Do I inspire? ~ {iheartfaces}
I have never entered a contest before. Especially one where winning depends on my story, my life experience, my words. But, the AMAZING Amy Wenzel is sponsoring a giveaway on the i heart faces blog and it would be so cool if she chose me!
The winner receives a seat at her upcoming photography workshop - a complete thrill and honor! I could learn so much from her and keep my business on the right track in 2010.
The question is, "How do you love, serve, or inspire others?" And the answer is that I try to inspire others through my photography. Seems a bit boring? A a bit trite? I hope not. I do not have a tragic story to share, or a massive struggle that I have overcome. I am just another woman - a mother, sister, wife, and friend who is making her way through life. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, two beautiful, healthy children, a supportive family, and friends who've 'got my back'! I try to remember to thank God every day for the abundant blessings He has given me. I sometimes forget. Life gets busy, stress takes over, then I stop and breathe and try again. I hope soon to serve others through my photography, too. I have applied with a few philanthropic organizations that allow photographers to donate their time and work for those who have a special need. I am waiting to hear back from them before sharing more info - but keep an eye out!
My Story: I started this photography journey when my daughter was a baby and I realized that what I saw on the LCD screen of my camera was not exactly what I saw in real life. She was so wiggly - all I could capture with my point-and-shoot was a big blur! Luckily, we had a fantastic photographer who was just-starting-out in business who took amazing photos of my daughter during her first year. She inspired me to learn to take better photos myself. I invested in my first DSLR and saw a bit of improvement (no shutter lag!), but it wasn't until I took the plunge into learning all the settings and features of my camera and shooting in Manual that I began to see in the photos what I see in everyday life with my gorgeous, fun, amazing, and spirited children.
THAT is what I strive to capture in my clients' portraits. And that is what I hope to inspire them to love, or to even learn to do themselves. My goal for every session is not just to take "good" photos, but to truly freeze the moment in time. I want my clients to look at the portrait I take of their child or family and remember exactly how they felt that day. Not just how their child looked or what clothes they wore, but their personality quirks, the twinkle in their eye, their crooked smile, the way they belly laughed with their head thrown back. Or, the more tender moments between parent and child - the hugs, the nursing baby, the sweet newborn tucked in her mother's arms. I want my photos to inspire others to capture the true moments in their life so that in 5, 10, 20 years, they can look back and remember exactly what that moment was like. That is my inspiration and why I love photography.
I hope that my photos inspire you to take out your camera and capture your life as it truly is - a wonderful gift and a true miracle. Let's capture it together.
~Amanda