I took pictures at Pride late last month. Not bad. It was my first time shooting a parade. I honestly still haven’t done a very objective, growth-producing analysis of my work. But some were good. 4 years ago

More musical shots, some familiar artists. If I keep this up, I’m gonna know individuals good sides, etc. when I show up.

I still felt uncomfortable being the up front girl with the camera and I was still concerned about how the artists felt about having the flash going off in their faces. Maybe that’s progress? I wasn’t freaked out about whether or not they wanted to be photographed, only how they felt about the flash. Kind of. I took a bunch of shots with my night setting. That turned out to be a bad idea. Have I ever gotten a good shot using that mode? I know the first time I used it sucked but I figured it was because I forgot to turn off the flash. Last night, I took some from my seat and others while squatting up closer than any tables were located. Both ways sucked… except for when I used my flash.

Anyhow, another point for bravery. 5 years ago

I was the official photographer at my mom’s birthday party two weeks ago. I’m slowly but surely getting the film developed. It’s fun to see what I captured. I’ll have to give the feedback later.

I was the photographer by request so it’s not exactly moving towards my goal but in many ways it is. I photographed ppl at the party who did not want to be photographed. I told them that mom said I had to picture everyone. And it was boldly putting myself out there as a photographer. That’s what scares me the most. 5 years ago

I took 2-3 rolls at Juneteenth.

I might see a local artisit, Tonya Dyson, this weekend. If I go, I’m taking my camera. Opportunities abound. Next will be developing the shots. 6 years ago

I went to PrideFest last weekend. I planned to take my camera to get some shots during the parade. I ended up working late and missing the parade so I just took my (crappy) digital. It wasn’t worth shooting random pictures so I mostly didn’t. However, I noticed that other people did. I don’t feel so alone. Their actions validated my desire. I’m not alone (in my act).

I went to a coffee shop that night that had a wonderful performer. She was glad that I was photographing her & would pause to pose. My camera sucked so I’m going to have to find her again and give her something worth using (and shooting).

This weekend, I’m going to the Juneteenth festival. I plan to have my camera handy. It’s been a while since I’ve shot for the art & sake of learning. 6 years ago

I walked down front and took pictures at M’s graduation even though I was really nervous. Sadly, I had my digital which seems to be malfunctioning and didn’t get anything good. Point for bravery. 6 years ago

I took a couple of pictures at a Conference despite my fear of photographing these ppl that I only knew by name (not by face and not in a casual sense). Nothing fabulous, but I faced my fear a bit more.

I’m still not less afraid. 6 years ago

I finished my roll of film last night, 10 shots, at a concert of unsigned artists. I could have taken more. I would have liked to take more. However, I didn’t know how much that would have been appreciated. Flash, flash, flash. 6 years ago

I was asked to photograph an event! After their normal photographer backed out. I turned it down :(. I was really tired and wanted to get home early so I could sleep. 6 years ago

I got a digital camera for Christmas. Yea! The idea of being able to see what I did is nice. If things are going well, perhaps I’ll be even less paranoid but instead, proud to show people what I’ve done. 6 years ago

I went to a neighborhood festival last week and took pictures. I stood at a busy intersection and photographed ppl as they walked by. I even took shots of a few ppl that I know saw me photographing them. I also didn’t go after the shots I wanted with them. Still, I took something. 6 years ago

I went to a picnic on Monday. Several interesting looking people were there. I photographed some that I saw. I think that I would have done more if my attention hadn’t been split several ways. Partly, I figured I could get away with it b/c my pictures are going to the agency that sponsored the picnic. I always feel better about shooting, actually, when I’m doing it for someone else. I still felt quite paranoid but I took shots anyway. 6 years ago

I went to see Olga (a local performer—www.laolga.com) perform at Tower Records yesterday. She’s the lady from Venus Envy who was really interested in seeing the shots I took of her. They weren’t fabulous, so I thought I’d try again (plus I really like how she took it upon herself to add me to her mailing list and requested to be MY friend on myspace). It was a small concert, which could be expected from the location, about 15 people. I sat in the middle—snap, snap, snap. Then, I got up and stood on the other side of the room—snap, snap. I took about 12 shots; I got one that I really like and several others that are well done. I don’t know how to form that bond b/w her and the camera. That’s part of my paranoia about photographing others, I suppose. I don’t know how to look at a person and know what will work. Still, I tried and I’m proud of myself for that. A photography teacher/photographer said that a really good artist gets about 1 good picture for every 6 pictures taken. I don’t fell bad about my results. 7 years ago

Oo, I got some slammin’ photos from Venus Envy. I still need to send them to the director to upload, but I’m well pleased. Hey. I guess this means I’ve even worked on my take good photographs goal. 7 years ago

I went to this women’s art show—money collected helped create a scholarship to an art school for a woman. I went alone and took my camera for protection. What a hit! Two performers and the coordinator of the event asked for copies of my prints.
(fingers crossed) I’m getting them developed this weekend. I’ll be thrilled if even 6 come out great.

Yes, perhaps some people looked at me like I was a freak. But, there were other people taking photographs, there were some people who has hope in what I did, and there was me who enjoys being behind the lens. I think I kindda forgot how much. Maybe I should take another class, have another reason to shoot, goals to reach, information to learn, etc. 7 years ago