be the change

It was so interesting to read where Paige was yesterday… I've been feeling a tap on the shoulder from that visitor, Mister "self doubt".

It happens every now and then, sometimes taking me by surprise and other times I can see exactly where it's come from.

What can we do when we feel overwhelmed as artists by self doubt?.

Here are a few things I do -

• Talk it through with someone who will just listen, not judge. (They may even have been through this feeling before)

• If you don't have someone to talk it through with -  write it down - the power of putting it out there is sometimes remedy enough.

• Find a mantra or a quote - there is comfort in words… always remember... I am enough.

• Stand barefoot on the grass, connect with nature and feel in the moment. Breathe.

Tell me… tell others visiting here - let's gather an arsenal of weapons/actions to blast through self doubt. What do you do? What mantras do you hold close?…what do we need to come out beaming on the other side.

self love

It is such a nice change of pace to occasionally switch up the subject of my photos. I spend most of my photographic energy on people, whether candid shots of my own family or more formal portraits of others. So turning my lens toward nature or architecture from time to time keeps me excited about the possibilities of an image.

Sometimes I notice that I lose a little motivation looking at everyone else's amazing photos. How will I ever take an original photo when it seems like everything has already been done? In the age of Pinterest, Flickr, Facebook, and numerous blogs it is easier than ever to compare ourselves to others. There's nothing wrong with searching for inspiration and keeping up with a community of like-minded people. But when we feel the wave of self-doubt approaching it's important to take a step back and remember what makes photography special for each of us.

So today I encourage you to share a photo that makes you proud & happy. Forget about the technical aspects or how it compares to other people's photos, but do tell us why you love it.

time traveling

"You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it."

Today I decided to write my post and take a trip back in time. We carry our cameras with us almost everywhere, yes? Even if you are not intentionally shooting a 365 project, chances are you still pick up your camera or iphone almost daily.  Last night I decided to click through my library and see what my lens captured on this very day, September 5th, the past 3 years. Where would this little trip in time take me? What would my images make me feel? Would I even remember why I took the shots?  Most days I can't remember what I ate 3 hours ago, but when I click on an image it takes me right there. Each click we are photographing a memory. 

Here is what I found.

September 5, 2011: a trip to the beach the day before 2nd grade. a fitting farewell to a beautiful summer.

September 5, 2010: a night at the playground.  these 2, they really love each other.

September 5, 2009: his chubby little hands drawing rainbows.

Today take a trip through time and archives and share a memory here today. What did your lens focus on last year at this time?  How about the year before that? Share your links in the comments.

Speaking of time, have you seen Photojojo's Time Capsules? Twice a month they send you an email with photos you took one year ago from Flickr. SO FUN. And hey, they are FREE!

Join us and celebrate time, the past and the present. Don't forget to tag all images with our new hashtag, #shuttersisters !