LINARstudio

LOAD: Day 27 & 28

Late! I got these done in time to upload onto the LOAD Flickr site, but did not do it here, my apologies! These are the two remaining layouts:

DAY 27:

DAY 28:

Photographer's Block

My newest - and now favourite - lens. I {heart} Henry's.

At the beginning of the month, I came across a wonderful article on PhotoCritic entitled "10 Ways to Break Photographers Block" and I was sure I had passed along that bit of brilliance, but in fact I had not! Fortunately for me, I've joined a few photography challenges and they are rich with inspiration. Inevitably there will be moments of drought, when ideas are less plentiful. This list is for those moments:

As a writer, I know the feeling all too well - with a sense of dread and a deep sense of apathy, I stare at the blinking cursor and the completely blank TextMate document. I have ten thousand thoughts and feelings and stories that are chomping at the bit to get told, but it’s just so difficult to get started… And the exact same thing can happen to me when I’m taking photos.

So… What can you do to get out there and beat photographer’s block? What can you do when your camera’s batteries are charged, your memory card is fresh, the weather is fabulous, and the light is reflecting tantalizingly off your expensive glass lenses, but your inspiration is just kicking it on a rocking chair on the porch with a cold ice tea, like a metaphor stretched to well beyond the sensible breaking point?

Fear ye not, my photo siblings… Here’s my Top 10 tips to breaking the photographers’ block (or: Ideas for an uninspired photographer)

1. The 100 step challenge

The 100 step challenge is one I’ve promoted here on Photocritic before - because it’s one of those things I’ve found work incredibly well indeed. It’s easy: Grab your camera, and start walking. Count your steps. After 100 steps, stop where you are, and where you’re standing, you have to take a photograph.

“But there won’t be anything there”, I hear you cry. Well, yes, but that’s the point. The idea behind the 100 step challenge is to force yourself to see scenes and to create pictures even if there’s nothing there to be seen. It’s kind of like free association writing, where you just start writing, and keep your hand moving even if you have nothing to say - sometimes, the greatest things are created when you’ve run out of things to say.

Even if you don’t get a single good photo out of your 100-step challenge, you’ll have had a nice walk out of it, right?

2. Recreate a photograph you love

Everyone has a photo that they really like. Hopefully, you’ve got a few hundred photos in mind - think about the great photographers who’ve lived before you, and pick one of their photos. Then go ahead and copy it - sure, it’ll be plagiarism, but you’ll learn something in the meantime.

3. Learn from the greats

Only in the last few weeks, I’ve written about The top 50 photography websites and 50 amazing flickr streams. That’s 100 URLs worth of inspiration. Pick one at random, study their style, and either recreate one of their photos, or use the observations you’ve learned about style to create a photograph in a similar style.

Flickr especially tends to be open to questions, so if you’re struggling to recreate a style or a ‘feel’ - go ahead and post your best try to Flickr, and ask the photographer whose work you’re imitating where you went wrong…

4. Self Portraiture

The only model you’ll have consistently available is yourself - go ahead, do something awesome. Use make-up if you don’t usually use make-up. Wear girl’s clothes if you’re a boy, or vice-versa. Try to make a recognisable portrait of yourself without showing your face. Go crazy.

5. Rapid Fire

120 minutes - 120 different photos. Related to the 100 step challenge, but more hectic. This works well with street photography especially - go ahead, shoot first and ask questions later. You may end up with 120 duds, of course, but hell, it’s a lot of fun to come up with them anyway, right?

6. Play the Random game

Play the Random Game - which you do by calling up a random word of the day. That’s the word you have to try to illustrate with a photograph.

If you’re struggling, plug the word into Google Image Search. If it comes up with something, then go ahead and try to copy it!

Bonus challenge: As I was writing this, the word that came up randomly was Bloviate. Illustrate that :)

7. Flickr’s Interestingness

I keep telling people this, but if you manage to stay uninspired even after browsing Flickr’s Interesting in the last 7 days for half an hour, you may as well hang up your photographic spurs.

