I want to share with you some thoughts that I have grasped in a new way over the last year.  It has been a busy year with lots of things pulling my attention and I have had to take some time to focus and think, in doing so this is what stood out to me.

Work to your strengths – it goes without saying that this is similar to everything in life.  We should focus on the things that we are good at, enjoy and that suit our nature and temperament. I am an introvert, that loves peaceful settings and a relaxed environment to create images, so going to events that demand a lot of interaction and on the go photography are a nightmare for me

Make time for you passion – I love photography, but I am also a Mum of three young children, a wife of a pastor, I work part time, have 2 blogs and shoot for microstock. It is easy to get too busy to do the things you love when there are so many other things pulling for your attention.  You have to make time for it

It is not about the gear – no matter how many times people say it, photography is not about the gear.  Yes it can help you create better photos, but that is only if you know how to use it.  Some of my favourites photos that I have taken since getting in to photography are still ones that were taken with a kit lens or the cheap little “nifty fifty” lens.

Try something different – It can be easy to get into a rut and lose your edge or passion, or just get bored with what you are shooting if you don’t stretch yourself and try something new.  I usually shoot food but find from time to time I get to the point I don’t really have much inspiration any more and lose my motivation.  I have found it really helps just to get out and do something different to get my creative juices flowing, for me recently this has been learning time-lapse and long exposure photos.

Print It – I haven’t printed anything in years except for a few family photos to give to my parents.  Late last year I made a calendar, photo book and did some prints to frame.  Seeing my work in print inspired me more and gave me more motivation to get shooting more.