I decided to take a slight detour today.
A friend sent this piece on stress and I felt it should be shared. There are some wonderful truths and some statements that made me smile. Who can't use a smile from time to time, right?
STRESS.....
A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'..... she fooled them all...
"How heavy is this glass of water?", she inquired with a smile.
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."
"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... pick them up tomorrow.
Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax, pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!"
1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!
2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker..
5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague
6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it..
7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
8 * Never buy a car you can't push.
9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.
10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.
13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
15 * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.
17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.
20 * It was I, your friend!
*Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate !*
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
LONG LUNCH JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY ART SHOW... AUGUST 20 AND 21ST
This has been a very tough week for me personally, but I have to regroup and get ready for a juried art show I've entered in Warkworth, Ontario for August 20th and 21st.
Last year at this show, I placed second and was so thrilled! It was my first win and there was a cash prize as well. That was the icing, so to speak. What meant more to me was validation that I'm on the right track doing what I love to do! The judge for this show is a photographer for MacLean's magazine. Here is the photo I won with:
As an added bonus the show committee selected this photo to be the cover for the poster and flyers and such for this year's show.
I always find it difficult to select which pieces of work to put in every time I enter a show. After a lot of thought, and many changes of mind, I finally picked three(which is the maximum you can enter). I picked a scenic shot, a nature shot, and one that I think is cool, but pretty random in category.
(MORNING FOG)
(HOLDING PATTERN)
(RELIEF)
It would be great to win or place, both for the recognition and the money, but I truly enjoy the judges critiques after they make their selections to learn for the next time....and I do try to learn something.
I have found both a website and a Facebook page called 'Photography Talk' It is fantastic and I've joined(free) and there's an amazing group of photographers willing to give input and support from all over the world. I'll post more at a later date, when I'm more comfortable with it.
This week I put new works in at the Kawartha Tourism Centre and put three framed pieces in a wonderful gift and decor shop called Bridget Anastasia's in the local area. If you live in the area, check it out. She has wonderful art, gifts and decor items that are quite different from the normal gift shops.
Last year at this show, I placed second and was so thrilled! It was my first win and there was a cash prize as well. That was the icing, so to speak. What meant more to me was validation that I'm on the right track doing what I love to do! The judge for this show is a photographer for MacLean's magazine. Here is the photo I won with:
As an added bonus the show committee selected this photo to be the cover for the poster and flyers and such for this year's show.
I always find it difficult to select which pieces of work to put in every time I enter a show. After a lot of thought, and many changes of mind, I finally picked three(which is the maximum you can enter). I picked a scenic shot, a nature shot, and one that I think is cool, but pretty random in category.
It would be great to win or place, both for the recognition and the money, but I truly enjoy the judges critiques after they make their selections to learn for the next time....and I do try to learn something.
I have found both a website and a Facebook page called 'Photography Talk' It is fantastic and I've joined(free) and there's an amazing group of photographers willing to give input and support from all over the world. I'll post more at a later date, when I'm more comfortable with it.
This week I put new works in at the Kawartha Tourism Centre and put three framed pieces in a wonderful gift and decor shop called Bridget Anastasia's in the local area. If you live in the area, check it out. She has wonderful art, gifts and decor items that are quite different from the normal gift shops.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
PROMOTING ONE'S SELF...... GETTING EASIER!
Well, I've been doing photography as a serious venture for about 3 years. I began the pursuit of my creative side in a number of ways once retirement came my way. In doing so, I realized I have a passion and a growing talent for photography. I've only just begun! I can't wait to see where this takes me!
When I realized that some of my work was good enough to sell, I made a committment to get better at promoting myself and my work.
This journey has many twists and turns. What it has taught me, thus far, is I enjoy networking, however I have so much to learn. Although not 100% confident as yet, I have no doubt I will get there.
I joined the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and this is a great place to promote one's self. As a member, it allows me the privilege of a membership directory, putting my business cards at the Chamber of Commerce office downtown. Last but not least, the privilege of meeting some wonderful, wonderful people that may be interested in purchasing at some point for themselves and/or giving me referrals. At the very least, they give tremendous support.
It helps to join a selective few art associations locally, and then worldwide via the internet. Added to this, is the need to get involved on committees for various local events and charities. I'm still working on that aspect of my personal marketing, but that's getting a little easier as time goes on.
Vista Print helped me design my photography rack card. I can hand it out, mail it out and place it in critical locations around the city. It's another item potential clients can take away with them from any of the shows I'm part of. It's all about getting your name out there in both local, national and international markets. Social media is something that is here to stay and one can't underestimate the power it holds to make people aware of one's talent. I seem to be 'behind the eight ball' when it comes to the technology aspect of promotion. I'm working on it and have found great people to help me out.
My heart says I'm doing exactly what I'm meant to be doing. My confidence continues to grow. I've learned not to be afraid of the word 'No'!
