Coming home to my camera

Over the past year or so, my DSLR has been gathering dust. It hasn’t been intentional. I have just gotten more and more accustomed to using my iPhone for all of my daily photography. Easy, efficient, and synched to Instagram, I have found the convenience of my phone camera beyond sufficient to satisfy my creative cravings. That was until the past week or so. I can’t really explain it but I have been feeling a little photographically parched. To try to quench my thirst I decided to pull out the DSLR and play over the weekend.

I totally forgot what I had been missing.

Minutes turned into hours as I lost myself in my photography process. Light—click—aperture—click lenses, focus, the feel of the big camera in my hand—click click click. It felt so good. The featured shot above came straight out of the camera. It was the first of that day and it’s my favorite. I felt so at home and so happy. This doesn’t surprise me. I know my artistic rhythm calls for a new muse time and again. Who knew that the muse I needed next was in my camera bag, just waiting for me to return?

What’s your muse these days? What’s beckoning you?

the best camera

Sometimes I'm amazed at just how many ways there are to get at an image. How many different types of cameras, lenses, films, techniques and processes there are. It's endless. Considering choices can be as exhilarating (and overwhelming) as a trip to the art supply store. If you don't know what kind of art you want to make before you walk in that front door, you could spend hours and hours contemplating the possibilities. And perhaps leave a little more confused than when you first came in.

Like so many, my roots are in film photography. Then, somewhere along the way, I fell down a lovely digital hole. Then rediscovered 35mm film, dipped my toe into medium format before falling completely head over heels in love with instant photography. These days, my appetite for different cameras and processes is nearly insatiable. I want to know more, I want to try everything. Everything. I see a photograph I love, research the camera it was taken with and often fall down a rabbit hole so deep I have trouble finding my way out. It's like learning bits and pieces of a hundred different languages. I'm fluent in a few but have only picked up an occasional word or phrase here and there from others. I speak the languages I know with confidence but hold the new ones just under my tongue and savor the possibilities.

This means I am almost always traveling with a small army of cameras. Which is as challenging (and as comical) as you might think. Packing for a big trip means figuring out just how many cameras will fit in that carry-on suitcase. It means foregoing an extra pair of shoes (or okay, maybe clothes and shoes altogether). It's a commitment. But for me, choice is paramount and rarely have I regretted the packing of any extra camera or lens, any surplus packs or rolls of film. However, the whole scenario can also be a little crippling. Sometimes, when you have so many different tools at your fingertips, you fumble when it comes time to choose. The more I shoot, the more I realize just how important simplicity is, how choosing a particular camera is as much a part of the artistic process as composing an image. It's as essential as choosing the right words, the right language for what you want to say. Choose wisely, choose thoughtfully and accept the fact that you can't speak seven different languages at once.

I will probably always travel with a small ever-changing gaggle of cameras. But when it comes time to shoot, I'll choose just one and commit. Whether it's an unwieldy polaroid pack film camera, a DSLR with a monster lens or something that fits in the palm of the hand (hello, iphone), I'll choose just one and commit. Because while a world of choice is a lovely thing, everyone knows that the best camera is the one you have in your hands.

What cameras best speak your language? Is there a camera or technique that you're dying to try? Please do share your thoughts and images with us today.

spring's spark

Coming fresh off of Easter weekend, I am feeling ignited by a surge of spring's spark. From blossoms to blooms, sweet treats to Easter eggs, family to festivities, it seems that everyone was savoring a little piece of this season.

Although I captured a number of pictures this past week, for my Best Shot Monday, I have chosen to share something that spoke of tenderness, courage and hope. Capturing the intimate intricacies of something like this tiny peach blossom with my new Olloclip (which has a macro option for my iPhone) makes me swoon. I do believe I have found yet another creative muse!

Now it's your turn to share your Best Shot today. We can't wait to see what captured your spirit (and your lens) this week.

daring

Sometimes you have to take risks, be bold, do daring. Because...because...it challenges you. It surprises and delights you. It makes you feel alive. Isn't that reason enough?

When you find yourself in a mode of doing all the right things, all the things you are supposed to be doing to go with the status quo, try taking a chance or two. Attempt to push the boundaries. Be assertive. Audacious. Over the top. Express yourself! What have you got to lose? A little excitement never hurt anyone.

In the name of all things bold and beautiful, we are thrilled to be featuring the splashy camera strap covers by Swanky Stitch. And because they know that making a statement is all part of what makes life interesting, they are going to be giving away 3 Swanky Stitch camera straps to 3 lucky shutter sisters. All you have to do is be bold enough to comment here between now and Sunday at midnight EST for your chance to be in the random drawing to win one.

Today, let's celebrate the wow factor! Reveal your daring! Show us what you've got in the name of expressing your wild side!

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Congrats to Angie Willis, Stephanie and Diane Schuller for winning Swanky Stich camera staps!

gearhead

I am the first one to admit that I am not a gear head. Yes, I thoroughly enjoy drooling over eye candy and the idea of new coveted lenses as much as anyone else. But can I make a small confession? Gear overwhelms me. So does looking up the steep mountain of a learning curve with a new camera body and a manual nearly an inch thick.

Many of you know I recently experienced the shutter death of my beloved Nikon. I took some time figuring out my next step (and with the generosity of a dear friend lending me her dslr until I was able to do so, until I could make that leap into a new investment.) Last week I unpacked all the gear that came with my new camera. It swirled around me. I caught my breath. It was beautiful. And yes, overwhelming.

I have to move through it slowly like wading in the shallows of the sea. Baby steps. Baby steps.

It's like someone handing you something (or someone) they know you will love. "Here, you guys will love each other! You're a perfect fit! Go ... connect!" A match made in heaven, yet I am shy and curious. So we begin by fumbling our way into this new relationship, knowing it's true to heart, but still a little fearful of that commitment, that first step. That first image.

Now, maybe if I had an art degree, or a certifiable photography background to build my confidence, it wouldn't overwhelm. Maybe. But I have neither of those things (and on bad days, that self talk shouts at me, my lack of supposed qualifications.) The truth is: I'm just me. I'm self taught. I'm just following my heart in most every (and any) direction it leads me. And that's ok.

I take a deep breathe. It's only glass and mirrors. Plastic and wires (so many wires!) and many tiny parts to accessorize with, to add to my growing collection of gear. And yes, eye candy. And yes, photo love.

Why this confession today? I want to know how you feel about gear. Do your insecurities creep into the excitement and the newness of it? Show me what you've got. Show me a shot of you with your gear.