On my path to becoming a renowned photographer, I can celebrate a Dream Accomplishment!
The Sonoma County Photography Group (SoCoPhoGro) celebrates it’s first birthday this month.
I started this group last year for a few reasons – mainly because I love to be the catalyst for learning and creativity. I was also getting lonely going out to shoot by myself.
I no longer have that problem.
Our 12th event was last night. We had over 35 photographers come to Paradise Ridge Winery for their first “wine and sunsets” event of the 2010 season.
Most of us wandered the property, enjoyed some wine, and shared advice on how to take successful sunset photos without going blind or ruining our equipment.
One guy in our group didn’t even bring his camera; he was nearby and just wanted to be a part of the evening.
How cool is that?
But I also watched the reactions of people who weren’t in our group.
As we were all lined up on the stone wall with our tripods, waiting for the sunset, someone came to me with a question:
“Won’t all of your photos look the same? I mean, you are all taking pictures of the same thing. Doesn’t that get boring?”
I started thinking that there are some similarities - some constants.
But there are way more variables that can impact creating good images, even if the subject is the same.
Using last night’s location as an example, I’ll start with this assumption: The sky doesn’t move. The sun sets in the west.
If you stand still and keep your finger on the trigger, odds are, you’ll get it.
But there are so many variables that create differences.
- The camera itself – I have an Olympus and I seem to be the anomaly, and that creates a sense of individuality (or loneliness, I guess it’s how you look at it.)
- Settings – F/Stop, shutter speed, white balance, manual or auto focus. Good God, get the manual.
- Available natural light- or lack there of - I avoid using flash if at all possible.
- My location and angle in relationship to the thing I’m shooting- Being short challenges me to change my point of view often.
- Random objects in the shot - like birds, helicopters, and in last night’s case, when someone decides to make finger puppets in front of your lens.
Photographers can be weird sometimes.
But the variable of personal preference – that is my favorite.
We all had the same stuff to work with but the majority of what we did was in our own style. How we each saw that sunset and the landscape of the winery – that is what tells our own story.
When I look through the photo albums that represent the SoCoPhoGro’s year long journey together, I am constantly amazed at what I see.
For every event we did – same location, same elements, same awesome photographers – we had a variety of images, and literally hundreds of different stories being told.
On the eve of the weekend before my participation in the North Bay Art Fair, I’m finally in the space of positive thought.
No angst. No fear. Only excitement.
Because I realized through my photography, I have a story I’m trying to tell. Some will like it, understand it, recommend it – maybe even buy it. (Bring your check book)
But many others won’t, and that is finally OK with me.
If you are anywhere near Rohnert Park, California this Sunday, come by and visit Studio 1G’s booth. I’d love to see you.
Hey Dreamers! What is the dream story that you are trying to tell the world?
It’s time to make it happen, people.
Until next photo,
(Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a photographer … then the world. Remy’s post day is Friday)
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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