I was so fortunate to meet our Guest Muse Angie (almost exactly one year ago) at Shutter Sisters Oasis in Palm Springs, CA. I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed heading across the country to spend 4 days with a bunch of total strangers, but luckily I got hooked up with Angie and 2 other lovely ladies for a carpool ride from the airport in L.A. to Palm Springs. It was lovely getting to know her on our road trip and over the days at the retreat. She is a wonderful and inspiring woman, and when I saw her “Jar of Inspiration” project a couple of months ago I just had to have her join us over here at Mortal Muses to share a bit about it…
I was feeling stuck in a rut with my photography work. I was taking out my camera like I was supposed to but it felt like I was just going through the motions. I went wandering, snapping shots here and there, trying to conjure up some inspiration and I was getting some shots that I was happy with, but it didn’t feel like I was going anywhere with my images. There was no direction and it didn’t feel like I was pushing myself anymore. I needed a project. I suppose I’m the type of person that needs a goal to work toward and sometimes, even more importantly, a deadline. I looked at local and online classes and nothing seemed to fit what I needed. Either the class was held when I couldn’t attend, it was full already, or the cost was too high to justify at the moment. I thought about doing another 365 project since daily photo practice had worked well for me creatively in the past, but the element of learning something new or stepping out of my comfort zone was missing. Then the idea for the Jar of Inspiration project began to take shape.
I sat down with a notebook and began a list of all types of things related to photography that I wanted to learn more about. Then I added on a few things that made me nervous to try. Once my list had gotten long enough, I started thinking about the logistics of the project and what rules I would set for myself. I figured that if I gave myself a month with each topic I’d have time to really dive in and practice. I would make myself come up with a new photo each day in order to satisfy that need for a deadline and I’d look back on what I’d done and review what I’d learned. After I had all the details worked out, I felt like I was ready to start. I wrote down each topic onto a butterfly that I punched out of scrap paper and I put them all into an old mason jar. At the end of July, in preparation for the month ahead, I randomly selected a butterfly and the project began.
On August 1 the topic that kicked off the project was texture. At first, I looked around me for things that had unusual or prominent texture. I learned that lighting was key when you’re trying to emphasize the texture of something. Then I discovered how to overlay images with texture, and I found and shot my own textures. I learned that leaving some extra negative space allowed for the texture to show through better. But mostly, I learned that getting back into the daily habit of something is really tough.
For September, self-portraits was the winning topic. I learned a lot from this one. Most importantly, that self-portraits are hard both technically and emotionally. What I imagined in my head was so much more difficult to achieve by myself but a tripod and a dependable remote really helped. Also, sharing with others was challenging because those images go beyond the standard “what I see” and delve into “what I am” and the judgments that occur with both. I think it’s good to be in your own pictures sometimes if only to know what it feels like to be on the other side of the lens, to have empathy for the people we photograph.
For October, F11+ fell out of the jar, which has been the most difficult topic for me so far. It became obvious really quickly how often I use the blurry background of the low F-stops as a crutch. When I’m forced to consider more of a scene than just my object of focus, it required more planning. I learned how important shutter speed is and how handy my tripod or a steady surface can be. I also realized that I like how higher F-stops can emphasize leading lines and add extra depth to my pictures. The frustration with the topic in the beginning of the month has led me to try some new techniques and play a little more with my subject matter.
I don’t have a specific end date for my Jar of Inspiration project in mind. Ideally, I’d like to get through all the topics in my jar, but I don’t know if that will happen since there are still 15 left inside. Well, 14 now that I just pulled the topic for November: Macro Photography. If you’d like to follow along, you can see the daily photos on my Flickr photostream.
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Angie currently lives in Houston, TX and shoots mostly with a camera despite the state’s reputation. She recently became a cohort teacher for Literacy Through Photography, a division of Fotofest International and she continues to do portraits, fine art and interior photography for businesses and individuals in the Houston area (anngeedee.com). With the help of her amazing husband, she’s raising two spirited, yet adorable children and one day she’d like to be able to say she’s tried all the amazing restaurants that the city has to offer. If you find yourself in the area, don’t be a stranger. You can find Angie through Flickr and Instagram as anngeedee.
What an interesting way to challenge yourself Angie! Thank you so much for joining us here today. I just know your project will inspire our readers just as it did me! I look forward to seeing more of your upcoming results.
~Christy | Urban Muser
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If you would like to be considered as a future guest muse, please email us at mortalmuses9@gmail.com or contact us here.
Inspiration indeed! I did something similar in 2012, dedicating each month to something specific. I was going to do it for the whole year, but I only got as far as a few months. Here’s to hoping your passion finds new life! Blessings.
i love this project of yours and i can’t wait to see what you do with macro! 🙂
I love this project Angie and I’m having so much fun following along with it and seeing the gorgeous work you’re creating. Thanks for sharing it here!
You’ve been totally rocking this project and I have no doubts that it’s going to send you WAY beyond your wildest dreams! I love watching how it unfolds! Thank you for sharing here Angie! And thanks Christie for showcasing Angie’s genius!
So fabulous – and Angie’s work is such a perfect focus. Amazing inspiration.
Its has been so fun watching you through this so far! And yes, I groaned for you when you announced the f11 month! I knew that would be hard for me too! But so impressed with how you tackled it and the great shots you created. Keep going Angie!
That selfie in your laundry room is one of my favourite photos. I am in the position you were in before you created your jar of inspiration – picked up my camera again recently and have been taking some okay shots, but I think I need a project. You inspire, lovely Angie!
So good, Angie. You inspire me with your project!! xo
This is absolutely inspirational! I love, love, love the idea of month-long challenges.
Great guest, Anngeedee! So happy to see you here! And I love the idea of the inspiration jar. Genius!
You ladies are so kind to have me here. I’m honored to be a guest among so many talented and creative artists! Thanks again.
Such an inspiring project. I love the idea of a new photographic challenge each month.
Such a great project Angie! Love your approach and how you shared it with us. Now I’m thinking about a jar project…
I am adore this project and am thinking that after my 365 is over this year (My 3rd in a row), that something like this might really help me grow and learn this craft even more. Thank you for the inspiration!
ps that shot of you out the window with is a fave!
Great to see you here, Angie! I am terrible about commenting, but I’ve been really enjoying your photos recently. So much creativity and beauty. You’re almost inspiring me to start another 365.
Fantastic Angie. Love your Jar of Inspiration-project!
Such an inspiring post. I love the idea of pulling a new challenge from the jar each month. How wonderful.
Such a wonderful inspiring idea! Soooo creative, I am sure this is a wonderful way of pushing yourself forward. I will be following your project with great interest.
What a wonderful way to exercise your creativity, this is such a perfect project idea!
I absolutely love all of these, but the self-portrait in the window is just amazing – almost feels like you are looking out the window/over the deck of a ship.
What a great idea for inspiring yourself – and thank you so much for inspiring us in turn!
Angie, you are a creative soul. Your jar is inspiring me to pick up the Canon again.