“An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and ON HIS OWN TERMS, not anyone else’s.”
- J. D. Salinger (Franny & Zooey)
Being an artist is hard. Let no one tell you otherwise. It’s amazing, but it. is. hard. We go through ups and downs in life just like everyone else, but magnified 1000 times because as artists, we’re to be more in tune with our emotions. There are times when these emotions overwhelm, and cause the desire to bury ourselves under the covers until it’s okay to come out. Other times it’s so wonderful that you feel on top of the world. You’re on cloud nine and can float through the air. It’s great when you feel like that. :)
I am lucky to be doing what I do – to be an artist. Many art jobs require you to be completely at the whim of your client. I hear it from designer friends and the dreaded “difference in vision” and “revisions of a creation.” Often what they want to say doesn’t get to be said because of what others want it to say. Being a wedding photographer, I am lucky because my clients seek me for my voice. This is important.
Each artist has a voice, a different view of the world. We all have something to say, and a way to express it. Upon expressing it, it’s almost like we’re giving a part of ourselves away to share with others.
Here, take this, this is yours to experience and see.
It’s sooo validating as an artist when I have a client who tells me that what they are most attracted to my photography is the way I see things. My perspective. This is so vital because without it, my photography wouldn’t be MY photography. It could be anyone else’s photography. I know that a client and I are a right fit when they tell me these things because that’s what makes me who I am as an artist. My perspective. On life, on love, on the people around me, in weddings, events and shoots. How I photograph these moments in life is largely dependent on how I see things. And what I want to say. My voice.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with other artists/photographers – marveling at their work, wondering why our work can’t be like that. Thinking that we suck because we’re not like _________. We could never take photos like _________. But you know what, that’s okay, because you’re NOT _______. You’re who you are, and who you are and what you have to say is still important and special. You just need the courage to say it. The artists that I admire tend to be people who say what they want to say in their work; screw what anyone else thinks. It’s about being vulnerable. It’s scary, yes. But it’s what attracts people to certain art and artists, I think. They see YOU in it.
I am blessed. Blessed to be sharing with you all. Blessed to be working as a wedding photographer, where people do seek me for my voice. Not just because I’m a “good photographer” but because they enjoy the way I see things. And want me to see and experience their wedding with them, and capture it to remember. Sure, this all really sounds cheesy, but I believe it with all my heart. :)
And to leave this post, here’s a very inspiring video by Zach Arias.
