myself lately, recognizing how far I've come. Exciting new things are in the works right now and I couldn't be happier.

~WW

http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com

[cynthia]

Thanks for this post. My creative journey has taken many twists and turns, and I've found many inspirations on the Web including this site. Recently, I've managed to combine my photography hobby and need to write down my thoughts about my life as a mom and share them with others and created a space just for me ... following on this site's mantra that "I am good enough" and the more mainstream/marketing voice that shouts "I am worth it."

http://picturemotherhood.blogspot.com/

[Jaime]

LOVE the cover photo! This would really get some of the creative gears turning. Look forward to travelling some more down the creative path myself.

[Brooke]

The kahuna and I have come a long way. I don't have very many photos from two years ago on flickr because I'm not as proud of them. Now I love to showcase them. Especially all the baby photos I've been taking for friends - even this summer, I've learned a lot more than I expected to.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterboo502/4855007811/in/set-72157624516690013/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shutterboo502/4855008117/in/set-72157624516690013/

[Ann Marie @Household6Diva]

My creative path has gone from a lonely dirt road to a blossoming garden of photography and community! With another deployment on the horizon, I am confident in the support of the online community and a little excited to share our story through my blog!

[Kelly Langner Sauer]

Finding my voice; coming into my own - thanks for the excuse to share!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellylangnersauer/5014294697/

[Christie]

I would love to win this book. Inspiration is key for me. Sometimes with everything else going on in my life I really seem to lack creativity with my photography. So this book would be greatly appreciated.

[lacna]

I really want a copy of your book! I feel I am just beginning my creative journey (something I've surpressed all these years due to 'obligations' and just .. life)-- I am learning as much as I can about photography because I feel it has found me--as a creative outlet. I read your blog everyday and I'm so inspired by the shutter sisters!

[damiec]

It's really quite amazing what daily practice, steadfast encouragement and support, and honest-to-goodness passion can produce. When I started taking a picture a day with my excellent little p&s last summer I had no idea I'd be unlocking the key to my own creativity, let alone connecting with kind, supportive, inspirational women all over the world.

This summer, which seems so much farther than only 12 months on my journey, with no small measure of trepidation, I submitted a few photos to our county fair's photography exhibit - and I took the top prize.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22487105@N06/4911203378/

[jag]

Today is my 20th wedding anniversary and it seems fitting to celebrate how far I've come. Thanks for the opportunity to share a bit of it here! My goal is to create a life of sane and happy usefulness. To help me along the way, I have learned that ... http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2905235153/in/set-72157607328527864/
and that...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2925610030/in/set-72157607328527864/
and that...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2866560020/in/set-72157607328527864/
but most of all, I need to...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2924821827/in/set-72157607328527864/

And to all of you...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/3391146948/in/set-72157607328527864/
xox

[Meg]

I guess this really shows how far I've come... from a mom with a 10D diagnosed with PPD to a photographer running her own business... this is the photo that was just chosen as best of show in a competition - if you asked me 2 years ago where I'd hope to be now... never ever in my wildest dreams would i have thought here :) there sure have been some pot holes in my path, but its been worth it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/teaandbrie/5000793461/

[Lynette]

This book is already in my amazon shopping cart!
I look forward to owning it one way or another :)
Thanks for sharing!

[mosey]

I wrote a post a while back about how when I'm in a slump (emotionally or creatively) I just need to "put on my shoes". Once you're out the door, if your heart and mind are open, the images and the deep breaths will come.

Here's a recent get-out-of-the-house image.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/a-la-mosey/5000079708/

[Darcy]

I would love a copy of your book. I love reading your blog for inspiration, but it would be even better to lie down on a blanket in the backyard and read your book for inspiration.

[Kristen]

I could use some help in the creativity department now that winter is around the corner, I always find spring my most inspiring season.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/threestridestudios/4683032716/

[Cortney]

The podcast and your post helped assure the decision I made was the right one for me. Last month I decided it was time to end my photography business venture, its time to start heading down the path I was once on :)

[Christian @ Modobject at Home]

My creative path is simply the daily goal of noticing, creating, and capturing something beautiful from everyday life. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't but there is always tomorrow to try again.

[Christina @ rsvp ink/cmh photography]

I would love to win a copy of your book.

Thanks so much for the post today...what a great thought. Thank you for sharing and inspiring.

http://rsvp-ink.blogspot.com/2010/09/shutter-sisters-creative-path.html

[blue elephant photography]

I actually looked through my 365 photos that i've done so far and i could see the transition in my style, the way i take photographs, my composition, and all. it has been quite a journey. And i will still keep looking back to remind me how far i've come and be grateful for every bit of it. You can check my progress here - http://www.blueelephantphotography.com/brightgallery.html

Else I wrote a blog about me having this dream of pursuing my love for photography. It's one of those moments that I had to breathe, and stop, and work on it. http://www.blueelephantphotography.com/blog/2010/09/06/i-had-a-dream/

[Puna]

Wonderful opportunity, thank you!

I have the honor of posting on Vision and Verb today...

http://visionandverb.com/2010/09/who-will-sing-to-you/

I love the collaboration of the women there, it is an indication of how far I've come in the blogging community.

[Susan {Florali}]

Beauty in each moment...with a little help from your friends (thanks for being there).

http://journal.florali.com/florali/2010/09/keys-to-imagination.html

[Tracy]

I've just started on a very big and a bit freaky creative path. I have left my safe job to focus on my dream job, becoming a photographer. I'm so excited and nervous and even a bit scared but the dream of doing something I love is worth every compromise!! Thank you for this very cool chance to win such an inspiring book!!!!