If you want to continue exploring, find the Flickr name of a photographer you admire (or one you’ve just discovered), and plug their name into the Flickr Scout tool from Big Huge Labs, sorting by Best Position - that’ll list a users ‘most interesting’ photos - a great way to get an introduction to a user’s most popular photographic work.

8. Try something new

Photography generally comes in a ton of genres, and I bet you a lot of money that you’re not as conversant in all of them. So why not try to work on improving your work in one genre? For me personally, portraiture really clicked after I had done a load of animal and live band photography.

Not convinced? Well, then… Have you tried panoramas (see CleVR)? HDR (see our guide / HDR on Flickr)? Portraiture (see “Portraiture: Borrow their soul!” and Do It Yourself: Build A 1600W Studio Broadlight at Shutterbug)? Nude photography (see Renoux’ work and my own Nude photography 101: Photographing your girlfriend)? Macro photography (on Flickr)? Long exposure photography (on Flickr)? Photojournalistic photography? Astrophotography (on Flickr)? Street or candid photography (on Flickr, Wikipedia and Photo.net’s guide)? Paperazzi-style photography? Food photography (for all the icky tricks, read my article)? War photography (my modest contribution can be found in this Flickr set)? Kite aerial photography? Lomography? Night photography? Infrared photography? The list is long, and this is only a small sample…

Surely, there’s one style or another where you feel that perhaps you could try it again, and improve a little?

9. Don’t take any photos

Perhaps if you don’t feel like taking photos, it means that you’re not ready to take any photos. Hey, it could happen. Dig out your library, see if there’s any of your photos you’ve missed. Re-edit some photo sets. Re-upload some of your photos to Flickr, and see if you can’t get some inspiration from your old work.

10. Stop procrastinating

What are you doing reading these guides on the internet anyway? Grab your camera, get out there, do stuff. Stop moaning. No, seriously, outside. Or inside, for that matter. Just do it already!

11. Help your fellow photographers

Do you have something that breaks you out of a rotten spell of photography block every time? Or even just some of the time? Or perhaps just once? The tips above do it for me every time (especially 7, 5 and 2, to be honest, but I guess it’s more important to find something that works for you)… Go on, leave a comment and tell us how you broke your dry spell!

I do hope the list helps anyone stuck in a photography rut. I have no doubt I'll be there with you, sooner rather than later, and I'm so happy that I found this article BEFORE that inevitability occurs! The whole PhotoCritic blog is brilliant. No doubt we can all learn a ton just hanging out there.

Unravelling: Writing Assignment

As part of my Unravelling e-course, the assignment this week is about The Roles I Play. The assignment is in two parts: write down as many roles as you can think of that you play in your life; and, select two favourite roles and write one paragraph of why you enjoy each role and what it means to you.

The Roles I Play (in no particular order):

Mother, Travel agent, Logistics coordinator, Permission giver, Bartender, Floral arranger, Secretary, Chauffeur, Keeper of Secrets, Bank Machine, Cheerleader, Motivational Speaker, Shoulder to Cry on, Masseuse, Nurse, Psychologist, Laundress, List Maker, Collector, Story Reader, Entrepreneur, Purchase Manager, Mentor, Negotiator, Efficiency Expert, Gardener, Jailer, Plumber, Artist, Handy-man, Landscaper, Lifeguard, Tutor, Supporter, Cleaning Lady, Teacher, Weather Predictor, Safety Expert, Architect, Volunteer, Guidance Counselor, Wardrobe Manager, Sister, Camp Coordinator, Friend, Cook, Judge, Partner, Hairstylist, Disciplinarian, Mona Vie Distributor, Scrapbooker,  Equipment Manager, Daughter, Blogger, Decorator, Photographer, Writer, Accountant, Diplomat, Shoulder to Cry On

My Favourite Roles and Why:

So, I'm cheating a bit here because my favourite roles are photographer, writer, scrapbooker and, of course, mama. You see and read plenty about those particular roles, so I thought I'd stretch myself and look at some other roles I enjoy.

