which was exactly the case last tuesday morning.
hello my name is kelly and i am a light junkie.
so in addition to my ‘everyday’ photography like this, i’m also taking this be still 52 class with kim klassen. it’s a class on still life photography, but kim is also really great at helping us explore our creativity. and this past week, our lesson was to put together a series or find a common thread in our photography.
after i read the lesson i just hung my head. and i thought to myself, ‘great. the one thing i just cannot seem to figure out, and now it’s a lesson.’
honestly this is the ONE THING that i struggle with more than anything. i watch scott kelby videos about putting together a portfolio. about refining your portfolio, your voice, so it sends a clear message about who you are as a photographer.
it’s like i’ve always said… it’s not so much that i am trying to pursue a career in professional photography. but it would be nice to say ‘this is my thing’ photographically speaking.
anyway, that was wednesday and i was knee-deep sending my girl off to college. i didn’t really have time to think about it. so i decided to just set this lesson on the back burner.
well so thursday i got up early and i set off for my morning run. and it was such a glorious, sunny morning. and i was thinking about how pretty the light was that morning. to me there is something really special about the light in august. and i particularly love the way it pours in through my east-facing french doors this time of year. as evidenced by the photo i took on tuesday (above).
and then i got to thinking about all the pictures i have taken of the morning sun pouring in through my east french doors.
hello lightbulb moment.
could it be? could this be my thing?
i thought about this all the way home from visiting my girl at her new apartment. sort of refined the concept in my head. and then when i got back home, i took a few minutes to go through my lightroom catalog. and oh my God….
so many pictures. dozens of shots of light shining in through windows and doors.
letting the light shine in.
i think about how long i have been trying to find my thing. and there it was. all along. right in front my eyes.
isn’t it always like that?
i’m sharing this with you today because i think it is quite often very hard to look at our own work objectively. and maybe you’re in the same boat. whether it’s photography or painting or some other creative endeavor. maybe you’re trying to find your voice or refine your portfolio to show the world who you are and what you love.
and so here is what i would say to you. it takes time. it might not take you four years like it did for me – but then again i am the world’s biggest overthinker so it really shouldn’t come as a surprise at all.
but oh the joy when it all comes together. seeing the light.
love, kelly
ummm duh.. 😉 it’s the light my dear.. it’s in every one of your beautiful images.. i’ve seen it from the beginning.. it’s why i’m drawn to your photos.. the way you capture light.. beautifully.
You are a master of light Kelly, just wonderful, I could look at this all day. Gorgeous stuff.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! I love seeing your “light” shots Kelly. They make me relax…they are warm and filled with “home”. The thing that just struck me though….you must do a lot of dusting!!
I know your images immediately because of the light and the soft tones! Great post on finding your common thread!
Yes, you are definitely a chaser of the light! I, too, am fascinated by light, but you have me beat, I believe. I have very little good light in my north-facing house and few east-facing windows. Beautiful…beautiful images.
Oh, Kelly! You’re so cute. I could have told you what your ‘genre’ is but you didn’t ask. 😀 I can always tell from a thumbnail if it’s your photo. It’s always about the light. And that’s a good thing. xo
Wow, such a lovely post – and gorgeous images! I’m still looking for my “thing”! Love visiting your blog and seeing your images!
You’ve captured the light beautifully my friend.
Kelly, you seem to really love the classes you take. You already give us tutorials. It seems natural to me that your enthusiasm and sincerity would make you a great instructor as well. IF you want to spend the time. You have a lot to share.
These are all so lovely, Kelly, wonderful warm golden light !
Love the one with that cute cat and dog …
and the last one, together with the quote … wow, just gorgeous !
Have a nice week,
Sylvia
yes…you have definitely found your style…its all gorgeous…
Yep, I think you’ve found your thing! So many beautiful photographs here.
Really, really beautiful!
I am in awe of all your gorgeous light photos!! You really have defined yourself. I am so far behind on Be Still, I have no idea what I will come up with by the time I get to this current week!
Your light filled pictures are a joy!
Well, Kelly, you should have asked! Of course, you love the light…it’s obvious in everyone of your images! I always wonder…how does she capture such beautiful light?? You, my friend, are the “light queen!”
Hi Kelly! It’s been quite a while since I’ve visited you here … I must say you definitely have mastered the art of light!! These images are all positively lovely. I’m still figuring out who I am right now in this world of photography. Lots of things have happened since I’ve been away, but I’m hoping to find my niche soon! You’ve encouraged me to enjoy myself and have fun until it all comes together … and I finally see the light! Blessings to you! 🙂
Wonderful post. You do capture light beautifully. I wish I had the time and the resources to take photography classes (just hasn’t happened yet). Your work is very pleasant to look at.
Seeing all your photos of how the light plays with the photo makes me want to do more concentrating on the sun rays and lighting effects. Very nice.
Yes! You love the light and the light loves you. It is always a joy, an uplift, to see the light in your shots. Hooray, light chaser, oh she who sees and appreciates the beauty of light. Yay!
Pam