One thing I have learned in my photography journey is that what I am doing is art.  While photography does have its rules and some follow it to the extreme, I’ve come to realize, after a lecture with the incomparable Joel Grimes, and with my own gut feeling, that I am an artist.  Sometimes my pictures aren’t the sharpest (I was going for the old time, film noir look), or that my editing don’t follow the guide lines, the end result is what I wanted out of the photo and my clients, who’s ultimate opinion matters the most, love them.

I was always looking for the best gear or asking about specific gear when, in all honesty, I have all I need.  And if I were to get any kind of certain gear, it's only as good as my talent will make it.  I have taken fantastic shots with an entry level camera and kit lens.  I have taken stunning pictures using a $14 flash.  I know that  the better quality gear can help, but really, it's my talent that makes an image.

When Facebook started these wonderful groups where other photographers gathered, I was so excited.  I can share my work for critique and maybe even a few attaboys.  I joined as many as I could find.  I posted a lot of work.  Answered questions that were asked, even asked a few myself.  And what I learned is that they didn’t teach me anything more than I already knew.  In fact, most of the answers/critiques/responses were more geared to hurt than to help.  There are a lot of photographers out there who think it’s their way or the highway.  I post a photo for genuine critique and literally get no response.  Yet I see photos that received a lot of comments, normally because they were bad photographs.  It seems like my fellow photographers like to really tear down someone.

What I came to realize is that I don’t NEED any of that.  I left all those groups.  I stayed in a few modeling groups and local photography groups that I have enjoyed talking with some of my local peeps.  I am much more confident in the quality of my art so I don’t need the negativity.  If I need some opinions, I have a select group of people whom I feel will give me some unvarnished answers. 

My aim is to create beautiful art.  I have branched out a bit more into fashion and modeling work and have really found that my art has leaped forward quite a bit.  I find myself enjoying the process more and am making better art because of it.  Thank you all for following along my art and allowing me to share with you.