The Little Things

by Dotti

What makes you happy?  It’s the little things that make me happy, like Gerbera daisies and the color red.  

Recently I came across a “class” that resonated with me, made my heart sing, sounded like just what I needed to launch my photography into summer. I’d like to tell you about it.

Some, maybe all, of you may have heard of Karen Walrond. I’ve been following Karen’s blog and her work for several years. An original Shutter Sister, Karen soon went her own way with her own message. She’s a wonderful photographer, an excellent writer, a very insightful person and has an impressive professional resume.

A couple of weeks ago she launched her 21-day #shutterhappy project and I decided to jump in. It's something you can enroll in at any time so if you're interested, give it a try. The premise is that gratitude helps us attain and maintain happiness. The objective is to cultivate a habit (hence the 21 days) of looking every day for things that make us happy and taking a photo of at least one of those things. We’ve talked about this very thing here at FOL on more than one occasion and I believe it to be true so let’s chat about it today.

Here’s the cool thing: I’m barely half way through the project but all day long, I find myself looking at things and smiling because I realize how grateful I am for them. Most of them are simple things. For instance  -

A simple breakfast on the back porch -

The first swallowtail this season on one of our butterfly bushes -

The flowers on my back porch –

A coneflower ready to bloom into all its fullness and beauty –

The happy orange of a tiger lily - 

The blue of a hydrangea –

Some of these are my direct response to Karen’s prompts, some are just things that made me pause in my day and pick up my camera. Being more observant of things around me, particularly the little things that I’m grateful for has put a smile on my lips, my "center" seems calmer, I find that I’m happier.

Now I’m not naïve enough to think that it will always be easy. When  life gets tough, this practice will be harder but I believe even practicing a wee bit of gratitude at these times will help us weather these storms as they come.

Whatever it is that makes you happy, take the time to say thanks and smile at yourself and your gratitude. I think you’ll be glad you did.

Gratitude.

If It's Spring . . .

by Dotti

. . . it must be time for diptychs!

What is a diptych? Merriam-Webster says:

1. 1 :  a 2-leaved hinged tablet folding together to protect writing on its waxed surfaces
2. 2 :  a picture or series of pictures (such as an altarpiece) painted or carved on two hinged tablets
3. 3 :  a work made up of two matching parts

Our friend Susan Licht is once again inviting Facebook friends and Instagram friends to share spring-themed diptychs the week of May 8-12. Susan did this last spring and again in the fall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to help you change your thinking and perspective and rekindle the passion in your photography venture.

There is a Diptych Group on Facebook that you can join and it can be found here. The group requests that we post only one diptych per day.

On Instagram (where you can probably post as many as you like) the hashtag is #weekofdiptychs.

For those of you who might be new to using and making diptychs or just want some inspiration, here is a great article from our friends at Digital Photography School.

I love diptychs! They always help me resurrect my moribund photography. Creating diptychs pushes me to see things differently, it helps me to think differently when I have the camera in my hands. It’s a wonderful storytelling tool. I have created and saved templates in the print module in Lightroom and it’s easy-peasy to create a diptych (or any mosaic) in a moment’s time. You can make them in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements as well.

If you’re shooting with your phone there are numerous apps that allow you to create diptychs. My go-to is Diptic but there are plenty of others. Be sure to share your favorite in our comments today. And you can create diptychs right within Instagram.

So, what are you waiting for? I’m going to start looking for diptych opportunities . . . as soon as the wind stops blowing.  [insert eye roll] Sometimes I feel like I live in Oklahoma.

Also, for those who haven’t heard, Tracey Clark is offering a “Picture Spring” class. The “Picture” series that Tracey started seven years ago (!) is where many friendships began, including those of us who contribute here at FOL. So take a look, you might find it interesting. I guarantee you’ll find inspiration, fun and new friends!

Where's Waldo

by Linda

Have you ever felt like you've gotten off track and can't seem to find your way back? You know, you've lost your mojo, your inspiration, your focus.

Your get up and go, got up and left.

