Fame & Fortune? How about a Free Portfolio Review? That’s the headline for the article announcing the opportunity for people in the photography world to “meet, trade ideas, help each other – and have fun.” Sponsored by the New York Times Lens blog and the City University of New York’s Graduate School of Journalism…the article peaked my interest.
What I loved reading most was…it’s FREE. I really have no desire to pay money to enter photography contests, nor to hire someone to review my images for critiques. But FREE? That gets my attention. So until February 11th, photographers around the world will be entering up to 20 images that represent a project or two of their work. (There’s still time to apply if you’re interested and if so look here!) All applications will be screened and 100 participants (age 21 and older) will be chosen.
So yours truly applied. I know that many experienced, talented photographers will apply. I know that my chances are slim to none. But what I do know…the experience of applying was very educational and very beneficial. The process made me think about my photography bio. It’s not easy to try to provide a summary of 100 words or less about your photography experience. It also made me think through what I really love to photograph and what projects I’d like to work on. Hmm…projects? Well I don’t have a mission every day to go out and shoot XYZ for a project, however I do know I love to capture faces and I love it even more when those faces are in a farm field or a market or working on a craft. Yep, that’s my love for people, the culture, and the land.
But the timing of the article could not have been better. I was fresh from the Myanmar trip and was thinking through the epiphany I had while trekking there. Why don’t I start a project of women in the fields…in the markets…all about women in their rural environments? Even though I’ve never intentionally thought about this type of project, it has been developing on its own now for several years. It was the second Myanmar trip that sealed the deal. So let me share some of those images with you…
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I call her Grace…because she was so elegant and refined as she harvested her sesame plants. A typical case where we didn’t speak each others language (the case for all of these women below) but…she knew as I walked across the field with my camera that I was respectful of the land. I was careful not to step on her plants…approached slowly with a big smile…then a point to my camera and she was so totally ok with me photographing her.
So put together and filled with confidence…this gal was herding her goats and keeping them in line with her slingshot…so totally comfortable in her own skin…
Making her way to the fields in the morning…with a point to my camera…she was fine with me photographing her as she enjoyed her cheroot…
The elegance of this young nun totally blew me away…she went about about working her tea leaves without any concern of me photographing her…I captured her again later as she was making her way home from work…like an angel appearing out of nowhere…
This woman cooked near the local temple where many locals would come at sunset…she totally had my respect and I’m positive she knew it…
This beautiful woman was walking with her daughter down a dirt road…when I made eye contact and motioned toward my camera…they were gracious and posed for me. I hugged her and thanked her for allowing me to photograph her…her little body felt so thin and fragile…yet strong and self-assured…I will always remember that hug.
A market vendor…enjoying a cheroot before the rush of customers…she was so patient with me as I worked to capture that early morning light on her face.
So these are a few of my submissions and with my library of photographs…I was able to submit 19 images that I felt really good about…and now we wait…not too long though…participants will be informed if they are selected by March 4th.
So there’s no desire for fame or fortune, but I would so enjoy having one-on-one time with some of the best in the industry for input on how I can move forward with my “project.” So we’ll all stay tuned!
I’m so needing a little of “my” city…so let’s see what I can dig out from the archives! gg
Oh Frissy, you’ve got this BIG time!!! These photos are absolutely fabulous and only a small sampling of the masterpieces you have in your photography library! I have no doubt the folks that think they are going to be giving you input on your work, will end up asking you to give them advice and tips as well!!! Can’t wait to hear when you will be going for your Portfilio review…XoXo
Thanks my sweet…I know you think I have this BIG time…but remember there our THOUSANDS of photographers out there who are really really good. But I adore your confidence in me. We’ll see…but just the thought of this project makes me happy…and at this point in my life that’s all that matters… xoxox more!
Good for you. It is ahard thing to do to send your work out in the worls. I have trouble too. I have also written some childrens stories but cannot seem to send them out, even though my friends urge me too. So again good for you. You have such a beautiful talent. I love the capture of the womens faces.
I so agree with you Pat. I have never been one to “strut my stuff.” I even hesitate some times with posting to my blog…do people think I’m just showing off what I’m able to do in life? So this was a huge step for me…so thank you for the vote of confidence. Always appreciate when you stop by! Now get those children’s stories out in the world! 🙂
So brilliant! I love these images so much and have more to say but little time right now … beautiful faces and wonderful idea. xoxo
Thank you Susan! Yes, you have lots more important things right now and that’s to get that adorable carriage house all fixed up! Can’t wait to see pictures! xo
YES!!! Finally!!!!!
You will blow everyone away. Just what you shared above are absolutely amazing and I LOVE that you picked one of your many fortes, faces of the people you meet and gain their trust with your smile, unspoken respect and point of your camera for permission. How I would love to read your 100 word summary of your photography experiences. Would you be willing to share it?
I am so proud of you because you pushed yourself past your comfort zone. You don’t start with a specific strict agenda. You let the day unfold and capture the beauty of the moment, and oh how you do it so well! Now you came across the opportunity to think about your photograhpy as something more than just what you enjoy. It’s no coincidence that you came across this opportunity. You really do make an impact in the world. I can’t wait until 3/4.
