- May 9, 2019 -
And it happens again. I have no control. I lost, I'm lost, nearly two months without a post or an update. But that's the current story of my life. Family and work. That's all I really have time for. I'm slowly using my calendar to organize and prep for the days, weeks, months ahead, but I'm horrible at maintaining a schedule for myself. Most creative people are. The structure freaks us out. We want to be spontaneous and give in to the muse.
What we don't realize the Muse only comes when we go to her.
On a consistent basis. She wants to us to visit her everyday, at the same time. Then she'll give. Shower with beautiful gifts. More than you'll know what to do with.
But consistency is the key and persistency is the door. Sounds simple doesn't it? But not a lot of people can do it. What separates the professionals from the great? Consistency, persistency, and the knowledge of what one deserves. It's a circle. If you feel you deserve it you are going to be consistent in your actions. You'll be persistent, the Muse will be your friend.
I cannot lie to myself anymore. I am busy. I have a lot on my plate. Three children, a wife and a full time job. Having dreams and goals just adds to the list.
What can I do?
There are a few things I have come to realize...
Scheduling is necessary. Being prepared; everything in it's place. Some things are going to have to be given up (television, social media) in order to got 1% better daily. Discipline equals freedom. Where is my energy going? Am I getting enough sleep? Am I eating the right foods? Am I getting enough exercise? So much to adjust in life when one gets older and brings on more responsibility. But that's the choice one makes, and one must accept. Have faith that what will be will be, but show what it is you want in your actions. That is your main responsibility. Your actions. Be there for your Muse and she'll be there for you.
When will I be here again?
- March 16, 2019 -
Time flies, two months without a post, doesn't feel like its been that long. It's not that I did not want to, but sometimes life takes control. Anyways, I digress. I don't have an excuse. I hate excuses, I had other priorities.
I have been taking pictures, trying new things, but not as much as I should be. The photos I have taken were more test shots than anything, and there is nothing worth sharing. So what have I been doing? Reading. A lot of reading. I've read many books the past two months on photography, immersing myself in the learning aspect of the art. Some great books I've read, I'll make a list of my favorite books and post them on here for all of you to see. But I think I got lost in reading, wanting to learn as much as possible from lighting, flash, posing, etc, I forget the best form of learning is action. I've lost time with my head in books, than having my heart in my creative actions. I took some time to think about this. I love reading, watching videos, constantly learning about the craft I have dedicated myself to, but I need to take more action, learning every step by the experiments and mistakes made along the way. LOVING every step of the way.
I commit to being more creative with my time. I commit to a more creative life and less consumption. I commit to sharing what I learn.
-Jude-
- January 17, 2019 -
I try to do something with photography everyday. Whether that be taking photos, editing photos, reading a photography book, or watching an instructional video, I do my best to stay immersed.
When I took my son to get a haircut I took my Canon 80D and my Sigma 50-100mm/1.8 to get some work done. These photos are not contest worthy but, when one takes action, one gets experience, and to get better, one needs to take action. So below are some of the photos I took. I am proud of my editing. I learned how to get the “cinematic” look Ive been striving for with the photos of my wife and daughter. All photos edited in Lightroom Classic CC and Lightroom Mobile.
-January 10, 2019-
I'm blessed to have a daughter who loves to help me work on my photography when I need a beautiful model. It was a nice cool day in Anaheim when we decided to head out to the local park. I took my Canon 80D and attached was the Sigma 50/1.4 ART lens. This lens is amazing, very sharp and fast. I was using the light from the sun and she did very well. Made the impromptu shoot very easy. All photos edited in Lightroom Classic CC and Affinity Photo. Below are my favorites.
ISO 160, f4.0, 1/500
ISO 100, f2.0, 1/800
ISO 100, f2.0, 1/800
ISO 100, f2.0, 1/800
ISO 160, f4.0, 1/500
