Embrace the perfectly imperfect

Photography is an art – an art that many strive to perfect.

But somewhere along this path to perfection, we seem to loose sight on the fact that this art form is very personal and unique. Like most art forms a lot of it is driven by the artist – his or her representation of perfection. Don’t get me wrong, I am not talking about the technical aspect of photography. Yes, it is absolutely important to learn about your camera, its features as well as the technical aspects of ISO, shutter speed and aperture and how they all related to each other. But then there are more subjective and emotional aspects of photography that are very personal and innate to the person behind the camera.

Once you have the basics of the technical aspects of photography nailed down, it’s okay to let go and give yourself the permission to be imperfect!

I find that when the pressure is off, I do some of my best work…of course, here again comes the caveat…my best work is my own interpretation of my work. And you know what, that’s okay. Remember to always be true to yourself and your style.

I do follow many artist and photographers. I love looking at their work and admiring their achievements. I ponder over what must have been the technical aspects of their images. But at the end of the day, I try my hardest to stay true to my style. I am not an expert by any means, but over the years of working with my camera, I know what I am looking for when I observe a scene through my viewfinder.

My style is centered around emotions. When I am looking through the viewfinder – either the one on my camera or the one in my head, I am looking to capture emotions – be it photographing a wedding, or a family photoshoot or an amazing landscape. I am the happiest when I am able to convey emotions through my imagery. I do realize that like any personal style, this is not going to appeal to the masses and that’s okay. After all, isn’t it better to do what you want to do rather than do what you have to do 😉

 – be it a happy 5 year old nephew who was clearly pleased with the guy his aunt had just married! – and he showed it exactly how a 5 year old would or a couple taking a quiet moment celebrating their love!

 – a beautiful playful bride especially one backlit with gorgeous evening light!

– little girls who want daddy hugs just because or little “big” boys who want to do it all by themselves (complete with an apple tucked in under their arm! 🙂 for a quick snack )

– siblings who get along…seriously, these two really do love each other 🙂

 – a couple snowshoeing on a frozen lake in the wilderness of Rocky Mountain National Park. Talk about a bonding experience!!!

– the most magical sunset I have ever seen in Yellowstone National Park