Happened to me. And it happened quite a while ago. I'm still searching for the magic bullet that will right this train. Somethings gotta give. I'm ready to go. It's time to rekindle creative energy. It's time to relish in capturing all the beauty in this world.

Vacations are always photographic opportunities. I always find a spark visiting different places. But then I come home and spark goes away. How can I keep it going?

I'm thinking it's time to revisit my simple surroundings, to give myself permission to take boring mundane photos of everyday life. But really not think of these things as boring and mundane, they matter. I should make a record of all the things that are good and all the things that are not so good because that is life.

Seeing beauty in small things, and making a record of it, that just might get me back on track. Of course this is something that I have known all along. It just got lost in the fog.

Everyday practice! Yeah, that's the ticket!

Who doesn't love looking at photographs and feeling all the feels again!

I should have started that 365! But I still can, who says you have to start on January 1, because I'm a rebel!

Where do you go for inspiration?

...

Through Her Lens

by Kelly

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched but are felt in the heart. Helen Keller

Standing on the shoulders of giants.

That’s what comes to mind when I think about my photography…when I think about what it means to be a female photographer. Great works by the likes of Dorothea Lange, Vivian Maier, and Sally Mann, immediately come to mind. I love the way they capture everyday moments, but even more than that, I am particularly inspired by their gritty, almost raw, portraits.  How they seem to capture not only a moment in time, but also the full spectrum of human emotion in their subjects.

I thought the subject of women photographers was fitting since March is designated as National Women’s History Month – the purpose of which is to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of women. The three women I mentioned (along with many, many others) paved the way for all of us who dare look through the lens and press the shutter. All of us who have experienced great healing from putting ourselves in the presence of beauty and wonder. All of us who use photography as a tool to challenge ourselves to see the world differently and then go out share that with others.

The truth is, I wholeheartedly believe that women have a unique perspective when it comes to photography. And I think one of the reasons is because of our roles as mothers and/or care-givers...the way we nurture and tend to needs of our families and loved ones. It is a fact that women are hard-wired for bonding – connection to others is encoded in our DNA.  So it is no surprise to me that this shows up in our photography.

I recently had the opportunity to visit with Zach Jenkins, the Community & Content Manager at Flickr. This month Flickr is celebrating women in photography with the #ThroughHerLens campaign, and he urged me to invite all of you to share your work and your stories with the Flickr community.  I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor the legacy of the incredible women whose gifts and talents have made such a valuable contribution to world of photography.

Finally, I can’t speak about women and photography without thinking of you.  Community, connection, and inspiration has always been at the heart of what we do at Focusing on Life.  Our hope is to create a place where we can all learn and grow and nurture our passion for photography.  And I feel so proud and honored to share this space with all of you.

Until next time,

Kelly

Coming Back to the Light

by Dotti

It’s happened to all of us, hasn’t it? The dreaded creative drought. That time when you just don’t feel inspired, can’t think of what to create, don’t even want to try.

After several months of just such a drought, the most profound I’ve ever experienced, I’m beginning to climb out of the dark hole. It’s true that there are many valid reasons for why this happened to me but I won’t enumerate them here. Except for my holiday mug series in December, my camera has been mostly idle, my brain in neutral, my search for the light non-existent since last November.

What to do?

The new year came and went. January crawled along. February followed. All this while, my new Project Life album sat on the work table. Empty. There were no sparks to get me started. Even though I can’t stand to fall behind in a project, I was inert. And so it sat. I did, too.

Then finally, a couple of weeks ago, as I lay in bed just before getting up, I had a firm talk with myself. I told myself that if I didn’t pick up the camera and start shooting today, I might never do so again. It didn’t matter if the photos were good, it didn’t matter if the light was stunning, it didn’t matter what I shot. I just had to shoot. I had to point my camera at something and compose a photo and click the shutter button.

So I did. It did help that we were having a wee bit of false spring weather and the yard was bursting with yellow goodness and brave crocus after a very grey, dreary January. Still I felt really rusty. I was rusty! Nevertheless, I pushed the shutter a few times that day. And the next. And most every day after that.