LAUNDRESS: Laundry is always a work in progress. You’re never really done. There is always something else that needs to be completed; but, as far as chores go, nothing is more satisfying than doing the laundry. Inevitably the three wire baskets are overflowing with all manner of dirty clothes, towels and sheets. Even when I think I’m done, I’m just kidding myself. I’m wired to enjoy long-term projects, though I do like a bit of change, and laundry seems to fill that need for consistency and change.  Oh, and control: I am very particular about folding and no one in the house can do it, except me. Laundry is me: ever changing but always the same.

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER: With four kids in five years, (now ranging in age from 13 to 8) it is my job to set the tone and keep them all on track all of the time. This requires a lot of energy; a lot of motivation. I find joy in finding, and using, the right “carrot” to motivate each child. They are all so different from each other. Some days it’s frustrating but most days it is a wonderful challenge. I always want them to give 100% to whatever endeavour they’ve taken on at any given time as simple as reading a book or as complex as being a member of a team. They choose all of their own activities and I never want them to feel disappointed thinking “if only”. There is no time or energy for “if only” in this house. It is one of my favourite jobs to have them focused and always improving. Moving forward.

LOAD: Day 26

I was pressed for time so the layout is something you've seen before. A few posts ago! Great to have the journaling all done :)

Like Peeling Onions

I am involved in a number of writing exercises which have been posted - some free, some for a fee - on various blogs of tremendously talented people. Some are flip and easy, others are a bit deeper.

I have spent the last week, or so, mulling the assignment posed by Susannah over at her Unravelling: e-course during the first week. I was hesitant about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keypad, as it were.) The idea is to determine the ten stepping stones of our life, our defining moments. The most important turning points. That is a HUGE exercise. Especially given that I am that much older than the other participants. I'm thinking I should get at least five more just to keep it equal!

For me, I found this assignment particularly daunting as I tend to look forward; you know: learn from the past then onward. If you can't change it or control it, do your best to understand it and move on. This exercise has forced me to mine some memories that are certainly there, but not something I necessarily want to bring front and centre. Why are so many of our defining moments negative?

Last night I decided to take it on. But more than that. I decided to, ala Portfolio Project, throw up every single meaningful experience, the ones that still resonate, onto paper, okay Word document, and from that huge list I will determine my ten biggest moments.

Wow.

The two little ones were upstairs all nestled in their beds, Claire was on her own computer completing her homework, or on MSN, she likes to multitask. Cole was at hockey practice. I thought it was safe to start this little project. How wrong I was.

I managed to make it to point number 31 - which takes me to age 12, yes, lots of pruning to do - and I was a blubbering mass of goo. It was at this point Cole returned from hockey practice. I did my best palms of hands into eyes, shake it off attempt at looking somewhat mama-like and composed. I think I scared my dear son half to death. The look on his face was that of concern and terror. My kids do not often see me cry and I feel terrible for scaring him.

While he gave me a big hug, I managed to regain some composure and he asked me what I was doing.

I told him, vaguely, "I'm writing". Sniff.

His question: "So is writing always like peeling onions? Does it always make you cry?"

I lied and told him "of course not". I was just having a moment.

The reality is that if you write authentically, from your heart, there will be tears. Tears of joy, frustration, anger and sadness.

There will be tears.

So, now all of my lovelies are off to school. No one is here to catch me peeling onions.

LOAD: Day 25

Cardstock: Bazzill; Ribbons, Brads & Staples: Stash; Font: Ice Age D

The Four: no. 3

“Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.”
~ Brian Andreas

Thank you so much to my virtual friend Sherri who is so jazzed about The Four. I'm so happy to join her on this journey.

What is The Four? From their site:

"The Four is a collaboration project which will incorporate photos, poetry and/or a prose response to a bi-weekly challenge.

Four Canadians living in four diverse regions living four distinct lives. Connected by a love of photography, a desire for deeper expression, belief in the power of collaboration and heart's connection."

By happy coincidence, I am participating in Unravelling: Ways of Seeing My Self e-course taught by the lovely Susannah Conway. Through this first week of the course, I happened to take, what I consider to be, the perfect photo for this The Four assignment.

