Friday, January 30, 2015

Dream Big and Don't Look Back

Dare To Dream Big


When I look at my life, I see some pretty amazing things. Overall, I'm pretty darn happy with my life. Sure there are plenty of missed opportunities. Things I want to do and haven't done. Things I haven't pushed myself to achieve. Places I've wanted to explore. I've got none to blame but myself for my lack in those areas.

As in years past, I start off the beginning of the year telling myself I'm going to make a change. "This year will be different. This year I will finally achieve those things I didn't previously". But I always fall short. I know I'm not the only one. So, in the spirit of change, I set before me those very same goals. However, there will be one difference. I'm putting myself out there, willing to fall short, fall on my face. Even expecting it to happen, because I know now that only from our failures will we make great discoveries.

http://www.gofundme.com/l40h90

Take a peek at one of the big plans we have for this year. I'd love for you all to be a part of it.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Photo of the Day - Cleaning Up

Alex


My little brother, who stands at nearly six foot seven and isn't really little at all, got a new job and with it needed new headshots for his business cards. We knocked them out pretty quick. I have to say, he never struck me as a suit and tie kind of guy. But, he cleans up right nicely.  Not too shabby little brother. Not too shabby.

Cheers!

Monday, January 26, 2015

Close The Gap



As a creative, I struggle with the reality of whether or not my vision is coming true. I'm focused on the end result almost all of the time. It's a hard thing not to do especially when I know the exact direction I want to go. But somehow, more often than not, I see my finished work as "not quite there yet". There's a very noticeable gap between the work I'm creating and the work I want to be creating. This can be equally inspirational and depressing all at the same time. The result of which can lead me to long periods of not creating anything at all.

I've heard it time and time again that in order to get to where you want to be, you just have to continue to create work. Work hard at your craft. I made the most leaps and bounds in my photographic work when I took on the 365 day challenge a couple years back. I suppose one could compare it to hiking a trail. You'll never reach the end unless you continue to put one foot in front of the other. There's a gap between start and finish that can only be closed by walking on. No matter how many times you might stumble or fall. 

I recently saw this video. It was sent to me by a good friend. Although I've heard this before, I felt like it really struck a cord with me yesterday. Here's to all you creatives that struggle. Create the work, good or bad. Each step brings you closer. Close the gap.

Cheers!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Emma In Shadow Part Deux

Emma In Shadow Part Deux


She didn’t try. She didn’t put out the best image of herself. She thought no one was watching. The briefest flash of light. I found her in black and white of truth. She tried to hide, but it was in that corner of solitude I saw her truest beauty.

www.austinjamesphoto.com

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Red Hot & Blue

Red Hot & Blue


The moment she stopped trying was the moment it clicked. I watched her playing her best game. Then she took a brief breather. That's when we connected. The shutter snapped and I knew it was good.

Cheers!

Monday, January 19, 2015

Framed

Framed


The composition was slightly off in this one. Not a big deal though. I still like the image. I don't know why I didn't see it from the outset. Live and learn, right?

Friday, January 16, 2015

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Photo Of The Day - Emma In Shadow

Emma in Shadow

Quietly, in her melancholy, a ray of hope found her.

Another shot from a recent shoot. I could feel this shot coming together. No better feeling in the world.

Cheers!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Emma - Photo Of The Day

Emma

Some times there are no words. No reason to verbalize. Just be.

This frame is from a shoot I did on Friday night. I enjoyed working with Emma and so many others. More images to follow later this week.

Cheers!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Peaceful Meditation

Peaceful Meditation
She sat by the stream, listening to the waters as they washed away her worries and fears. The world became fresh and new. What will you do with your new self?