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www.floweringheatherphotography.com

next steps

Nobody tells this to people who are beginners.

I wish someone told me. 

All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have   

good taste. 

But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. 

It’s trying to be good, it has potential, 

but it’s not. 

But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still  

killer.   

And your taste is why your work disappoints you. 

A lot of people never get past this phase,

they quit.

Most people I know who do interesting, creative
work went through years of this. 

We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have.  

We all go through this.
And if you are just starting out or you are still in this
phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important
thing you can do is do a lot of work.
Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one
story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. 

And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met.
It’s gonna take awhile.
It’s normal to take awhile.
You’ve just gotta fight your way through.
By Ira Glass

This says so much to me I had to share it.  I think I will frame it and hang it in my office as a reminder that I'm not the only one that's incredibly hard on themselves.  Chances are someone I admire probably thinks or has thought they suck too.  It's a process.  
         
When I started blogging I wanted to do it because I really wanted a place to capture memories like an electronic journal.  I thought it would be so great to have that to look back on.  I've never been good at keeping a journal, electronic or otherwise, so of course this was no different.  What I found my blog ending up to be was a platform for photography.  Testing the waters to help me get brave enough to figure out if I really am good enough to take pictures of other people.  And for that, it worked.

It started with a referral, then another...strangers that paid me even though I didn't ask to be paid, and they hugged me and called me a "photographer".  It was the best feeling ever.  That's how I knew it was time to take the leap.  No, I'm not quitting my day job (people actually asked me that!), but I am doing something that makes me so happy.  I'm experiencing what it's like to really be truly passionate about something and pushing myself into areas I never thought I would.  I am learning more than I knew there was to learn.  I am meeting great people and doing things I never thought I would or could do.  

I am thankful for my husband who bought me my 35mm film camera then my digital SLR and encouraged me through the classes, tutoring sessions, dark room and everything along the way.  I never knew how much that meant over the years, but I couldn't have done it without his push.  I am lucky for great family and friends who have been so supportive with kind words and referrals!  I'm thankful for the time of other photographers and business owners that I have bombarded with questions along the way.  You know who you are, thank you!

Who knows, I may be back blogging again someday.  But for now, please check out my new website when you have time www.floweringheatherphotography.com.  I'd love to hear from you and love it if you thought of me the next time you or someone you know needs pictures :)

XOXO ~ Heather

mikelle

Here's a weird thing that happened to me.  I got a call one day from a woman in Grand Forks, ND, a friend of a friend of mine, asking if I wold take her daughter's senior pictures.  I was completely floored but really honored and extremely freaked out.   I couldn't say no, but in the back of my head I was thinking, what the hell are you thinking?!  These people are driving like six hours for this.  I gave them the whole "I'm not a professional speech".  I almost said, "you know there are real photographers in ND, right?"  But I didn't, and I'm pretty proud about that, because here's what I learned; I work really well under pressure.  This forced me to take a step that I've been wanting to take for a long time.  I was pushed outside of my comfort zone. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it.  Bonus, Mikelle is a fun and beautiful girl, and her family was truly awesome (yes, the whole fam came on the shoot, even Dad).  It was so great doing something I love so much and having this family trust and appreciate me.

I've been looking at and futzing with these for two weeks now.  I know I still have a lot to learn and would love some constructive feedback.  What do you think?

rocky mountain high

A couple of weeks ago Joe completely surprised me with a trip to Breckenridge, CO.  He had everything arranged...travel, kids, lodging.  He even called my boss to make sure I could get the time off.  He employed the help of my friend Amy, and managed to keep it all top secret.  I was so impressed.  I love surprises!

We had so much fun.  I have been to Breckenridge before, but only in the winter.  I loved it just as much in the summer.  There is something about the mountains that is just so amazing.  We hiked a ton.  Hit the shops, great restaurants and the local brew pub.  The resort we stayed at was awesome, complete with a wood fireplace in our room and about 10 outdoor hot tubs on the property.  Heaven.  The only thing I was disappointed to miss was the concert with this guy doing all John Denver songs.  (I know Carrie can truly appreciate how sad I was about this).

This trip rocked!  Not only was it fun, but just plain relaxing.  We were active and lazy all in one trip.  We had uninterrupted conversations and time to just enjoy the silence.   He gets big points for planning such a great, for no apparent reason, surprise.  Thanks babe ;)

Gondola trip to Peak 8

Top of Peak 8 before the hike down



Midway up hike to Mohawk Lake.

Hiking with a torn meniscus. What a die hard.

It was so pretty at the top.  I want to go back!  Like now.  Right now!

just 'cuz

Just because I haven't picked up my camera in months. Just because it was a warm summer night. Just because Ava and I were home alone and needed something to do after our grilled cheese dinner. Just because I can't believe how much my baby has grown. Just because seeing pictures of her takes my breath away and makes my heart happy. And just because she happily agreed to model IF she could choose her own outfit including crazy high shoes from my closet that she has declared hers once she grows into them. Just because, we took some pictures.





Oh how I love her :)

simple joys

This beautiful lake is literally almost right out my back door. Even though I curse it on a regular basis for the cold temperatures it too often brings us, I do feel lucky to live and work next to one of the Great Lakes. It seems like there's never enough time in the summer. We really don't venture to the beach to play often enough. Sunday evening at the beach was the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. Ah summer...

13 years

I don’t really do much by way of “I have such an awesome husband” or “my marriage rocks” type of posts. For one, Joe never reads my blog. Two, it just seems too oddly personal for me throw a bunch of stuff out there about us and our relationship. And really, I wonder, does anyone care? I mean, by nature I’m a pretty humble person, so rattling on about how awesome things are just seems weird. Plus I would probably feel compelled to post when it sucks too because I’m just honest that way, and who wants to read that? Let’s just say this is way out of my comfort zone.

However…13 years ago on 6/27 we got married. I do believe there’s some truth to being older and wiser. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my marriage these last 13 years (more in the last 5 than the first 8). I wouldn’t trade what I’ve got for anything. There are times I look back and cringe. We are both strong willed, I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I have spent a lot of time wanting to always be right (need I say more?). What I've learned though is recognizing your faults is more than half the battle. Then working on you and taking ownership of your emotions and feelings and recognizing that nobody can "make you feel" a certain way is the rest of the battle.

Even though it’s against my nature, I feel a little compelled to proclaim our success. We have worked super hard at our marriage. Now that we’re putting in the effort though, reaping the rewards is the best thing. Today I’m really happy. Not everyday is perfect, but I know I'm truly a better me, and I feel more secure and at peace with myself and my relationship with my husband than I ever have. I feel blessed to have such wonderful kids and family and awesome friends.

So, happy anniversary to my husband that will probably never read this, and if he does, he’ll think I’m a huge dork for posting it. I am lucky and love him so much because he encourages me, makes me laugh, builds me cool stuff, never thinks anything is impossible, dreams big, is an awesome dad, kicks my ass when I need it, takes care of me when I need it, thinks of others before himself…because he’s just genuinely a good person. And for that, and about 1000 other reasons, I am thankful.