I know I made quite a few brides unhappy when I decided to take this September off weddings to push my boundaries and work on personal projects. I was beginning to feel like my work was stagnating so instead of sitting around talking about all the things I would like to do, I made the time to do them. It’s not that I don’t enjoy shooting weddings, they are just so time consuming that they seem to take over every free second of my life and it’s therefore easy to become a bit lazy and fall into ruts. If you are really busy and working all the time its often easier to take the safe route rather than being a bit fearless and going for gold! I think it is vital to take time out to throw yourself out of your comfort zone and to learn, study and grow. I had originally planned to work on some fine art projects but I decided to do something different and push myself technically which is always scary as I am not naturally a technical person. So I am going balls to the wall and playing with lighting, working on conceptual shoots and collaborating with stylists.
Do you feel like you are stuck in a rut, do you spend time talking about doing things rather then doing them, is your work starting to bore you, do you feel a bit lost????? Well then I encourage you to take the first step and JUST DO IT!!! No excuses. Once you start shooting for yourself its bloody amazing how your internal energy shifts. I know not everyone has the luxury of taking a month off to do this sort of thing. I have worked hard for this and sacrificed alot to do this but I know that this time will bring great things for me and my little business. If you cannot take time off … what about just doing that project that you keep talking about? It feels good , I promise!
The funny thing about making a decision is that the universe all of a sudden opens up the flood gates.
Not too long ago I received an email from Ian Mitchinson asking me to give an inspirational talk at the South African Wedding Photographers Association party on the 8th of September. Now that is seriously throwing me out of my comfort zone!!! Last year 2 of South Africa’s top top wedding photographers Jean Pierre Uys and Christine Meintjes were the guest speakers!!!! Apparently all the who’s who of wedding photography will be there so its all rather daunting but as I said … throwing yourself into uncomfortable situations pretty much always leads to growth. I have booked tickets and will be there with bells on.
I am going to be talking about
Using self introspection to develop and maintain a unique visual language in amongst all the noise of social media which surrounds us. I will share 2 basic techniques of visual methodology which I learnt during my Fine Art Degree and am now applying to wedding photography.
The party is going to be held at the Zulu Bar on Long Street starting at 7pm. Besides being a great networking evening, The Rudimentals will be playing and there are some fabulous prizes to be won (ie tickets to see Kings of Leon etc etc) Click here to find out more. Please do come say hi to me. Looking forward to meeting you all!!!!!
PS The lovely Jules Morgan will also be talking along with DuWayne and Custo Photography.
