Failure is not an option, its critically necessary

That is a dark way to start a post probably but I truly believe it. We can only grow in the hardest times. These times can be in a season of doubt, they can show themselves in a time of conflict, and sometimes we find ourselves in a dark state when things seem to be going exactly as planned. So how does that make any sense? Well I should start by saying anything written here on my site, is my opinion alone and either from my experience or observation. I think its pretty easy to know when shit has hit the fan and when we are in a time of doubt but how does this express itself when everything seems to be going well? This is a personal experience and one that takes us removing some distractions and hearing ourselves truthfully. We have to listen but honestly listen. We have to take our guard down even to ourselves. We have to be open to seeing how we can improve our work, our situation, and our circumstances. Only when we are open to the idea of growing even when things seemingly are going our way. When our work feels the way we want it to, When we are open to the idea of growing, forever looking to improve can we then extend ourselves to be what we truly are capable of. 

So go make something, mess up a lot, and make it again. Only then will you grow and I want to be there for it!

Fall for photographers

I am considering starting a journey to break creative barriers and open myself up to new ideas and concepts. One method of this is to try and write daily. I truly want to be a person who uses a journal and who does so regularly but I have yet to find a system that works for me or holds me accountable. I start this entry saying that so anyone reading this might understand that if this blog seems to seem a little more off the cuff or shorter some days than others, it is only because I hope to stick to the plan and create entries daily for the foreseeable future.

So Fall and photographers seem like the perfect match right? The chill in the air, the crisp fall mornings met with dew covered ground, and pumpkin flavored everything. ( NASTY ) The mountain floors start to become blanketed by the leaves as trees release their grip on their foliage some people travel hours to witness first hand. As if nature is transitioning through a prism, creating magic that only quickly fades to make way for winter.

This transition is one of my favorites of the year as well, and as a photographer this means everyone and I do mean everyone wants to attempt to have photos made while the colors are so full of life and color. The only problem with this is, the window of opportunity is so thin, that we can only accommodate so many clients in this time. Luckily for me, I have found ways to make even the greenest, peak of summer moments, feel like fall when needed. Now I cant help the temperature meet your clothing preference, so if you schedule your session too soon, and you cant live without the entire family in sweaters, and Doc Martins, well you better bring a change of clothes for after. On the same hand, even as the temperature meets the ideal level of chill and sun warmed faces, the leaves transition even quicker now so waiting too long means we as photographers have to become creative.

Any other photographer reading this knows the struggle in which the demand of fall brings, and we joke about this on forums, and Facebook groups. We are also aware that as soon as the leaves are gone, and the snow begins, that our intake of new leads and work also fade looking for the first sign of spring. Not entirely of course but I absolutely wish more people would be as intrigued and also see the beauty in the winter months when leaves are gone, branches reach for the heavens alone of their protection. The simple contrast of the temporary reset or death of nature versus the beauty of connection with my subject inspire me in ways that shooting summer days might not.

So to summarize, pe patient with your favorite photographer in the Fall, we are running at full pace trying to find time to shoot for everyone we come in contact with, but also leave ourselves time to put our whole self into editing those images, and grading those videos for you as well. Not to mention have a life with our families doing the fall actives that we also love and enjoy- I mean Halloween is coming :)

Thanks for being here and Ill be here more often. I hope to see you here but in person as well.

Lets make photos together.