If you’re anything like me you have about 84 blogs in your RSS feeder. Besides all the fun shopping ones, I have photographers ranging from newborns to news coverage to newlyweds. I’ve never found myself to be a person narrowed down to one element in life. It’s hard enough for me to choose between restaurants, the color of my hair and what to wear for the day, but to lock down my photography to one area or type is difficult. I know there are experts out there that will call me naive or foolish, but I guess that’s part of my learning curve. Maybe one day I’ll look back on all this and “call me crazy” (which wouldn’t be out of the ordinary). There are those who preach that narrowing your focus or specialty is important to refining your talent and being clear with your clients. I totally see this point. But, my initial obsession with photography began with the the desire to capture a moment in time or the beauty of a person’s soul while telling a story of their life. To me this applies to all aspects of image capture, from weddings, to birth, to the daily perspective of a child, to my own family, to the beauty in a small tiny flower. It’s my connection with the subject that is (if you must put a name on it), my “style”. My relationship with my client comes across in the images my camera happens to freeze during the moment. While I am mostly a child & budding wedding photographer, I have a longing to travel the world and create social awareness for humanitarian causes as well.
The point of all this is to say, I think I really love photography. Well, I should revise and say I love photography. I love how powerful the medium is in conveying a story. Whether it is a story of love or famine or birth or death, it is a window into the souls of others. A medium that brings awareness to all and levels the playing field of life to reveal the humanity within all people, within in all places of this earth and within all belief and economic systems. It allows people to be seen as human beings. I know that I may excel in one particular area, but overall I love to take inspiration from everywhere, not just other people’s wedding photos (although I do stalk about 56 wedding blogs. i am guilty.)
One of my all time favorite photographers once said:
“ I don’t believe a person has a style. What people have is a way of photographing what is inside them. What is there comes out.” – Sebastiao Salgado
Here are a few photos that have had a huge impact on me. They are NOT my photographs (I wish they were):
by brett walker
Salgado, “Genesis” Project, yet to be released
Ira Lippke
Sebastiao Salgado
Sebastiao Salgado
The ParsonsAnd Because they don’t all have to be heavy hearted (even though I see joy in some of the above):
Saw this yesterday. Pretty much shows how photographs can tell a story, together:
Thanks for posting this – I really enjoyed reading it. The first image is so powerful and thank you so much for sharing it 🙂
definitely inspiring! wow…thanks for sharing. in response to your question, yes I did write them. thank you for the sweet comments 🙂
Thank you for sharing!! I love pictures like these, that seem to capture the soul of an individual for just a moment…
Thanks for sharing this Jen, it is something I think about all the time. I did a shoot last night and as I loaded the pics on my computer this morning, I could not help but say ” I love photography”. I struggle with finding my “style” and I appreciate your outlook on it.
Really beautiful!! gorgeous photography! I enjoyed this post 🙂
Very well said! And great photography.
found your blog through another blog. just love your selection of photos that you get inspiration from
I love reading your blog posts. I quickly read it a couple of days ago and have been thinking about it ever since. Thanks for your inspiring words and thoughtful photographs. Thank you!
LOVE that quote!!! Thank you so much for sharing it!!
Great post! Its so important to collect images that inspire… really helpful way to hone your sense of what makes an image striking. These definitely stand out!
I couldn’t agree with you more. There have been days that I have wondered if I have photographer “A.D.D.” but at the end of the day I don’t care. I shoot what I want to shoot 🙂
Beautifully written, Jen! Thank you for sharing your inspiration. (^_^)
Jen that was a great post! I truly enjoyed it! XXOO
Wow, thank you for sharing a little more about yourself to us.
You gave me goose bumps babe 😉 Great post!
Just came across your blog and wanted to say hi! Totally feeling ya on this one… Great images to share… so moving.. – JG
thank you for the words & images of inspiration. I have been a photographer for many years, and am still confused about what kind of photographer I want to be when I grow up 🙂
alison
Beautifully written! Just found your blog today! Added you to my blogroll:)
What a great post – Claudia 😉
jen,
honored to be someone who inspires you. thanks for the love you give us. 🙂
Hi there!
I met your husband through the UCLA Extension class we just finished taking together and he mentioned your website so I thought I would drop by and check out your work. Your photos are stunning! I love how personable your writing is and how you really take the time to tell a thoughtful narrative in each post. I have so much to learn! I also just visited Stephen’s site and honestly I don’t know why he was even in that class – you two are so talented!
Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and let you know that I think your photos are beautiful. You have an amazing eye for detail and candidness. Stephen’s final project was so touching and poignant too. I’m in awe at the passion and creativity that you two share as a couple, and it shows through the photos you two take. I wish you two the best and am sending positive thoughts your way.
New blog stalker,
Anna Mae
Sebastiao Salgado image of the kid on the lower part of the frame is simple jaw dropping. one of my favs. as well..
cheers!
jose villa