Last year at this time, I was gearing up for 7 weeks of back to back weddings. It was so much fun, a ton of hard work and took a whole lot of dedication and organization. I grew so much as a photographer during those two months. This year I find myself with most of my weddings in Late Summer and well into Fall. Getting used to the ebb and flow of the photography business can be difficult, but instead of sending myself into a spiral of self doubt or concern, I’m embracing my extra time right now and loving every moment of it. After meeting for coffee with a friend and fellow photographer, Sarah and disclosing my need to be creative and keep myself current and my art alive during this oddly slow period- she so graciously invited me to join an on-line photography group whose members are dedicated to a weekly project based on different themes. Becoming a member of Project 52 came at the most perfect time, and I am so grateful! I hope to be able to commit to a weekly project, even when my business picks up at the end of the Summer…. but most importantly, I hope to be able to dedicate time to small projects that remind me about simplicity and staying true to what sparked my love of photography waaaaay back when. This week’s theme is Floral. And while I jumped on board pretty late, I contemplated waiting for next week’s theme to begin. But isn’t that what this project is all about? Giving yourself a challenge and putting forth the effort to stick with it may be even more important that the actual outcome. And so, this week I kept it simple with beautiful Peonies plucked from my mom’s garden and one of my favorite girls in the world. Enjoy!
Be sure to go visit the blog post from Marsette to see how she interpreted this week’s theme! http://mdgphotographyonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/project-52-week-19-floral.html
erin - These are beautiful! Challenges are fun, as a full fledge craft challenge junkie I find the themes and agendas a great way to kick start my creative juices. Haven’t entered in any photography challenges, but perhaps you’ll inspire me.
Marla Misclevitz - Welcome to our group Athena! So glad you’re joining us and I look forward to the weeks ahead. Your first post for project 52 is fantastic! The color is really amazing and as well as the perspective. I’m also a huge fan of peonies. =) Thank you for sharing them with us Athena, it’s wonderful to have you.
Pamela Joye - i recognize that print 🙂 – the girl i photographed had a very similar print on her dress; i’m particularly drawn to the first diptych – like how the hands lead me to the flower lead me to the dress then down her legs to her feet and back over to the hands – brilliant connection!
Pamela Joye - sorry – meant to note that the key connection between them for me is the little hands and the flowers around them. really cool and look forward to seeing your work each week.
amy grace - oh athena, i already love your work! the color is magnificent, the different perspectives and focus are great. so bold, clear, gorgeous. so happy to have you involved with this project and i look forward to seeing so much more of your lovely work 🙂
Sarah Phillips - Wahooooo, you did it! Great job too. Love the color and peonies are my fav.
Karen - Love the color of these peonies and the coordination with the girl’s dress. Simply beautiful.
Carrie - Beautiful photos! Welcome to the group. It is such a fun, creative, personal challenge with the added benefit of meeting great people!
Laurie Schultz - These are beautiful! What gorgeous flowers and color! Welcome to the group…so glad you have joined us. 🙂
elaine melko - beautiful color! my favorite flower, beautifully done.
Marsette - These are so pretty, Athena! Love the color! Wonderful! Welcome to the group!