Episode 010: It's Been a Cool, Cool Summer
Actually it's been pretty hot, but thought it was a cool title.
Well, It’s Been an Interesting Summer
Now that I’m “finished” I feel comfortable telling you all where and what I’ve been working on this summer. It started earlier this year when Virginia is for Lovers, asked me if I was interested in taking photos and writing an article for their upcoming Virginia Travel Guide. Of course, I had to hop on the opportunity to check out my home state and visit new places. Over the last few weeks since July 4th, we went to Cape Charles, Alexandria, and Staunton, Virginia. Surprisingly, I’ve lived in Virginia most of my life but have never been to these places.
We had a blast seeing new places and I felt the pressure of delivering something for a real “client” who wanted my style of photography but in a slightly different way. This pressure is something I wanted to talk about a little bit, and of course, it is something that won’t be in the article. You see, I’ve never considered myself to be a professional photographer and I only do this as a hobby. That is why I was surprised when they asked me. My first instinct was to tell them no; however, I talked it over with my wife and boss. They both convinced me to take the job and make the most of it. I’m so glad that I did.
Working with Ali and Sarah from Virginia is for Lovers has been amazing. I just assumed they were going to want photographs that were outside of what I normally do, but that wasn’t the case at all. They chose me because they liked my style. I posted something in passing on Twitter about a job I wanted to do and someone said, “They wanted you, so give them you.” That really stuck with me over the last few weeks. I think it is also a good reminder to be true to yourself and your style. Also, a reminder to just have fun. I think a lot of us get caught up in our heads and overthink things, I know I do. But sometimes it is best to get back to the basics.
This experience has taught me to have more confidence in myself and my photography. Most of the time, I find myself downplaying my own photographs or anything I create. I feel like if I minimize it myself it won’t hurt as bad if someone else does it. This is part of the reason why I’ve never started a YouTube channel or made a book. Those things seem more permanent than just posting on social media, and with a project like the Travel Guide, that is only more true. The Travel Guide will be in places all over Virginia, and if there is something in there that I don’t like or would have done differently there is no changing it.
Luckily, I am feeling more confident and sometimes you just have to be okay with things. I’m in love with the photos I’ve taken this summer, and I hope that feeling continues. However, it is also a good reminder that if you’re looking back on things you’ve made in the past and you’re not happy with them, it is a sign of growth. So maybe all this time I’ve been growing and I can live with that.
I’ve been so excited to share the photos with you all, and on Monday, August 28th, I’m making an Instagram post with Visit Virginia and finally telling everyone. So, do me a solid if you see it, and hype it up a little for me, please. However, in the meantime, I figured I’d share a just few of them here for you all. I wanted to make photos a tourist would make but in my style, so there won’t be a lot of people and plenty of corners.
Developing News
In other news, I wanted to talk about what I have planned or would like to do in the future now that I have some more free time. I downloaded DaVinci Resolve and I have been playing around with it over the last few weeks. I’m trying to learn how to use it, so I’ve been cutting up old anime from the 80s and 90s to make reels out of them. You can see them over at my other account here. I didn’t expect it to be so fun and I will definitely be making more of them.
Also, I do want to start a YouTube channel sometime in the near future. However, I think the best way to do that is to make some shorter reels. Normally, I would go out and spend a bunch of money on gear and things I think I need. This time I am going to take it easy and not get too carried away. After watching some videos about mics, I found the PV510 Lavalier microphone. It was only $10 on Amazon. If it turns out I like making videos or really need something better, I’ll get it. But for now, I think it is best to take it slow.
As always, thank you all for reading this and signing up for the Substack. Sorry, there has been a lack of articles and updates. I’m going to move back to the old style of these with a short topic, highlighted artists, music, and any news. I didn’t have time for that this week, so again I appreciate your patience.
Last bit, I do have a Moment link, so if you’re looking to pick up any new gear I would appreciate it if you used this link HERE. I’m trying to get a discount code for the Archetype Process film profiles I use too.
Congrats on the gig!