Today I am participating in something called a Virtual Blog Tour. It has been going on every Monday for a few weeks at least; I was invited to be part of it by Terri Porter of Photographically Speaking and Focusing on Life. I actually had the pleasure to have met Terri in person last month- you can read about it here. Terri is a super photographer and such an involved and connected blogger- I was flattered to be included!
The way the Virtual Blog Tour works is that everyone answers the same set of questions and then links to another blog or two or three, who will post the next week. Be sure to check out Terri’s blog to see how she answered the same questions I’m answering!
So here goes:
1. What am I working on?
Well, I’m always working on becoming a better photographer- which is why I do this blog. I started with a Project 365 in 2011, right after I retired, and published a photo a day for two years, with the goal of learning to use my camera. My partner in crime was my college roommate, Carol, who got her camera the same week I got mine and started her 365 when I started mine (check out her blog, In Focus Daily for some beautiful photography). I now post 5 times a week, most weeks, and try to publish my *best* work of the week. Currently, I’m involved in two of Kim Klassen’s classes- Start to Finish 2 and Be Still 52. Both concentrate on still life, an area where I would like to improve my skills. I’m also involved in two photography groups in my town, the first time I’ve had my photos *judged*- a scary prospect for me! All my learning has been online, and that is my comfort zone.
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Hmmmm- a tricky question! I’m not sure what my genre is! I would like it to be fine art photography, which is what I’m drawn to, but I am more of a generalist, I think. And as for my “style”- I have no idea! I do a lot of closeups and macros of flowers, and, of course, hundreds of photos of my grandchildren. I love the dreaminess of photos with a shallow depth of field and the drama and emotional qualities of black and white photography. I am comfortable with the journey I’m on and with not knowing where it will lead.
3. Why do I write/create what I do?
Like most people, I have always taken photographs to record events. I originally got my DSLR to take photos of my grandchildren, but found myself falling in love with my camera and Photoshop as a means of creative expression. One of my grandsons once said intensely as he ran into his lego filled room, “I HAVE to build!” That’s the way I feel about my photography- I HAVE to photograph this! I HAVE to edit! It’s a passion for self expression that has been dormant since adolescence, when painting and drawing were a big part of my life.
4. How does your writing/creating process work?
I have found that my creative spark appears first thing in the morning. It is not uncommon to see me setting up a still life with morning coffee in hand or running outside while still in my bathrobe to catch the best light. I would like to say that I have a disciplined routine for my photography, but I tend to fly by the seat of my pants- and that’s fine with me! After all, photography isn’t my job, it’s fun, it’s creative, it’s what I love to do! I also must say that I am so inspired by the online communities I’m a part of- Flickr and the Kim Klassen community. There are so many talented artists out there creating beautiful images!
And next Monday, I hope you continue the blog tour by visiting the blog of a wonderful Canadian photographer, Gracie Binoya, whom I’ve been following for several years. Gracie started started shooting a few years ago, mainly focusing on nature, and then moved on to portraiture, which is her current focus. As an amateur photographer, photography is something that she does on the side. She works as a second shooter for a wedding photographer friend and is also currently enrolled in a commercial photography program, hoping to learn more and enhance the skills that she’s acquired over the years. You will enjoy seeing her work!
melinda anderson photography 