I am really enjoying these challenges and courses. I think my photography, writing and scrapbooking is improving greatly. Just as energy encourages more energy: creativity encourages more creativity.

And there's always that bit about synchronicity.

(I originally posted this on my Lemons2Lemonade blog, but I'm thinking I should keep all creative endeavours on this blog instead. After all, that's why this one was started!)

LOAD: Day 24

Like I posted on the LOAD site on Flickr:

WARNING: No offense to fans, I am not. BUT it has been a big part of our lives for the last couple of months and for getting Claire to read, I am thankful :)


Cardstock: Bazzill; Flowers: Heidi Swapp, Prima; Brads: Making Memories; Font: Arial

LOAD: Day 23

Cardstock: Bazzill; Printed Paper: American Crafts; Chipboard: American Crafts, Jenni Bowlin; Flower: Bazzill; Stickers: American Crafts; Acrylic: Creative Imaginations; Font: Walkway Semi Bold; Sketch: Got Sketch 103

Journaling reads:

Chloe is a remarkably picky eater. If it isn't some form of carb on the plate she is not interested in eating it. I tease her that she is my chunky monkey as her food groups consist of bread, rice, cereal, waffles, French fries and chicken nuggets. It is rare, but fortunately becoming more frequent, that we see her eat a piece of pizza - plain of course, but at least we're getting somewhere. I think.

Cannot submit

Sorry honey, you're too old. Claire, summer 2007, at age 11.

I was just mentioning to my friend, the ever talented Monica, that I feel there is very little for me to relate to in current scrapbook publications - either in magazine or on-line form. Though two of my four kids are still "kids" they are definitely getting on the "older" side of things. Really? They are becoming exactly what I've been waiting for them to be: almost fully formed people with real ideas, opinions and desires. I am really enjoying my children at this somewhat awkward, totally honest stage of pre-, mid- and post-puberty.

Unfortunately, the scrapbook industry standard is not meshing well with my newfound confidence in my creative ability. I don't know about you, but my creativity left me from 1994 to 2006. Having four kids in five years and a husband out of town for the better part of 7 of those years can definitely put a crimp into your creative endeavours!

At any rate, my griping to Monica was made more clear, and validated, in a note received yesterday from the Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbook Etc. publication, via Facebook note:

Hi SBE Girls.
Here is your opportunity to get your kids on the cover of Scrapbooks etc. We're searching for our August/September and October cover shots. Here are the details:

AUG/SEPT 2009:
It may be chilly outside, but here at Scrapbooks etc. we're already planning for summer. Send some sunshine our way by showing us your best outdoor beach/water/pool shots of your kids.

OCT 2009:
We're going back to school for the October 2009 issue of Scrapbooks etc. Please send us your best school themed photos (kids with backpacks are always great) for consideration as our cover shot.

Here are guidelines to keep in mind for cover shots:

*Subject should be smiling and appear relaxed (not posed)
*Subject should be looking at the camera and appear prominently in the shot
*We are looking for children between the ages of 3 to 10 years of age
*Please submit color photos only

To submit your photo, email a low resolution jpeg to [email protected] by Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.

Please write "Aug/Sept Cover" or "October Cover" in the subject line of your email. Please submit only ONE PHOTO PER EMAIL and limit your submissions to three per person.

Please keep attached files to under 500kb (300kb is preferred).

Thanks! erin

Erin Clarkson
SBE Contributing Editor

Do I think I have a photo that could grace the cover of any magazine? Maybe not. Maybe so. It makes me sad that my children no longer meet the criteria for those they want to reach via this magazine.

I'd love to know when 11 became too "old" to be a kid. Maybe kids have a hard time being kids because all of those around them expect that they be something more. And we wonder why they're confused! I'm confused. Are you?

***

There is also another movement afoot regarding the questionable qualifications of those "in charge" of various scrapbook publications and their collective lack of understanding of the industry as they are not active scrapbookers themselves. Can you really read trends and understand your audience if you are not a member of that audience? Interesting,and I have spent much time over the last week pondering that question.

Another post for another day.