Down Time

Photography, as a profession, is a beautifully creative outlet.

But, it can be very taxing, especially during busy seasons.

In these past few months of spring arriving and blooms appearing, I have been busy with family sessions and headshots.  It's the perfect time of year to do both.

Photography work involves spending quite a bit of time in the digital dark room, processing the images we take at each session.  There is also a lot of detail work, sending reminders, invoices, readying galleries for viewing, putting together slide shows, fulfilling client orders and monitoring each client with an eye to excellent customer service.

Time for a Break

In between all the activity, it's good to take a break.  I do this in a few different ways.
(1)  I set my camera down and avoid computer work for three to five days.
(2) I take a class that adds to the photography knowledge base I am constantly building. (Often a fun class.)
(3) I go out with my camera and photograph things I haven't had time for, but love.

It's number (3) I'm talking about today.

Making Time for Things You Love

In my photographic journey, my first love has always been nature and landscape work.  In fact, a number of the prints I put into competition toward my Master of Photography degree, had nature and landscape as their subject.

It's very relaxing to me to sit and wait for mother nature's gifts to appear, which always leave me in a state of wonder.  I like to try and pass this wonder on in my photographs.

This time of year, the earth is alive with things.  Taking photos of wildlife is a fantastic way to practice all of your camera skills, especially those where patience is key.

While my specialty may be pet photography, all animals come with people, so it's important to be able to photograph and light people as well as dogs and cats.

Practicing wildlife and nature photography, my first love, helps me ground myself, gives me a break from the norm, and adds to that base of photographic knowledge.

The down time work only betters my regular job, makes me happy, and helps me fuel my creativity.

I know, I know....it does mean I am editing and spending additional time with my computer.  But these photos are primarily for me.  They also fuel my soul.

And, okay, every once in a while, I still slip in a furry friend.  She is always patiently waiting for her Mom to be done with the nature photography, so she can pose and get a treat.

Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet.  To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic (Photographer's Choice), start here with Las Vegas dog photographer, Nicole Hrustyk, of Pawtraits by Nicole, as she shares her favorite summer portrait session locations.

Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here, and have completed the circle.

​Have a great weekend! Enjoy!