~Nathaniel Hawthorne

“Butterfly Dreams”

I love the above quote because it reminds me to stop and take it all in.  I think many times in life we work so hard at pursuing our dreams/goals that in the midst of the climb we miss out on the joy of the journey.  I know in this industry is it easy to get caught up in trying to “make it”, but what is making it? What is success to you and what is it defined by?

Last year, I really had to take a look at myself and where I was going in this industry. Taking the time to put actual thought into who I am in this world of photography and who I want to be, completely changed my perspective.  I ceased defining my success based on that of others and I let go of my need for outside approval. I no longer allowed public opinion to influence my heart and in turn my art. I stopped letting what I saw or read on the internet dictate whether or not I was good at what I do.  Essentially I let go of the outside voices which were holding me back from discovering who I was as a photographer and an artist, and in turn I BLOSSOMED.

I can hear you thinking, “Thats great Kristin, but why share it here?”.

I share this because I know there are tons of new (and old) photographers out there who are getting lost in those outside voices.  They exhaust themselves pining over the images of others and longing to create work just like “so and so”. When all is said and done, they are no closer to finding their own voice; a voice that is uniquely theirs.  They are left feeling inadequate and less than; something no one should ever feel.

So if you are out there and you are caught up in the industry muck, please stop for just a moment and ask yourself, why you want to be a photographer?  What about it speaks to your soul? When you find your answers I challenge you to take some time away from the outside influences and just explore you/your art. Find your voice without all of the muck getting in your way. In doing so I would hazard a guess you will grow as an artist more than you can possibly dream.  You will find “YOU”. 

Lastly, when you start on this journey (and it is about the journey not the destination), take occasional moments really look at your work and enjoy what you have accomplished.

I guarantee in doing so, you will leave the self doubt and feelings of inadequacy behind.  You will finally be the artist you dream to be.

Warmest Wishes ~ K 

~Native American Proverb

I chose the above proverb because it really spoke to how I have been feeling about my photography recently. As much as I love my job (and I do!), there is a part of me that longs to explore outside of the boundaries of family photography. So recently as some of you know, I have jumped into this exploration. There is something so freeing about playing outside of the preverbal box.  When you play outside of the box there are no rules; just possibilities.  I can’t even explain what this has done for me personally but as a photographer it has only made me stronger and more confident in what I have to offer to my clients and that alone is invaluable.  I highly recommend to my fellow photographers that they try something new and different; leave your box.  In doing so you will find your voice.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of sharing the afternoon with some of my amazing peers playing with the Native American theme.  Here are just a few of my favorites from that afternoon.

A huge “THANK YOU” to Kathryn Haughn and the Denver Storyteller crew for their hard work in putting this together.

Rebekah Trigg of  Metamorphosis Makeup Designs for her fabulous artistry.

Missy Caldwell of Misfit Missy Designs for the incredible handmade costumes she designed.

Our stunning models:  Destin Grant, Cecilia Garcia, Chase Eastman and Chance Eastman.

Our beautiful/oh so patient horse Howie and his wonderful owner Jenny Mishler.

and last but not the least the owners of the amazing teepee which has been passed down in their family for decades.

]]> http://www.kristannevphotography.com/blog/2011/09/recreating-the-past-denver-fine-art-photographer/feed/ 9 http://www.kristannevphotography.com/blog/2011/09/my-magical-dreams-denver-photographer/ http://www.kristannevphotography.com/blog/2011/09/my-magical-dreams-denver-photographer/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 02:30:50 +0000 Kristanne http://www.kristannevphotography.com/blog/?p=1417 Continue reading →]]> “I believe in everything until it’s disproved.  So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons.  It all exists, even if it’s in your mind.  Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now? ” ~John Lennon

I am a dreamer. Yes, every night I close my eyes and my brain weaves the most amazing visual stories.  They are vivid and beautiful, and in some unexplainable way  my mind creates them.  Lately I have had this deep desire to find a way to release my dreams from the recesses of my mind and to create more tangible version of my dreams.  It is scary to try and recreate the dreams we dream because as you know dreams are surreal; mine could be classified “super surreal”. They are strange, magical and sometimes outlandish to say the least.  Well despite my silly fears I am pushing through and trying to find ways to share the dreams of mind.

Thank you for dropping by and for allowing me to share “me” with you.

*A special thanks to my wonderful model the beautiful Maddison Bullock for helping me to create this beautiful dream and for being such a trooper when Mother Nature decided to release her wrath on us in the form of a downpour.  We may have only shot for 25 minutes but I am not sure we needed more. You rock!