beyond the boundaries

Have you ever been asked to shoot a photograph of a subject that you were resistant to? Or perhaps someone requested a specific style of photograph that you didn't think you could achieve?

I have found that quite often that little voice in my head is intuition at work. The voice might say, "Not a good fit" or "Just say no". I am usually really glad when I listen to that voice.

But there's a fine line between intuition that's going to save you from doing something you might regret and the voice that speaks less of self-preservation and more out of fear. Fear of the unknown. fear of failure. Fear of being pushed beyond our comfort zone. That voice sometimes sounds similar to the voice of intuition but it's a totally different voice. Telling the difference between the two is something I'm beginning to better understand.

I was recently asked to shoot something that felt, well, challenging. The voice in my head asked, "Can you even do that?". Hmmm. It wasn't a big deal at all and nothing important was riding on my decision so I felt no angst about it but it did get me thinking. I mused on the request for a while and kept myself open to the idea. Before I said yes, or no, I tried it. I decided to turn the whole thing into a postive experience, challenging myself in a playful way to try to shoot through a new lens.

Needless to say that it worked like a charm! By allowing myself to be gently pushed past my boundaries, I not only captured some fresh photographs that I love, I was actually energized by the whole experience.

What happens when you push beyond your own boundaries? What does the voice in your head say? I would love to hear your thoughts and see your images!

Comments

[Marcie]

So funny that you should be posting about this today. Here's something 'fun' I did..pushing past those internal voices that said I 'should' be doing something different:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2012/1/8/fun.html

Love your image Tracey....fun and creative!!!

[Patty]

You're right that it is a very fine line... Most of what I enjoy about photography is that I am able to do it totally on my own terms. Mostly I don't need to please anyone but myself and I find that so freeing. I have resisted doing other types of photography that would be dictated by someone else. Having said that, my word of the year is "venture" and I do plan to step it up and push the boundaries of my comfort zone, so we'll see what happens!! Great image!!

[Wendy]

My first few shots for my 365 this year were something that isn't my usual style. It's way more set up than I've ever done before (and I have to admit I once-upon-a-time didn't "get" this kind of photography), but it was really fun!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendytienken/6625773107/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wendytienken/6630271615/

[kelly]

I'm glad you brought this up. I'm going to really start paying attention

[Libertad Leal]

I absolutely ADORE your image Tracy. So very lovely.

You are so right it's hard to tell the difference a lot of the time. It's good to push ourselves. I should do more of that :)

http://libertadleal.blogspot.com/2012/01/banner-year.html

[Laine]

Lovely shot! For me, it was branching out into wedding photography, even though I swore I would NEVER! Found out (aside from the stressfulness ;-p) I really like it! It's an honor to be part of someones' beautiful day and use my skills and ability to preserve their precious memories. The voice in my head says "Ahh, what were you thinking!" before the event. And afterwards says "See, I knew you could do it. Have faith in yourself!"

[Nicole a Alley]

Great post, and I agree that it's tricky to tell the difference. I had a recent experience where a colleague asked me to take a photo for him of the city skyline from his balcony. I'd never done night time photography before and was curious but didn't think I could pull it off. I nearly suggested he go and find a "real photographer"! But I eventually realized it was fear of the unknown and an opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. I had so much fun and the photo turned out great. Now I want to do more night time shots.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/nicolealley/works/7807543-melbourne-city-lights?c=117912-melbourne-skyline&p=framed-print

I think that if I have fear + excitement or some sense of creative vision, then I should probably do it. IOf it's straight fear or doesn't feel right, then I won't.

[Ellen]

My "NO WAY, NOT YOU" voice is really loud. Last week I stood up to the voice and tried something new in post processing and TODAY that photo was chosen for the Shutter Sisters 365 pick. Wow.

[kristin]

i love this shot tracey. so carefree and hopeful.

[Kat]

What a beautiful post and so true. I'm just starting out (well, not taking pictures of course, but REALLY doing it) and one of my friends asked me to come shoot her parents' 30th anniversary party. I'm terrified bc it's indoors with 30 people but I'm glad that I'm letting myself get pushed past what I've done previously.

[Dana]

Wow.
Thank you for this today...even if I am seeing it a day later...
I think I needed it...to allow myself to post this blog post...

http://urbanutopiaphotography.com/blog/2012/01/10/chance-and-fear-bothell-twin-photographer/

I was fearful. I was afraid to tell people I was afraid. HA! The irony....

Anyway, thank you.
xoxo

[Samantha L.]

I was always facinated by the thought of having a picture a day and how you can see yourself grow over the years, in creativity and style. I haven't really been infront of the lens, I perfered hiding behind it. So when I decided I'd like to see how I changed over periods of days, weeks, months, it was a big challenge because I didn't think it would work out and I'd get ridiculed for trying. (I'm also self-conscious.)

Here's my Project 365 so far...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scarybunny_art/sets/72157628779687317/