feel it all

"I was waiting for such a long time, she said. I thought you forgot.

It's hard to forget, I said, when there is such an empty space when you are gone."

~ storypeople

When you feel something big (love, joy, light, anger, anxiety) grab your camera. This is the agreement I have made with my muse. She provides color and light and sounds of summer thunder from behind closed doors. I provide the camera and the willingness to step into the moment.

I have been smiling so much lately that my cheeks hurt. Suddenly I'm one of those smiley people you see smiling while driving for apparently no reason at all. I used to question those people. I'd wonder "What's making them so happy? Will I ever be that happy?"

This lightness in me was asking to be documented. I want to remember this time of feeling it all. It is simply a time of newness, and I am embracing it for as long as it stays or as fleeting as it floats away. I am here right now. Being happy.

How are you feeling? How is life treating you? Today show us a portrait that reveals a sense of feeling. Let your image tell the story of your heart.

clues

"We need to find inspiration whenever we can, because when we're spiritually tuned in, everything is a clue pointing us in the right direction."- Sarah Ban Breathnach, Peace and Plenty

Haven't you found those clues? When you're tuned into the frequency of the Universe? When you're following your bliss? When you're moving toward the direction of your dreams?

Today, share with us your direction. Share an affirmation that you are finding your clues. Or find an image that reminds us of the beauty and power of the path before us. Let's walk in the right direction together.

capturing authenticity

There is little I desire more in my work than authenticity, and yet it has often seemed so elusive.

I long for the images I create to say something genuine- to be more than a pose, a smile, a physical likeness. I have frequently struggled with how to achieve that consistently.

In reflecting on past work, I noticed a common factor in the images that really spoke to me- there was an emotional connection happening with my subject. It seems so simple, and yet I have rarely put enough emphasis on the importance of those connections. I might remember every other necessary detail for a great shot, but if that connection is not made, there will be little true depth in the final image.

The connections I’m speaking of happen when I as the photographer honor the humanity and uniqueness of the person I am photographing, and allow that to be the focus of the images.

In every art form, a certain level of vulnerability is required from the artist in order to convey something that is real. In photography, this is in allowing ourselves to be open and thoroughly ourselves in our interactions with those we photograph. Through our genuineness, they will feel comfortable showing us the truest parts of themselves.

This discovery is such a gift, because it makes every session an opportunity for real relationship. If I know my subject already, then I get to know them better, and if they are a client whom I just met, a new friendship is formed. My work has become about connecting with people and telling their stories rather than only being focused the technical aspects of creating great images, and through that I have discovered a new passion for what I do.

When we pour our hearts into our work, the result will be beautifully authentic.

What are some specific ways you connect with the people you photograph? In the comments, share a favorite image that you feel embodies something real.

Image and words by Guest Sister Hannah Mayo. Visit her site Hannah Mayo Photography or her blog to discover more about her and her work.

bravo

There's nothing like some recognition when it comes to being brave. Sometimes we make bold moves and never even slow down to give ourselves our well-deserved pat on the back. We get so caught up in forward motion that we often act bravely with little or no fanfare. Why is that? I think courageous acts deserve some acknowledgement.

Who's with me?

From sharing stories to sharing photos to sharing support to sharing dreams to sharing our talents, the bravery of our sisterhood (and ourselves) knows no bounds.

Today, let us be proud of the strides we are making and give ourselves the kudos we so deserve. Let's here about the things you're proud of today! Consider this your personal invitation to exercise your bragging rights. Come on, let's hear it!

Bravely done my friends, bravely done.

A Very Special Gift.

It's no secret that most of our photography is of good things: weddings, new babies, birthdays and the requisite pet photo, to name a few.  But what about the other photos? The ones that tell a story no one wants to tell?  Last August I was a summer camp photographer and had the privilege of meeting so many great kids, but one girl was special.  She had a brain tumor and was in the fight for her life but sadly, on April 13th, she lost the battle at the tender age of 4.  Not too long after, her mom contacted me: I would like for you to attend Ann's service and burial on Friday, and if possible captivate it with your wonderful lens.  It was definitely taking me outside of my comfort zone as I had never done something like this before, but how could I not? It was the least I could do for this wonderful family and to honor the child they had lost. 

Have you ever gone out of your comfort zone when photographing something or someone? Please, share your special stories with us...

In Loving Memory of Ann Marie Ambrosio-Cerna, June 17th, 2006 - April 13th, 2011