You have to forgive me, I only had my point an shoot and almost no light in some of these images. You can see the slide show: HERE
So did I win? I don't know, but it doesn't really matter. It was more about the experience. Having a project made me look at the world differently. So, I encourage you to take on a personal project. And if you have the time, share it with me.
For those of you that do not know what I am talking about, I have spent the last week at the WPPI convention at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. WPPI is Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, basically photo geek heaven. It has been great. I have had the opportunity to learn from the best photographers in the industry who have traveled from all over the world. I have learned about the newest technologies at the trade show. I have made new friends.
If I have to be completely honest, I can be a bit shy. I think it may have started somewhere in those awkward teenage years. Last year I came to the conference with another photographer. We pretty much stuck together and I did not meet another single person. This year has been drastically different. I made a commitment to put myself out there. I wanted to meet new people. I did just that, and not only did I enjoy it, I think that my experience would not have been nearly as much fun or meaningful if I had not met them. Every person that I met contributed to my experience, we shared stories, we laughed, we compared notes. We even shared a few tears.
Anyway, my point is: don't be afraid to put yourself out there. It doesn't matter where you are. Meet new people, smile and share a conversation. What is the worst thing that could happen? If you don't want to eat alone, introduce yourself that other person that just sat down by him or herself. You never know what they may have to teach you. Our lives are shaped by the relationships with the people around us. Why not meet someone new?
Can't wait to hear all about it on Saturday/Sunday!!
(03.10.10)Definitely! I can not wait for your engagement session!!!! That and a nice glass of wine or coffee, what a rough life.
(03.10.10)Hey Sara! Thanks for suggesting the website to the Slow Food movement. I found a farmer here in Kyle and he is delivering produce to my front porch every Friday. For $7, I am getting so much food, that I can share it with 2 other friends! Besides that, he said I can bring Micah and go help him pick the produce and lobby our city and county government to be more farm friendly in their land decisions. See what one little shy girl can accomplish with a few words? Love, me
(03.11.10)You are wise beyond your years, my dear. With this philosophy of life, you will receive so much more out of life and also be able to give along the way. I'm so proud of you!
(03.11.10)Really? This is so fantastic!!!! I am so glad that you found one! Isn't it like Christmas when your bag arrives! And congratulations on getting involved. xoxo
(03.11.10)Sara, you are so right, I met many wonderful people there and have such an unbeleavably renewed vision of the future. One in particular inspired me to believe in things long thought past. I will treasure the memories like cavemen did fire, carrying it wherever i go. And when the fire goes out look for more lightning. Inspiration is truly the most precious thing. It fills our creative sails and the heart replaces the mind at the helm. “For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse it’s full length. And there I travel, looking, looking, breathlessly.” Don Juan.
Sara, you are so right, I met many wonderful people there and have such an unbeleavably renewed vision of the future. One in particular inspired me to believe in things long thought past. I will treasure the memories like cavemen did fire, carrying it wherever i go. And when the fire goes out look for more lightning. Inspiration is truly the most precious thing. It fills our creative sails and the heart replaces the mind at the helm. “For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart. There I travel, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse it’s full length. And there I travel, looking, looking, breathlessly.” Don Juan. So much to do so little time, so glad to have met
Dave
David I am so glad that your experience mirrored mine so beautifully. Thank you for the memories and keep up the great work. Hopefully I will see you again!
(03.12.10)It's conversations with people like you that made the whole trip valuable. Thanks again for the experience, stories, laughs, and tears. It was an honor to meet you and hope to cross paths again one day.
(03.16.10)Thank you Ed, your thoughts a mirrored! I do hope that we can stay in touch, and maybe one day shoot together!
(03.16.10)
He was such a good subject, and very patient with me. It is a little bit strange to have my sweetheart suddenly in the 'client' role. I enjoyed getting a few great pictures of Charlie, it makes me wonder how long I will have to wait until I convince him it is time he let me do it again.
Charlie, thank you for finally agreeing to a portrait session. I know you can't stand it, so it is sweet of you to oblige me. I miss you...
Calvin Klein!...Watch Out. Great pics sis. You should be photographing for mens clothing magazines. And charlie, you should consider playgirl LOL.
(03.04.10)Thanks Teo, if the wedding phootography doesn't work out I will be sure to look into clothing adverts as an alternative income source =)
(03.04.10)That is one good looking husband you've got, Sara! These photos really bring out his handsomeness. :) Good job!
(03.04.10)Nice pictures Sara, only grins no smile, I can do that. Just wouldn't look as good. Love Dad
(03.04.10)You'd better erase these from the internet. Some talent scout will see him and he'll be off to Hollywood:)
(03.05.10)Really awesome pictures. Just seems to capture all the qualities of Charlie that we all admire. Definitely model material.
(03.11.10)Sara! Well, well, well....
You forgot to mention he looked like Jude Law. Have a great time in SA and please come back soon.
Yup, he's a fox. I am having an amazing time here! But, I will definitely be coming back! Thank you for looking at the blog, I look forward to dancing the night away again!
(03.28.10)
Such amazing memories you capture! ....and thank you soooo much for sharing
(03.02.10)Ahh... what way to start a week. There's nothing like seeing someone else routine and glimpsing into their life. Your Unlce Bill is a sweatheart. And I so glad that he has friends that share his enthusiasm for life.
(04.07.10)
Hans decided to tag along for the shoot, so I had to get at least one shot of the two of them together. He was a great sport!
Great pictures! Where are you moving?
(02.26.10)It is a long story... maybe I will post our expected route in the next couple of days =)
(02.26.10)A natural beauty. These photos are lovely.
(03.01.10)
I love the creativity of your alphabet! I will keep my fingers crossed that you win, Sara.
(03.12.10)Thank you Rachna, it was a fun project!
(03.12.10)Wow!! I love it! I hope you win Sara! You've inspired me to go out an take some photos today. I'll let you know how it goes. =)
(03.13.10)Sara, I am a co-worker of your mom and have followed your blog and photograph journey since you first went to school in South Africa. I just need to tell you how much I enjoy your stories and your pictures, whether it be Dedie's family or others, I get quite uplifted from your site. I keep hoping for an opportunity for you to photograph some special (or ordinary) event in our family. Meanwhile, keep up the inspirational life's work, and keep polishing your talents, you are a bright star.~Patricia
(03.13.10)Hello Patricia! Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so honored that you keep up with my blog, I never know if it ever gets seen by anyone. When I hear from someone who reads it is so special! I would love to photograph ANYTHING for your family. It would be great to get you on the blog, especially if you are a long time reader! xx
(03.13.10)