how do you keep yourself from evaporating? I heard this phrase a few days ago – evolve or evaporate. 

my constant thirst for knowledge, and challenge to learn through experience has definitely helped my view of the world evolve.  it’s pushed my photography even further. 

there is something inside me needs to get out, and in order to convey it in it’s most complete form I continue to learn and experiment with new ideas and new ways of creating.

studio lights were the most recent challenge, and I was a wreck going into it. with every shoot there is the pressure of “you’re the Photographer – and you know what you’re doing, right?”  and I do know to a point, but there are spaces of angst where I just don’t know why I’m doing what I’m doing, and  I’m slowly becoming more comfortable with the not knowing.  these are the spaces where I just see what happens – and capture that.  the great thing is, I don’t think anyone can tell when those moments are happening! (I don’t think they can…..)

the studio presented itself with many benefits that have been detractors to the work in past sessions. there was no w i n d (unless we created it with a fan).  it was not a 6am start time on my freezing San Francisco rooftop, and I did not have to worry if there was going to be enough light. however, the studio (this studio) had its own challenges. it was HOT!, and there were no windows or natural light at all, so it was like being in a giant cave. 

I’ve always been intimidated by studio lights, but the setup was pretty straight forward  – and once I had my settings I could just concentrate on creating – which was freeing.  

evolve or evaporate? I’d say as I wrapped up my first session under the lights there was more of me. more brain power. more confidence and a little bit of pride that I had accomplished a new thing. I think what evaporated was my fear. 

do something new today! evolve and evaporate.

xo