When I uploaded to Lightroom, I rejected a lot of my photos. That’s okay. The whole purpose was just to get back into the habit of doing this again, of re-training my eye to see things, to look for details, to find the wonder in the world around me. It was always there, I was just ignoring it.

A week ago today, on March 13, I finally started assembling my Project Life album for 2017. Because of the late start, I’m doing a new format this year, monthly instead of weekly. January and February were lean (and challenging) months. I saw no reason to emphasize that. I just briefly told the story and moved along. March is still a work in progress but it is lighter, brighter and happier than January and February.

So that’s how life is, friends. It’s not always sweetness and light and happiness. Life happens. It’s not always pretty. There’s no sugar coating it. It is what it is. When this happens, we just have to put on our big girl panties and tough it out.

In other words - just do it.

Thank You for Sharing My Journey

By Carol

I am not great with details. I am probably the worst proof- reader around ( as anyone who receives my text messages can attest.) Usually its because my mind is minutes ahead of my current thoughts and lightyears ahead of my fingers! If you had asked me how long I had been knocking away at this blog, I would have answered - 'oh......roughly 3 years....." Well, it recently came to my attention , from those who pay more attention, that we have been collaborating here at FOL for 5 years now! Aside from the rewards that we all write about frequently, ie the wonderful friendships that have developed here, I think one of my greatest benefits has been the development of a creative habit.

For many crazy-busy, young years - years with marriage and children and work and friends - I said I was "interested" in art. But being interested in something and practicing it are two different things. Finding a way to actually incorporate art into my life has been life-changing, enriching, enchanting!

It started by learning my camera through and through. It progressed through joining communities here and online to share methods and ideas, which was actually making time for practice and familiarity. My progress took a huge leap the year I did an online picture a day series about my kitchen table. Seeing and documenting the same scene daily was hugely instructional, both mechanically (using my camera, studying technique) and creatively (coming up with something new, seeing things in detail.)

FOL has forced me to sit down and write every other Monday for 5 years. That meant that I thought about photography and creativity at minimum twice a month - but in reality so much more often, as I began to keep journals for ideas, and to think about my posts. I went from the specific to the generic as concentrating on photography blossomed into interests in writing, sketching, watercolor, multi-media. Trying many of those things has led me to be back in touch with old friends who are artists, and helped me to meet new friends from all over the world with common interests. I am continually amazed at the individuality of art. Everyone sees things differently and  loves different aspects of it. People can see art in their breakfast, in a rock, in textiles, buildings and raindrops. Its so inspiring to see an idea that is completely new to me!

There is nothing more stimulating for me than cross-pollination.
I am increasingly interested in the Urban Sketch crawls, in the same way that I have been traveling to my photography workshops and gatherings all these past years. A friend recently opened a studio and mentioned that one of her goals is to have an artist night weekly where people can just come and work on their various projects together, over wine and conversation. I predict great success from this idea - and I would bet money that it will result in amazing creations!

So thank you FOL! My wonderful friendships with my fellows here at FOL, and the people within our extended FOL family are thoughtful, supportive, loving, loyal and deep, but they are also instructional, inspiring, enriching and expansive. I am eternally grateful for this part of my life! Thank you one and all!

Look Around

by Carol

Time, time,time

See what's become of me,

While I looked around for my possibilities

It's a New Year! 

Have you started looking around for your possibilities? 

Is there something that you would like to learn this year? 

Is there a place you would like to expose yourself to? 

Or is there a favorite place that you would like to know even more thoroughly?

Is there someone you would like to spend more time with?

Is there a job you would like to do, or a project you would like to finish.

Is there someone you could help? 

Is there a pet who needs adopting or a neighbor who could use a visit?

Is there something you would like to donate?

As we all know, if you look, you will see. 

Down by the riverside is bound to be a better ride than what you had planned. 

Look to nature for solace and for energy. Take a walk today to begin the new year. Experience the beauty that is there for the taking.

Look around. Leaves are brown. There's a patch of snow on the ground.

And the sky is a hazy shade of winter.

Hang onto your hopes, my friend(s)

 We at FOL wish you a wonderful, happy and healthy
2017!

