1. I will learn how to use my camera.
2. I will not use the Auto setting on my camera.
3. I will not use on-camera flash.
4. I WILL NOT BE HINDERED BY THE GEAR I DO NOT HAVE.
5. I will shoot in RAW.
6. I will learn how to process my shots.
7. I will share my photos with others on the web.
8. I will accept critiques of my work.
9. I will set goals and be proactive about my photography career.
10. I will connect with other photographers.
You can read up on these resolutions in detail in this article by Lisa Bettany. I have never been to her site before reading this post but will most certainly take the time to look through and see what other delicious tid bits I’ve been missing. Resolution #4 is one that I personally struggle with. Maybe it’s because I had the liberty of playing with so much expensive equipment in my heydays that I think I need more than what I have to be successful, but so many amazing photographs have been made with just a hole in a box so I think I should be able to do just fine with my Nikon even though everyone talks crap about it compared to Canon. I’m one of them. But who cares what kind of gear you use. What’s important is what comes out of it.
Here’s to getting out of my own way!
Sidenote: One of my pet peeves is when someone says they “edit their photos,” when they really mean “process their photos.” Editing is the act of selecting the images you want to work with from your days’ shoot…”Editing down to 20 images and then processing them in photoshop.” I guess it doesn’t matter if it’s someone who’s not in the photo business but just thought I’d throw the correct industry terminology out there.
“The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating — in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life.”
__Anne Morriss, The Way I See It #76
I’ve mentioned her before in previous posts, but one of my very good friends who goes by the shop name of KnitKnit on Etsy was interviewed for an AOL Personal Finance Video which you can read about on Walletpop.com. Lots of crafty people have been using Esty to sell their hand-made goods, and I’ve been considering using it to sell prints as lots of others have done. If you’re on Etsy, this article is definitely worth checking out. There was another article on the NYT site not too long ago about how much work it takes to turn your hobby into a full-time job and they give you the inside scoop on one of Etsy’s top sellers, Yokoo Gibran. Also a very interesting read, and liberating to know that you really can do what you love and make a living off of it. Not without some sweat and tears though.
I know it’s too late to shop for Christmas—although I hear the mall is crawling with last-minute shoppers—there’s always Valentines day and birthdays to get something fun and fluffy from KnitKnit’s shop! Gauranteed to warm a girls’ heart.
Our good friend Patrick has “made it a thing to draw Mom a portrait each year for Christmas, but [he] made this video for you.” Patrick is a web designer who runs his business out of Roanoke but has built sites for people from all over. Do inquire with him if you have the need for such a service. Anywho, this year, Patrick is taking on two portraits as his gift and this is the first. It took him 3.5 hours to complete and is a portrait of his Great Grandfather, Clarence Ramon Howell, who was quite the handsome lad. I love the music choice. Enjoy!
Our very talented crocheting friend, Lisa, made little doll versions of us out of yarn and we absolutely love them! She makes and sells custom and ready-made dolls and I’m going to have the chance to help out with the photography portion of her online shop as she creates more holiday items in the coming weeks. They make great gifts for all occasions (hint hint) and I invite you to take a look at a few a lot of the fun dolls she’s made so far: http://lfdollies.shutterfly.com/ When I get the chance, I’m totally going to try to make a stop motion movie with ours.
Disclaimer about our portraits that Lisa referenced for our dolls: I didn’t like the ones we sent her so we re-took the photos this evening (wearing the same outfits of course). That’s why Jeff has a beard and his doll doesn’t. It’s no-shave-November. And the last image is just a blooper that I happen to absolutely love. *Click to view larger*
Welp, we’re back. And we had an amazing time, which leaves us dogg tired. So tired that I don’t even feel motivated to go through and process my photos. And I always want to go through and process my photos. Above are a few of my favorites so far. More from a photojournalistic point of view rather than tourist but that’s probably why I love them. Jeff has been good about getting into his photos right away and has already started posting a few each night on flickr. Feel free to check them out!
Right now I’m torn about how to change my name. I mean, I’ve been Huong Nguyen for 27 years so Huong Anything Else just sounds off key. But I definitely want to take Jeff’s last name…according to facebook I already have, but do I hyphenate, not hyphenate, drop Nguyen completely, make it my middle name, drop my middle name…so many options.
We still can’t really settle in and relax yet. The apartment seriously needs some order brought to it and we have a few minor details to work on for our second reception next weekend. Yes, we’re having another reception. The party’s totally not over yet. My parents are throwing a soiree with 150 of their closest friends in Lancaster, PA and I get to throw on a traditional vietnamese wedding outfit. Eight course meal, here we come!
There’s a nice little feature about me over at RobotActivate.com and I must say that I am flattered by Glauco’s kind words. Be sure to check out his awesome design portfolio and the rest of the blog for features on other talented artists of the creative world!
Hi! I'm a photographer and writer and wife and paranoid germaphobe who lives in Roanoke, VA. Traveling, good reads, and witty people with lovely brains are a few of my favoite things, but photography and writing are what this web log is about. You might find me reminicing about my heydays in Brooklyn and my family in Pennsylvania, but I promise you it will somehow be relevant :) I also smile a lot.
