Why I Became A Photographer

Nearly thirteen years ago, my husband and I welcomed our first child into the world, a little boy. We fell in love. Having now the most adorable subject in the world, I picked up my camera and began snapping his every move, pose, expression and milestone.

This photograph of me was taken by my lovely young friend May of 'From May's Desk '

I found the enjoyment I experienced with photography during high school was still within me and I quickly became addicted.

Initially, photography was a way to capture my beautiful children's lives, and it still is, but it's progressed to an interest in nature photography and some still life photography as well.

Photography, to me, is a tool in which we capture memories, moments and beauty that we don't want to forget. 

The process of photography is thrilling; there are many times where I'm driving and long to stop the car to capture a picturesque landscape, a broken down barn, a shimmering creek, cattle grazing on a luscious green hill, a dead tree.

I can sum up my love of photography with just one word - beauty.

I love being surrounded by beauty, looking for beauty, creating beauty and capturing beauty.

What was it that made you become a photographer?

My All Time Essential Art Supplies

I've found that I have a habit of reaching for the same art supplies each time that I create something. Are you like that? I know that sometimes I try to use different things, or not use a particular thing, and I always end up with it back in my fingers! I just can't help myself! 

The other day I was wanting to do another page in my confirmation journal, and I was stuck with what to do. I was looking at my supplies in front of me and came up with the idea of sketching these as a record of what I most frequently use.

It was very relaxing and enjoyable actually ... I went on to do another page about what photography means to me (I'll save that for another post though!) This is something you should try if you're stuck in a bit of a 'no idea what to create' stage too! It really will help you to think of other pieces to create as you go along.

Do you want to see it? 

I drew each Supply by using the supply itself. E.g. I painted the travelling water colours with the water colour paints in the tray. I coloured the circles in the Bic Markers and Sharpie Pens with the colours that I have them in.

The acrylic paint tube is painted with acrylic paint, the charcoal is charcoal, the oil pastel is oil pastel and so on ...

I really enjoy using palette knives with acrylic paints, in fact I rarely use a brush with them. I use brushes with water colours, but just love the texture and ease that comes with using a palette knife with acrylics.

I don't think I would be able to function artistically without my stabilo black pen! It's definitely an essential for outlining or just pen sketching. 

 Do you use any of these products yourself? Are there any other new art products you could share with me? Be sure to let me know if you've created your own 'Essential Art Supplies Page' ... I would love to see it! 

Have a fantastic week!

My Inspiration Sources

Inspiration for creativity is absolutely everywhere.

I love the quote that says "Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it" - Confucius

This is so true. We spend so much time rushing and hurrying that we really need to consider taking time to slow; to reflect, to relax, to take in the beauty that is all around us and at the ready for us to draw inspiration from.

Want to know some ways to be inspired?!

Well here's a list of the things that I 'go to' when needing some new creative ideas and direction ...

• reading books on being an artist or being creative
• looking at and studying nature
• visits to libraries and book shops (way too tempting!)
• technique books
• pinterest (slightly addicted)
• seeing the amazing work of other artists
• conversations about art and creativity with like minded people
• purchasing new supplies (hold me back!)
• visiting art galleries/museums
• online webpages/blogs
• grabbing my camera and just beginning to snap at anything and everything!
• looking through old journals and notebooks to see if anything 'sparks' any new ideas
• knowing that everyday is a chance to learn, enjoy, create and be inspired.

So what gets you so inspired to pick up your paint brush, your guitar, your wooden spoon or your pen?

Feel free to add your 'go to's' to my list ... I'd love to hear how you are inspired!

"Inspiration comes to us slowly and quietly ... prime it with a little solitude" - Brenda Ueland.

Anyone Love Pinterest?!

I've been busy taking some iPhone photos today ... just because I wanted to! The session only lasted for about 15 minutes, but it's better than not doing anything creative at all today! 

If you're not already aware, Embrace Create Enjoy is on Pinterest . Pinterest is absolutely amazing! I would love you to pop over and have a look at the pins I have there and follow along!

I have a love of quotes and words. I also love photography. So, I was inspired to combine all those little iPhone images that I captured today and some quotes that I wrote all together! Perfect combination! I added them to my Pinterest account on a board named 'Quotes' (original I know), so I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them!

Creativity can be something as small and simple as quotes on a photograph. There's no right or wrong when it comes to how you express your creativity. Just as long as you are doing what you love. I would love to 'meet' you and be inspired by your art, your cooking, your photographs ... whatever it is that you enjoy and would love to share! Comment below and leave your blog address so I can come see what you've been up to!

Thanks, and make sure you enjoy yourself this week!

A New Toy!

The other day I bought a second-hand Canon EOS 3000 camera.

I'm so excited by this purchase!

I studied photography in grade 10 and 11 at high school and we only had film camera's 'back then'. I loved the challenge of producing a beautiful quality photograph without seeing the end result before development.

Something that I live by is we never reach a stage where we've stopped learning and so with this camera I know that I'm going to really enjoy a new learning challenge all over again! Whatever your creative abilities and interests are, there is always greater understanding that you/we can gain from practise, challenging ourselves and seizing learning opportunities.

I've purchased some film (24exp)and now I just have to wait aaalllll the way to pay day, to purchase the two rather expensive lithium batteries needed! (good things come to ...) But that outlay is minimal especially considering the camera itself was an absolute bargain at just $25! (The seller informed me that it's over $700 worth!) I figure it's a worthwhile investment as far as camera expenses goes.

So, I'm giving the 'old fashioned way' a go again and I'm looking forward to being able to show you some of the results (provided they actually turn out half decent!)

Do you own this camera or similar? Any tips or suggestions for me? Thanks!

Have fun enjoying your creativity!