Monday, August 23, 2010

Through the Eyes of My Blog



This blog has transformed my life.

Susan Tuttle said it most beautifully in her article titled A Room of One's Own in the most recent issue of Somerset Life. She said,
When I create a blog post there is an unveiling of truth that takes place -- I am often surprised by the manner in which the photos I share and the thoughts I write about weave together into a cohesive whole, revealing something more powerful than I could have ever imagined.
And as I have written posts, day after day, and week after week...my heartsong has been revealed to me and I have made amazing self-discoveries.


Like the fact that I absolutely love photography.

Jim gave me my first digital SLR camera about 6 years ago -- but I didn't really move past the "auto" settings until I began serious blogging. I wanted the pictures in my posts to help tell the story...and that led me to explore creativity in photography that went beyond the green auto setting.


This year for Mother's Day, Jim bought me a new camera body that has a much more powerful sensor...this will help me take better pictures in low light (aka indoors). Right now, I am slogging my way through a 500-page manual on getting the most from my camera and I'm not even bored. In fact, I'm fascinated. (OK. You can call me on it. Some parts are boring...)


It's like a whole new world has opened to me and I have just jumped in with two feet. And this Summer, I've been more quiet than usual because I've been studying photography and taking lots of online classes on taking photos, workflow and editing. And *phew*, it's been quite a ride.

The first online class I took was a few years ago from Karen Russell. I love everything about Karen's photographs...She has the gift of telling her life's story through her images which is something I aspire to do.


Through Karen, I learned of a new community called Clickin' Moms. Since they charge a fee for membership, I decided to join for only 6 months. Now, after reading all of the tips in the forums and learning through watching the process of thousands of talented women photographers, I wish I had become a lifetime member right out of the gate! There are tons of free tutorials, helpful members willing to respond to questions, and many different courses being offered all the time.

They should have just called it Clickin' Women. Even if you're not a mom, it's a very active group of talented photographers and worth checking out.

So that's some of where I've been.

Studying photography so that I can better share my life's story with you...


And with me.


{My brother John sent me this link to a speech given by photojournalist, Renee Byer, who won the Pulitzer Prize for telling a story with photographs. Here's a link to just the prize-winning photographic essay titled A Mother's Journey. It's a bit tough to watch but very beautiful...}

18 comments:

Debbie said...

Susan, not too many things render me speechless but the link you supplied, I am speechless. It"s so true, sometimes pictures do not need words at all. Very touching..Debbie (Maine)

Radka said...

I feel very much the same about my blog. I am thinking all the time about my next post. Only 6 months old, but it has opened up for me a whole new world and I am constantly learning so much from fellow bloggers.
But tell me, which "Somerset Life" are talking about?

Catherine said...

Love your shots and have fun with that camera!

Balwearie said...

Aren't Nikons fun?!? I still have so much to learn about mine but I'm having the best time with it in the meantime. My dad has just loaned me a macro filter so hopefully on my next day off I can go to town with it. Enjoy!

Elizabeth said...

Well your photos are wonderful and reading that manual will only make them more satisfying for you!! I will enjoy all of them as I always do!!! I ahve missed your regular posts but so glad that you had a great summer at the beach with your family!!

Gerry Krueger said...

Are you really back or are you just teasing me? I have missed you and your posts... I am still at the "auto" stage with my camera and even bought a new camera months ago and haven't used it.. You will inspire me to do so.... I feel that people whom I've never met who read my blog know me better than people who I've known forever and have never read my blog... Hugs Gerry

allie aller said...

Very great to get an update on what you've been delving into this summer! Your pictures are already distinctive and wonderful...it is going to be such a privilege to watch you take them even further.

You might get some work photographing other peoples' needlework too, if you are ever so inclined. There's a genuine need for this, you know...

Sheila Iskin said...

Susan,

I love ALL your stories. You are a wonderful storyteller in every medium you use! I've been quiet too. I read Improv Wisdom and Finding Your North Star. Both great food for thought books. School starts for my kids on Wednesday, (Yippeeee!) and then there will be time to process all the great learning and Improv-ing we did this summer. I'm happy to see you've been having a great summer too!

Judy S. said...

Aha! I knew you were up to something interesting..... Your photos are always fun, so can't wait to see more of them as you explore the power of your new camera. Check out We Heart Yarn as I always enjoy her photography.

Rachel said...

Blogging does unexpected things for you, doesn't it!

Enjoy your new camera - so many new things to learn and try!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Good Morning Susan.
Well, I knew that you were busy, I just didn't know what you were up to.

There is one thing certain about you. You are ever on the search to learn something new, have no fear and are not intimidated by technology whether a camera or crafty machine.

Many of us wish we could be more like you. More focused. More goal, and goal achieving oriented.

Gerry said what is so true about a lot of us. Our blog friends know us better than anyone.

Well, please post a little more often while you are on your techno journey. Just so we know there has been no catastrophy in your neck of the woods. ~lol~
Much love and pixels sent to you friend.
xx, Carol

Unknown said...

I resonate with your fun of learning something compelling. Say more about the charming sampler you photographed for this blog.

Ingrid Mida said...

Susan,
I've always admired your photos. (Still wish I could figure out how to make mine bigger on my blog.) You've always woven a beautiful story into your posts. You didn't even need classes for that - it must be instinctual. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work.

Ati said...

LOVE your photos anyhow. They are always nice! Special when you take them from an angle, that add much more interest :)I must admit that I use the green button too, but also the macro for close by photos.I have a simple sony...

Susan, I wonder, what happened with the Alice piece after you sent it away???

Anonymous said...

It was very interesting for me to read that article. Thanx for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. I would like to read a bit more soon.

Kate Swenson

FredaB said...

Susan it broke my heart watching the decline of this little boy. The last pic of the Mother leading the way was too much. Why a child has to suffer this way we will never know. I live in dread of one of my 6 happy, healthy grandkids getting some terrible illness.

You know how much I love your photography. Good for you. This could be a great future for you once Jack is well on his way.

Our 6 kids started school today in middle school, junior high and high school. Next year will incude college for Nick.

Hugs

FredaB

A Crazy Kindred Spirit said...

I am in awe! I am a brand new blogger. I really don't know much about it. I don't understand photostreams or how blogs work, but I love your photos. They make me want to break out the beads, fabric, and thread!
You can visit me at:
http://crazykindredspirits.blogspot.com/

Kristi

Anonymous said...

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