This is a quote from a movie, “Ever After” said by Prince Henry. It’s always stuck with me because I feel it in nearly every aspect of my life. It came to mind again recently when I was having a conversation with two new friends of mine, fellow assistant for local studio, S Designs. One of them recently set up a blog, and he was encouraging the other to start one. I was asked, “Do you have a blog?” Now this question is different than the similar question which was also posed, “Do you blog?” Quantified, with “…blog-blog, you know.” Smile. But as I said before and as you probably know, there is a difference. So, we talked about the difference.
The one who doesn’t have a blog, was explaining how she felt nervous to put herself out there because she didn’t feel like what she had was at the level she wanted it to be. I can respect that. I can also relate to it. I do, however like more and more of my work as time goes by, and its so rewarding to see the progress in my work. Blogs also allow me to follow the progress of photog friends in the ever growing industry. I’d be lying, however if I didn’t tell you that the first thought that came to my mind when this photographer was expressing her apprehension was this, “Unless you make a serious effort to get a following, then you should probably expect a few family members plus some at most who ever read it. So it’s really not that scary.” Pessimistic, maybe, which doesn’t really sound like me. Putting yourself out there among the throngs of emerging photogs is like raising your hand at the superbowl. I tried to say that as nicely as I could manage. But even if the only ones reading are my mother and sister-in-law with an occasional visit from a fellow curious photog, or even a past or potential client, (Yay!!) its worth it to see my progress as an artist for myself. In a way they were both right, I don’t want to do something unless it is done well, and in the world of the web, “well done” is measured by visits, clicks, likes, comments and such.
Half way through this conversation, I was feeling pretty small. But I will admit that it made me think about my blogging. I’ve only been posting official shoots that I know someone else is anxious to see. If I did have anyone checking in from time to time out of curiosity, I’d have left someone disappointed. Maybe even wondering if I still shoot. With monthly posts at best I’m not showing what I’ve been shooting. BUT, I have been shooting. So when I was done feeling small I remembered that I can still post! I don’t have to post everything, but if I wanted to I could.
So, with my thanks to you who are reading, I’ll post more. Like this work is from an open lab night at the mansion – any local photogs should absolutely attend these! The Cache Valley Photographers group is free, meets all the time and has a very open community feel. I was using the group leader’s camera (I’m looking into switching to Nikon) and shot these in Black and White. There was a band playing downstairs and they didn’t seem to mind me wandering around. Don’t worry, I wasn’t the only one. This was fun for me, there’s just something about guitars, I don’t know what it is . . . but I like them.
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