This weeks blog post is from my Head Assistant
Helen-Margaret Shelton RN.
I invested in myself by choosing Garrett as my mentor a couple years ago when I decided to recommit to photography. I met several instructors through B&C Camera. It was Garrett’s obvious passion and detail to his craft that made me first sip, and then drink the digital Kool Aid he serves.
Cheers! If you’re reading this you’re also holding a glass of his craft pour.
As a photographer, like a lot of people, I battled GAS. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) When I’m creatively stuck, I have looked to equipment, then to travel in search of the perfect shot for inspiration.
These days I realize that being in the right frame of mind is what is most important to expressing my creativity. This is one of the key things Garrett has impressed upon me.
I need to look within, rather than to gear, location or others to inspire me. Peace and calm are what drive my creative process. Investing in myself, is investing in what brings results, that please my eye and my soul.
I just got back from Western Arkansas where I’ve been taking care of a friend. I brought my camera in hopes of finding some fantastic views we don’t get in the Southwest. Of course, the gorgeous snow I was hoping for did not materialize.
I got freezing rain, tornado warnings, snowstorms- and days of ice storms. If I had to drive to Little Rock, 90 miles away for medical stuff, the roads were wet and icy. Not conducive to a calm mental state for photography.
My friends felt bad that I was stuck inside with her health issues. (I was just happy to be there to help.) When we finally could explore, the weather was less than stellar. They were eager to show off their beautiful State.
When we finally got out, the ice was melting but it was gray, foggy and rainy. I was very sorry I hadn’t brought my infrared camera with me. As I jumped into the car I told them my mantra for photo safari-
“You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”
I’m glad I remembered that as the day went on- it’s been a long time since I went sightseeing with non-photographers.
(Shout Out to all the cool cats I get to hang with on photo safaris) Being gracious I offered to sit in the back seat. I quickly discovered flying down icy country roads watching for deer, looking for light and inspiration isn’t easy from the back seat.
Actually, it was quite terrifying. My kind hosts were anxious to get to Mt. Magazine, the tallest point in Arkansas. (Elevation 2,753 feet) They were excited to get me to the great views before the fog and sleet rolled in.
I remembered my mantra when I decided I’d shoot black and white because although there was plenty of color there was no light. I remembered it when I spotted a bald eagle fishing from a log in a river.
I remembered it when I was scolded by my driver for not speaking up faster as she flew past it; driving too fast for the conditions and eager to get to the lodge she wanted to show me. (She did turn around and I got a pretty cool shot of the foggy, icy river- and the eagle flying low up the river.)
I remembered it when we got to the lodge and we were fogged out.
Each time I took a deep breath and pivoted my shooting plan I was able to change my goal for what I wanted to accomplish photographically that day.
I ended up getting some great shots of my friends and our waitstaff. I made a point to invest in my photography, my friends and the day. I was insistent on being relaxed and open.
I was able to separate myself from the rushing and the weather by being intentional in relaxing and comfortable adjusting my photographic plan through out the day.
So long story short, when you pick up your camera make a plan for what you want to accomplish but remember to be flexible and “go with the flow”. Invest in yourself as well as your equipment and travel arrangements. Remember, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit”.
The image below is one of my favorites from the trip…
I didn’t get a “wall hanger” that day but I did get some really sweet photos of people I love. I also remembered why photography is my passion…
As my friend Gerry Garcia says “At least I’m enjoying the ride”. I am grateful for the people I have made friends with when I decided to invest in myself by investing in my photographic education.