(All italicized words are lyrics from"A Hazy Shade of Winter" by Simon and Garfunkel)

It's amazing to look back to 1968 with new eyes, and see that contemplative thinking was present even then; and I think always channeled by artists of all natures.

*Don't forget to look up to our header and read our new monthly focus - and please keep playing with us. It enriches us all!

How to Find your Photographic Style

by Kelly

There are many things that we can learn from the interwebs about photography. The first being, the “rules” of photography (i.e. exposure, composition, etc.). Secondly, we can also get advice on how and when to break the “rules”.  And I’m using air quotes here because, truly, there really aren’t any rules when it comes to capturing in camera what you see with your mind’s eye.

But when it comes to photography, the only question we can’t get answered is how to find our personal style.

In my own personal journey in photography, this question didn’t really start coming up for me until I had a basic understanding of the “rules”.  And then when I started asking this question, the answers were something along the lines of the following:

     There’s no right or wrong answer.
     Don’t worry about it…you’ll know when you know.
     It’s a journey and you’ll discover it when you get there.
     When you stop looking for it, you’ll find it.

If you’re anything like me, the above advice makes you either want to a) start bawling, b) throw your camera and gear out the window, or c) punch someone in the face.

Seriously, I get it.

These ambiguous, nebulous pieces of advice are exactly NOT what a new photographer wants to hear.  And trust me when I tell you that I know this from personal experience.

Here’s the thing though…it really is such a very personal journey.  No one can tell you definitely what your style is.  But take heart, because even though I can’t give you any concrete answers, I can at least give you some good questions to ask yourself.  Think of them as landmarks to look for on this journey that you have embarked on.

Elements of Style #1 – Subjects
Here’s an easy question…what do you love to take pictures of?  Whether it’s portraits or nature or still life or lifestyle/documentary/photojournalistic, this is one the most defining elements when it comes to style.  Because this speaks to what makes you come alive on the inside.

Elements of Style #2 – Technique/Equipment
The next set of questions are regarding the nuts and bolts.  Do you love to shoot in film?  Or with a macro lens?  Or do you love the abstract magic or ethereal mood that occurs when freelensing or shooting with a Lensbaby?  All of these elements lend themselves to style, and when taken in context with a body of work, they speak to an overall genre or artistic vision.

Elements of Style #3 – Point of View
Whether it’s top-down/flatlay or hip-level.  Up-close or wide open.  There is a certain type of vibe that comes from shooting in any one of these compositional settings.  But in addition, I think point of view is also important because, as a work of art, photos are created from your sensibilities…your world view and your life experiences.  These two elements combine to make for a unique, original piece of art.  Once again, the question to ask yourself is, “Which point of view helps me capture the image that I see in my mind's eye."

Elements of Style #4 – Post-processing
So now that we’ve covered most of the in-camera elements of style, let’s talk about the magic that happens in post-processing.  Whether it’s an artful or abstract interpretation of an image or just adding a little bit polish to a photo, post-processing is a fun way to explore style in photography.  Black and white, dark and moody, light and bright, cross-processed, or faded/vintage…these are just a few of the ways to interpret any given photo.  As always, the question remains, which of these help to tell the story or express your creative vision.

So now that we’ve covered some basic elements of style, here’s the most important thing you need to know…. it’s OK if you still don’t know.  Maybe none of these things speak to you.  Maybe ALL of these things speak to you.  So where do you go from here?

My advice is to pay attention to what you pay attention to.

Here’s a perfect example…I follow a wide variety of artists on Instagram and Pinterest.  One of the gals I follow, Ffion McKeown, has a very definitive style – a self-described ‘old-soul and hopelessly romantic’, she loves all things “soulful, soothing, and color-shy.”

To look at her most recent pins, one would most certainly have to say that her pins reflect her style.  And although there is something to them that speaks to me, I almost never re-pin her stuff.

In contrast, here is a snapshot of my most recent pins.  Warm, rich tones.  Pretty light.  Timeless and/or moody vibes.  The exact opposite really.