I can't end this post without saying I also love to promote other photographers. For the most part, the ones I've met are quite happy to share their tips and secrets. Thank you to all those who have helped me to this point!
When I realized that some of my work was good enough to sell, I made a committment to get better at promoting myself and my work.
This journey has many twists and turns. What it has taught me, thus far, is I enjoy networking, however I have so much to learn. Although not 100% confident as yet, I have no doubt I will get there.
I joined the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and this is a great place to promote one's self. As a member, it allows me the privilege of a membership directory, putting my business cards at the Chamber of Commerce office downtown. Last but not least, the privilege of meeting some wonderful, wonderful people that may be interested in purchasing at some point for themselves and/or giving me referrals. At the very least, they give tremendous support.
It helps to join a selective few art associations locally, and then worldwide via the internet. Added to this, is the need to get involved on committees for various local events and charities. I'm still working on that aspect of my personal marketing, but that's getting a little easier as time goes on.
Vista Print helped me design my photography rack card. I can hand it out, mail it out and place it in critical locations around the city. It's another item potential clients can take away with them from any of the shows I'm part of. It's all about getting your name out there in both local, national and international markets. Social media is something that is here to stay and one can't underestimate the power it holds to make people aware of one's talent. I seem to be 'behind the eight ball' when it comes to the technology aspect of promotion. I'm working on it and have found great people to help me out.
My heart says I'm doing exactly what I'm meant to be doing. My confidence continues to grow. I've learned not to be afraid of the word 'No'!
I can't end this post without saying I also love to promote other photographers. For the most part, the ones I've met are quite happy to share their tips and secrets. Thank you to all those who have helped me to this point!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
PHOTOGRAPHER EXTROIDINAIRE ! .... MEET JESSE BRENNEMAN
Continuing with my effort to feature talented Ontario photographers amateur or professional, please meet Jesse Brenneman. I met Jesse a week ago today at the Lakefield Jazz Festival and Art Show. He and his wife were actually there to browse and listen to the jazz. They are from the Kitchener area of Ontario. We were talking and I discovered he is a photographer as well. We shared a few tips and some of our history. I was most impressed with his willingness to take some time out of his personal weekend to discuss photography so I asked if he would consider letting me do a feature...he said, 'yes'.
Here we go!...in Jesse's own words.
When did you first get interested in photography?
ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO, IN MY SECOND YEAR OF UNIVERSITY, WAS THE FIRST TIME I REALLY HAD ANY INTEREST IN TAKING PHOTOS.
What kind of camera was your first and what do you use now?
I STARTED WITH MY MOTHER’S FUJI A303 POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA, AND AFTER ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF UPGRADED TO AN SLR. I AM NOW USING A CANON 40D.
What, in your opinion, are the advantages and disadvantages between ‘point and shoot’ and ‘DSLR’?
POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERAS ARE GREAT FOR BEING COMPACT AND QUICK, AS WELL AS BEING FAR LESS COSTLY THAN SLR's. SO, I DON’T MIND TAKING MY POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA OUT IN A CANOE OR SOMWEHERE ELSE WHERE IT MIGHT GET WRECKED…I WOULDN’T DARE DO THAT WITH MY SLR. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SLR OFFERS SO MUCH MORE DIVERSITY, ESPECIALLY IN LENSES AND FULL MANUAL CONTROLS, IN ORDER TO TAKE PHOTOS WITH MANY DIFFERENT MOODS AND EFFECTS. THE FAST FOCUSING IS A DEFINITE BENEFIT AS WELL.
What type of pictures do you tend to shoot the most?
I MOSTLY SHOOT LANDSCAPES AND ARCHITECTURE, AND REALLY LOVE TAKING THESE PHOTOS AT NIGHT. I ALSO LOVE TO TAKE PHOTOS OF PETS AND OTHER ANIMALS.
What type of art, photography etc. do you have in your own home?
AT THE MOMENT, MY WIFE AND I JUST HAVE FRAMED SETS OF PHOTOS FROM SOME OF OUR VACATIONS. BUT I HAVE PLENTY OF OLD MOVIE POSTERS STORED AWAY THAT I PLAN ON PUTTING UP WHEN WE HAVE MORE SPACE.
What is one tip you’ve learned that has improved your photography?
EXPERIMENTATION IS KEY. BEING COMPLETELY SELF-TAUGHT, I LEARNED QUICKLY THAT YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE LOADS OF PHOTOS TO LEARN THE SETTINGS AND CAPABILITIES OF YOUR CAMERA, AND TAKE EVEN MORE TO FIND COOL WAYS TO PUT THEM TO USE. ALSO EXPERIMENT WITH COMPOSITION. DON’T JUST TAKE THE ANGLE YOU FIRST THINK OF. TAKE MANY MORE…AND THEN MORE ON TOP OF THOSE…YOUR FIRST THOUGHT IS VERY RARELY YOUR FAVOURITE FROM THE SET.
