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Another guest post by Dana
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Back in January, I did a silly "Thursday 13" post where I listed Thirteen things I'd like to do but will likely let some irrational fear keep me from accomplishing. Some of the things on the list are long-term projects, but some of them required nothing more than a little belief in myself. And yesterday, I found that belief - I submitted a photograph for juried review and (hopefully) public display.
What surprised me was that accomplishing that goal didn't feel the way I expected it to. No, it felt even better! Why??
When I was living with husband we bought a really nice camera for a vacation we were taking. I was not allowed to take photos - husband reviewed my first attempts and decided I had no talent - I was just wasting space on the memory card.
Whenever we took the camera anywhere, he took the photos. He didn't even want me to take the camera if I was attending an event without him. I saved up my pennies and purchased my own camera. Sure, it was a $149 point-and-shoot model, but it was mine! And I started taking pictures, never sharing them with him.
Since leaving him, I started participating in Project 365 - a photo-blogging project where you post a photo each day for a year (if you are interested, you can find it [HERE]) One of the photos I took (the one below) was a perfect fit for the "Black & White" theme of this juried show. I took a deep breath, attached it to an email, and hit send.
Although I'd be thrilled if my photo made the cut for display, it really isn't about that - it's about surrounding myself with people who support my goals - people who give constructive criticism - people who know that if I believe in myself I will believe in them.
It's a good reminder that there will always be people who gain far more pleasure in telling us what we cannot be than they do seeing our joy in becoming what we were meant to be.
“Listen to the mustn'ts, child.What surprised me was that accomplishing that goal didn't feel the way I expected it to. No, it felt even better! Why??
When I was living with husband we bought a really nice camera for a vacation we were taking. I was not allowed to take photos - husband reviewed my first attempts and decided I had no talent - I was just wasting space on the memory card.
Whenever we took the camera anywhere, he took the photos. He didn't even want me to take the camera if I was attending an event without him. I saved up my pennies and purchased my own camera. Sure, it was a $149 point-and-shoot model, but it was mine! And I started taking pictures, never sharing them with him.
Since leaving him, I started participating in Project 365 - a photo-blogging project where you post a photo each day for a year (if you are interested, you can find it [HERE]) One of the photos I took (the one below) was a perfect fit for the "Black & White" theme of this juried show. I took a deep breath, attached it to an email, and hit send.
Although I'd be thrilled if my photo made the cut for display, it really isn't about that - it's about surrounding myself with people who support my goals - people who give constructive criticism - people who know that if I believe in myself I will believe in them.
It's a good reminder that there will always be people who gain far more pleasure in telling us what we cannot be than they do seeing our joy in becoming what we were meant to be.
Listen to the don'ts.
Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts.
Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me...
Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
~ Shel Silverstein
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15 comments:
Your philosophical take on this is nicely done, but c'mon...you know you wanna make the cut, and that's as it should be. Cheers Dana!!
Matt-Man, of course I do, and will be disappointed if I don't! I think the real test will actually be if I DON'T make the cut. Will I try again or give up?
I'm pretty sure I know the answer to that question and it is very different than it would have been a year ago :)
Good for you! If the picture below is a representation of you work, I'd say you have an excellent chance of having your picture displayed.
I love the pic. The beauty in a whispy dandelion was never captured so well. And the fact that you are no longer with camera hog?
Was not surprised to read that .. as well as relieved for you.
I think they would be crazy not to pick it. It's a great photo.
nitebyrd, Thanks! I do hope so!
yogurt. I probably stayed a little too long with camera hog, but that's OK - lesson learned!
Sedorah, ... and there are many GREAT photographers out there too *cough*YOU*cough*
Good for you. I am proud of you.
If at first you do not succeed....
Love the photo...and your talent is growing with each picture you take...bet hubby has not taken a picture in over a year
Great pic. Keep hitting that send button.
It is a great picture, you have a good eye!
Great picture! Good luck!
When someone tells me that I can't do something, my first reaction is, "Oh yeah???"
You take wonderful photos and I hope that your picture is chosen.
I can't believe you quoted Shel. I grew up in the same town with him and he used to read to us at the park!
I think you have an amazing talent for photography and composition. But hey, what do I know. I only won the photography award for my Sr. HS class. ;)
I hope you win all over that asshole that you used to live with!
I've always thought your pictures were a step above, don't let yourself get swayed, keep taking pictures.
...and that picture is an awesome B&W.
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