The point I’m trying to make is that there is probably a theme or a style to the things that you are attracted to.  And my guess is that this inspiration probably makes its way into your art.

If you’re still struggling to find your style or your creative voice, here is the most important advice I can give you…trust your gut.  Try not to overthink it or worry about it.  Stop trying so hard...your style will bubble up.  I promise.  And when it does, enjoy that moment because just about the time that you start feeling comfortable, the artistic itch will strike again.  Because as we grow and evolve as individuals, our art continues to grow and evolve right along with us.

Which is exactly everything I love about photography.

Until next time,

Kelly

Focus On You!

If you're like me your thoughts are turning toward the cooler days of fall; days that we can sit outside, enjoy a chocolate snack, a mug full of deliciousness, and immerse ourselves in magazines. I love Diana Ann's delightful mug with it's beautiful touches of yellow. The warm yellow on the mug also brings out the yellows in the magazine cover. Thank you Diana Ann for this inspiring image. You can see more of Diana's images on her Flickr photostream.

August has come to an end, along with our weekly color prompts. We thank each of you who participated this month. Pretty purples, radiant reds, tantalizing turquoises, glorious greens, and yummy yellows created a very colorful FOL Flickr Gallery.

Illuminating the Path

by Terri

I have known for a while what I wanted to say in this post. However, I have been struggling to put it into words. It has already been said so well by others, both here and elsewhere. Then, as so often happens, I stumble upon something that says it so much better than I ever could.

If you’re a photographer, you probably know David duChemin. I own several of his photography books and follow him on various social media, including reading his blog. He is an amazing photographer but he is so much more than that. In his recent post on his website, he has very eloquently put into words what I want to say. 

"We are not hardwired to absorb everything we expose ourselves to. Like time and money, there is only so much attention we can pay before we’re empty. Much as we’d like to believe our brains have an infinite capacity, that our souls can absorb it all, they cannot. We barely have the capacity to love and serve our friends and family with the depth they deserve and to act locally on things that matter to us, let alone to absorb the endless stream of news on terror and Trump, and the darkness that seems to ever wait outside our doors.

"Art has long been a way of keeping that darkness at bay. A response to the fears. Whatever the medium, on some level, the artist sits at the workbench, the canvas, the darkroom, making candles against the gloom. When art becomes the first victim of those fears, we have lost. Fear is an auto-immune disease, attacking our very defenses, the only cure for which is love and hope expressed.

"It might be time to turn it off. Time to shut out the news channels with their varied agendas. They aren’t showing us anything new. They aren’t giving us hope. They aren’t changing our minds. But they’re sucking us dry. On any given day we can consume (does it some days feel more like being consumed?) or we can create. We can grow more fearful of the darkness or we can resolutely make our candles, an act of hope and creativity that illuminates not only our way but the path of others.” (Emphasis mine.)

He goes on, but I will let you go and read the rest at your leisure. It’s worth the time, believe me.

Are you finding yourself consumed with all the bad things going on in the world, and even in our own country? Do you fret and stew about all of it, wondering where it will end? Or are you using your art to “illuminate the darkness”?  As for me, I am shutting the negative out and focusing on the positive things in my life – family, flowers, friends. I’m living in gratitude, not fear.

Am I burying my head in the sand, being a cockeyed optimist or a pollyanna? Maybe but I can’t change the world and I will NOT live in fear of what I cannot change. Life is too short for that. There is so much in life to be celebrated. So you won’t find me reading the newspaper or watching the TV news or tuned in to Facebook 24/7.  You will find me with my camera in my hands, capturing the beauty of this world and sharing it with others. As Dotti put it in her post here, let’s “brighten the corner where we are”.  This I will try to do. 

And as duChemin said: 

“Time to open our eyes a little wider to the beauty of it all, to find the wonder . . . If the artists don’t do it, who will?”

 

Won’t you join me in illuminating the path? Brightening the corner?  Opening our eyes to the wonder and beauty around us and focusing on that? We may not be able to change the world but we can change ourselves and our reactions to the world. If every person could do that, that would be enough.