When you do portrait work, what is your biggest challenge?
PORTRAITS ARE TOUGH FOR ME. I FIND THAT RELATING TO THE SUBJECT IS VERY HELPFUL, BUT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO DO IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. UNDERSTANDING THE SUBJECT HELPS YOU TO LOOSEN THEM UP AND MAKE THE SHOOT FLOW EASILY AND MORE NATURALLY. BUT I FIND THIS DIFFICULT.
What type of photography is more difficult for you?
PORTRAITS. I FIND MOVING OBJECTS MORE DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH, BUT THE CHALLENGE IS GREAT FUN WHEN I DO PORTRAIT SESSIONS
Is there a particular photo you just haven’t managed to shoot yet, but you really would like to get?
I REALLY, REALLY WANT TO DO SOME SUPER-LONG EXPOSURES OF THE SKY AT NIGHT TO GET “STAR TRAILS,” BUT JUST HAVEN’T HAD THE TIME LATELY TO GO PULL IT OFF
Who influenced your love of photography?
MY WIFE’S FATHER IS A VIDEOGRAPHER, AND SEEING HIS WORK WAS A LARGE INSPIRATION, AND MY BEST FRIEND WAS ALWAYS FOOLING AROUND WITH HIS CAMERA, AND WAS ANOTHER SOURCE OF INSPIRATION AND KNOWLEDGE
Name one photographer you admire living or dead and why.
ACTUALLY, MY BEST FRIEND HIN FAN. HE HAS BEEN MY MAIN SOURCE OF MOTIVATION AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY. HIS PHOTOS ARE ALWAYS SO UNIQUE, AND EVERY TIME I SEE UPDATED PHOTOS ON HIS FLICKR PAGE, I AM INSPIRED TO GO OUT AND TAKE SOME MORE PHOTOS OF MY OWN.
Which shot, up until now, are you most proud of?
One tip you could give a relatively new photographer…
ONE TIP I TRY TO GIVE PEOPLE IS TO EXPERIMENT WITH EXPOSURE. IT IS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY STICK TO THE “RULES” THAT YOU MIGHT HEAR ABOUT. TRY FUNKY ANGLES AND TRY DIFFERENT WAYS OF FRAMING A SUBJECT. DON’T RELY TOO HEAVILY ON PHOTOSHOP. IT IS A GREAT TOOL FOR TOUCHING UP AN IMAGE, BUT LEARN THE ART OF COMPOSITION, BECAUSE PHOTOSHOP CAN’T HELP WITH COMPOSITION
How do you use social media to grow your photography business….
CURRENTLY, I ONLY USE FLICKR. I HAVE BEEN AT SCHOOL FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND TIME HAS NOT BEEN IN ABUNDANCE. BUT, FLICKR HAS BEEN A GREAT WAY OF SHARING MY WORK AND GETTING MY NAME OUT THERE VIA GROUPS
What shot has eluded you so far?
THE MOON.I REALLY WANT TO TAKE SOME GREAT CLOSE-UPS OF THE MOON, BUT HAVEN’T YET.
What is your ultimate goal as a photographer?
MY GOAL, FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, WAS TO LEARN HOW TO USE A CAMERA WELL ENOUGH THAT I COULD PUT SOME PHOTOS ON MY WALLS WITHOUT HAVING TO BUY ART. IT TURNED INTO AN OBSESSION TO CONTINUE TO GET BETTER PHOTOS. NOW MY GOAL IS TO CAPTURE PHOTOS ON MY TRAVELS THAT MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY WANT TO HANG ON THEIR WALLS…AND HOPEFULLY SELL SOME OF THOSE PHOTOS AS ART!
What awards or acknowledgements have you received thus far, if any?
I HAVE ATTACHED ANOTHER PHOTO (A TREE LANDSCAPE) WHICH HAS WON AWARDS IN THE LANDSCAPE AND OVERALL CATEGORIES IN THE GLEN MORRIS LIBRARY PHOTO CONTEST AND WHICH WON FIRST PLACE IN THE LANDSCAPE CATEGORY, AS WELL AS THE “BEST-IN-SHOW” AWARD IN THE 2010 KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST.
THE FINAL ATTACHED PHOTO RECEIVED THIRD PLACE IN THE ARCHITECTURE CATEGORY IN THE 2011 KITCHENER PUBLIC LIBRARY AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST.
On a personal note, I'd like to thank Jesse and I have no doubt that his name will be recognized by many in the future.....amazing work!
If you wish to see more of Jesse's photography go to:
www.flicker.com/trdyaris
Below are a few of my favourites he sent......please enjoy!
If you like Jesse's work and want to comment or get in touch with him, you can email him at jmb.photo at yahoo.ca
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