A photo maker,
painting with light,
memories caught, frozen in time . . .
Hi, my name is Kim and I am a photographer.
There, I said it!!
For some reason that has been a hard thing for me to say yes to - that question when people ask me if I am a photographer. It's not exactly a random question and shouldn't catch me by surprise as I almost always have my camera around my neck or up to my eye. . . or I'm in the bushes or laying on the ground or stalking what appears to be air. But when they ask me I'm not really sure what to say because I do not get paid for what I do.
But several months ago, after my husband and I watched the sunrise, we stopped off at our local Farmer's Market where a woman asked me that very question. My husband stepped right in and answered a resounding "yes", as he knew all too well I would stumble and hesitate in my response. And I did. After a brief commentary on the matter she shared with us that she is a chef and although she doesn't get paid for it, she is no less of a chef because of it.
That moment with the "chef" helped me hear that yes in my own mind. It still feels strange, but I'm listening. So, if you have had similar feelings I am here to tell you to say yes, liberate that word right off the tip of your tongue. You are a photographer. And it doesn't matter what brand, or kind of camera you use as your vision and style will be the same regardless.
And while I'm at it, I may as well confess to one more thing. I have Photoshop Elements 9 and there it sits on my computer, still unlearned . . . sigh. I have always been a bit challenged when it comes to technology and it seems a little overwhelming. I really need to just take the plunge, but I have found that my imagination and creativity are just as welcome in Pic Monkey and Picasa.
So all you photographers and creative people get out your camera of choice, snap away and add your photos to our Flickr group tagged with Barns, our new theme for August, to be considered for our next weekly In Focus selection.
Happy Tuesday!
22 comments:
this brings tears to my eyes. i find it very difficult to use that word with regards to myself. while i don't feel like i'm there just yet, i am getting closer. and what a wonderful journey it is. thanks for the encouragement! :)
Yes,yes, yes Kim! This summer is the first time that I am using the word photographer with ease. I have been a photographer most of my life, and even if you only think of the years of photography as an adult, it's still been a long, long time. But this year I am saying it. I am typing it. I am a photographer. I am. And I think that since I've finally started allowing myself to answer yes to that question that I truly truly believe it and am runnning with it! You go, you photographer you! :)
I'm right there with you, Kim! when people ask me if I am a photographer, I usually answer, "i just like to take pictures." It's so hard to use that word! But I am so proud of you for doing it....making that leap! Yay!
Kim, you are one of the most talented photographers I "know" in the blog world...your photos are amazing and a joy to look at every time. Good on you for embracing this gift you have, and acknowledging it to the world!
Very inspirational, Kim. I can certainly see that you are a photographer! Life has so many transitions and many are in ur own minds. And hit up Kim klassen to learn elements. - brief, kind, at your own pace lessons that you can save and refer back to . She makes it easy as pie. Have a great day, my photographer friend!
heh you photographer...ofcourse you are and a beautiful one at that. I remember the first time I used that term, it felt liberating. I remember saying things like "sorta" and "wannabe" but now I say "yes", I am a photographer. Wonderful post, my wonderful friend.
Ahhh, yes. So hard to say those four words. You ARE a photographer. You are an ARTIST! A new mantra fou all of us. BTW, Kim's Skinny Mini course - free!! - started yesterday. It's self-paced so I'm sure you can sign up.
xo
:-D
Kim I can so relate to this post!!! I find it hard to say those words too. As for the photoshop challenge I had elements 9 sitting on my desktop as well and took the plunge by taking Kim's skinny mini class! It is wonderful and she is so easy to learn from! If I can do it so can you!!
Your image is awesome!! Love it!!
:)
So you can see from all the comments above that you are definitely not alone in finding it hard to say you're a photographer. When people would ask me that, I would always qualify it with, "Well, I don't get paid for it." Finally my husband said, "It doesn't matter whether you get paid or not. You ARE a photographer." So I stopped saying that and just said yes, yes I am. This is a hobby where were are all always improving and sometimes I think we want to feel that we've achieved perfection before saying those words "I am a photographer". But, believe me, anyone who can take the photos that you do, and the one above is a perfect example, is definitely a photographer. I will echo what others have said about Kim's classes. She is an excellent teacher and you would be surprised at the whole new world that will open up to you with only a few lessons.
Thank you for this wonderful post, Kim! I hope you can tell how much it spoke to all of us.
These words are words of death. If I say them, I might not be able to take another picture. Ever. Congratulations on your saying it. And you have given inspiration to think about saying it.
Wow have you hit a STRONG cord! We have all been in your spot at one point. Claiming "who" we are sometimes feels boastful or ridiculous if we don’t feel like we meet the requirements we have in our minds. (we are always our own worst enemy)
For over 20+ years I designed the interior of homes and worked for a national builder, and yet because I never got my degree like several of my co-workers had, I hesitated to call myself an Interior Designer. Once I was licensed I started calling myself that. One of my dear friends asked me one day... "so that piece of paper changed you?" wow... that was impactful. We need to have the confidence to give ourselves the credit we give others.
Spot on post
You took that beautiful picture with droplets on the flower, didn't you? How could you doubt that you are a photographer. That's amazing. I know photoshop elements, but my photography skills still lack that special touch that makes the difference between taking pictures and TAKING photos like that. I urge you to take Kim's class. I already had a basic knowledge of PSE but that class really help me tremendously. It is so much fun to manipulate your own photos to make them even better. Peggy from PA
Yay! Yes you are! You create beautiful works of art, photographically! Now jump on in to PSE and watch new worlds open!
xo,
Linda
OOOH and btw. there is a great site Lynda.com that has FABULOUS tutorials for Elements. I think its like $25.00 a month. Check it out you will love it.
Yes, my husband is my biggest fan and advocate too! I think that the more we think of ourselves as photographers and the more we say it, it'll become more comfortable. It DOES feel so good to say!
It is so hard to finally say those words. I'm so proud of you! I always feel like I have to say yes, I'm a photographer but landscape design is my real career. Great post!
Wonderful post and beautiful photos!
Wonderful post it's so difficult to admit who we really are I too this week have come out and now call myself an artist. Your photo is fantastic you are a photographer and you will love PSE ....
Kim...this is a wonderful entry! Someone said to me that photography is more than your hobby, Denise...it's a passion! That it is. My neighbor is a retired photographer from our city's newspaper...I gave him and his wife a calednar with my photos. He said to me, "You have an eye that I never had as a professional." I still have so far to go...need to hone skills using a flash, night photography, other stuff...but I really like the freedom of handheld and natural light. This was just a delight!!!! And your photo was wonderful!
Denise from Akron, Ohio - from Kim's BTS and BL
Great post and beautiful photo. You certainly are a photographer and a talented one at that!! Check into Kim Klasson's free Skinny Mini workshop. I think it's just starting again and it's a fabulous way to start getting into Photoshop Elements. I too have version 9 and that's how I learned to use it.
I can so relate to this!
Isn't it amazing when a stranger makes what seems like a small comment and it can change our thinking!
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