Creative Inspiration Renewed!

I had an unexpected surprise yesterday evening that put the wind back in my creative sails! (happy dance)

Seriously,the day didn't start out very inspirational. I spent the entire day yesterday diligently dedicated to put into practice all the tips and advice that I've been reading about in my photography books. I went outside fully anticipating a sort of "camera nirvana" to be right  around the corner since I had all this NEW information!!     HA

Not one single photograph turned turned out. My creative spirit at this point was pretty deflated. I followed all the steps and yet I couldn't figure out what in the world was going on.......frankly it was a good day if you liked blurry over exposed photographs. (big sigh) 

That same day we were invited by good friends to attend an event for International Justice Mission . International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. For more information click on their name and help this courageous cause.
It was a truly an amazing event on many levels.

Met a lot of big hearted people wanting to help in the fight against human slavery.

Met two outstanding musicians,Jonathan Kingham and Ryan Smith.They captivated the guests that evening with their music and their hearts for IJM. Please go to their web page and listen to Jonathan Kingham at  www.JonathanKingham.com and listen to his newly released album. It is awesome!!

I was then  introduced to a kind gentleman by the name of Chip Simons.
Chip had in tow with him the most outrageous Nikon D3S. I felt a little rude staring at the camera but with a big smile he hands me the camera and starts telling me about it.(I know I drooled a little) But the real inspiration began as he shared with me some of his experiences as a professional photographer for 28 years. He imparted some invaluable advice that I won't soon forget and that I really needed to hear. He said, "BE CREATIVE" :) I thought as he said that, I am liking this and I can do that!!!
I am not quoting him verbatim, but in essence he shared with me .......YES, learn your camera, know it well. Then break the rules and be creative. Pretend you're 2 inches tall,look up and take the shot. Blindfold yourself and as you hear sounds, point the camera in the direction of that sound (okay don't do this on a busy street or by a cliff. A safe environment is assumed ) and take the picture.  Don't throw away the blurry photos, take them into photo shop and have some fun. Sometimes you can create awesome images with those photos you think are mistakes. 
Through that evening I observed Chip as he took pictures of the guests. He would hold the camera down low without looking through the viewfinder and he'd take a few pictures. The next time I'd see him holding the camera above the heads of everyone taking a few more shots. I asked to see some of the pictures and WOW! I couldn't believe it, there were some really amazing and creative shots.

 Well, I began the day with deflated creative sails but the day ended with a very inspirational talk!! Thank You Mr.Simons. To view Chips extraordinary photography go to www.chipsimons.com 


Well, if you have viewed this blog before,you have probably figured out by now that I am constantly dragging my friends to parts of the coast with me. My friend Karen Cain-Smith is one of those creative souls that not only loves to paint but loves to go on photo shoots. And oh my goodness, we laugh so much when we're out taking photos that I am surprised that ANY of them turn out in focus. (click on Karen's name to see her artwork) These photos were taken  about a month ago. Hope you enjoy them! Anni

Karen reaching for the Sun and got the rock.

Patterns in the sandstone.

I decided to try the multiple exposure tool on my camera. I took 2 shots with this newly discovered gadget and wished I had taken more that day! This is my friend Karen and the rocks combined.(above) And the second shot was of the ocean and the patterns in the sandstone combined. (below)

Old ship smoke stack and Karen.

I thought the patterns on the old smoke stack looked like a modern art piece.

Does this shot make you nervous? ;) Believe me, I was thinking about how this shot could go really wrong!

There were several boats for sale on the docks that day. The one above is pretty but we found a boat for sale (pictured below) a lot more interesting.

It looks like the owners chipped off the barnacles from this old boats propeller to spruce it up.... I guess? I'm sure she's ready to hit those high seas now!! (yikes) Anyway, it left a cool design.

I wonder what is in that bottle?

Jack Sparrow (and his first mate) keeping watch near the crow's nest.

Hey what's a little rust on a sea vessel? But wait there more! Chipped multi-colored paint is just a small bonus on this ship. The grass growing on along the side of dry rot makes it extra special.

Karen took these photos of me. (I am not used to being IN the photographs) The picture (below) looks like we whited out the background. This photo is untouched....that was ALL white water from the wave that hit the side of the cliff.

This is a little "grainy" but I love the water in this shot.

This picture of Karen sums up how I feel when I am at the Oceans side and have a camera in my hand.

BE CREATIVE friends!!!!