I love your comment on the frail woman and how you’ll never forget the feel of her hug.
XOXO
I must say I thought of you Lisa when I hit the send button with all my words and photos! Yes, probably what was even more past my comfort zone was telling all of you all about it, ha ha! But to me this was a big part of it…announcing and owning that it’s a very slim chance…but one that I was willing to take. Thanks always for your vote of confidence! And yes, I need to go back and find what I finally pulled together. I will share! xoxoxo
Brilliant! What a glorious project and good for you to participate. I am so looking forward to hear what the “experts” have to say! So often I feel that women put their light under a shovel and don’t promote their work enough.
Every single portrait you took tells a story and i can see your respect and love for people. The old wonderful lady with her cheroot watching you patiently with a giggle in her eyes is my favorite among all the other (for me) perfect captures.
Thank you Karen!! So true, and I’m one of those that finds it hard to bring that light out. I mentioned earlier in a comment that I often feel that I’m shining too much with my blog, but again…this is something we have to push ourselves to get it out there. I loved that experience with that gal in the market with her cheroot. You are exactly right…there was a giggle in her eyes! xo
What I admire most of all, Robin, is that a theme/project is solidifying for you at this stage in your life. Everywhere you go now (soon to Nicaragua) will afford you another opportunity to find the women who speak to you. I suspect they will find you! And out of this a wonderful art book will be born. I can picture it already! And I will want it to grace one of our shelves!
Oh Ginnie…you always make me feel so good! THANK YOU!
Robin, I have read every comment by your dear friends and wholeheartedly agree with their sentiments. You are clearly working in the exact place you were meant to be doing the work you were made for. And when you feel good and right about yourself, there is a natural overflow of that goodness to every life you touch. Your photographs are rich and detailed and they speak of the connection that you were able to secure with each of these women.
You’ve given me much to think about. We are drawn to the same subjects, but I’ve struggled to find my voice. I have a project rumbling around in my mind and you’ve given me the confidence to embrace the idea.
I wish you the very best of luck and hope you will be selected for this honor. Regardless, you have already been given the very high honor of the trust of these women. A priceless gift.
Reading comments such as yours and others makes me feel I’m not alone…we do need to have the confidence to embrace our ideas…so let’s do it! You always have the most amazing way of expressing your thoughts…and the one that didn’t even enter my mind – and THANK YOU so much for bringing it to my attention – “you have already been given the very high honor of the trust of these women.” Enough said. THANK YOU.
Good luck! I think you have a much better chance than you think. And what a stupendous idea for a project. Great photos! I think you have a good start.
Thanks Maery! So sweet of you…so we’ll see!
This is more than fantastic….so much more!
I love your images and your heart to honor them and share their stories
as only a camera can….with so much respect. I love how your gaze
isn’t harsh even while it’s truthful.
You are amazing.
-Jennifer
Oh Jennifer…you are so kind! Thank you so much!!
Dreams come true, so why not make it happen. Go for it, Have the confidence. You are just as good as the photographers ‘with a name’…..But what is in a name. It is the pictures we like to see. The purity of these wonderful women. Women with beautiful eyes and wonderful smiles and who are as genuine as you are. They sense NO harm by you, they trust you as you trust them.
Women……. aren’t we all beautiful in our own way.
I love the picture of the elderly lady who hugged you, what a wonderful smile and a gracious face.
Love and hugs.
Thanks Astrid! If anything it was just a great experience to apply! xo
Once again, amazing portraits. You were completely right to participate – I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! These days, I’m applying for a dream project, too – but hey, you’ll never know if you don’t try! Keep us updated, please …
Wonderful! I can’t wait to hear more about your dream project! You inspire me tremendously with your art! Thanks always for your comments!
Robin, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you to be chosen – it would be a wonderful opportunity – but if it won’t happen, it may not matter at all. It seems that the process of application itself enriched you and pushed your thoughts further. All of this may be just another step in the direction you need to follow whether chosen or not.
I think that projects are a great thing as they focus on a topic and aim the effort at certain target. The project you came up with sounds inspiring and interesting, and I’d love to see it transformed into an exhibition one day… 🙂
Thanks so much Petra for your visit! I’m so in agreement with you. Would I love to have the chance, absolutely…but this got me on a path! And that’s so cool! And yes, to honor the hard work of my parents on the farm…I would love to have an exhibit one day in their honor! Thank you!
If I were a judge, I would certainly select your work! These images (especially the young nun), are exceptional.
I hope you get it also, this selection is stunning you have a gift with people and it shines through in your images, they convey an intimacy which is readily apparent on viewing.
Your angel nun in pink is spectacular. This is a serious photograph.
Clearly these women trusted your intentions, it’s evident in their open faces and the way they just went about doing what they do. I believe that you captured the honesty and integrity of that as well as the natural beauty of their faces.
Best of luck with the project and the contest. Nothing ventured…
You ARE one of the “many experienced, talented photographers” you mention. Your photos are more than just photos – they capture the spirit of these beautiful women.