Here are some of the pieces of art that really attracted me.  I can't wait to return to see the other 3/4 of the museum.  Please click on the thumbnails for larger images.


( Art! )

I finally started working on a project I first thought about earlier this year.  I had mentioned taking some photos with people in medieval and fantasy costumes, and then reworking them to create a different look.  I started playing around with that today - I am going to try different things, but right now I am looking at making them look like old, cracked oil paintings.  This is a section of one picture, and is still in progress.  I am about on step five of around fifteen on this!  But I wanted to share anyway - click on the pictures for larger versions.

Section of the original photo:




Same section of the work-in-progress:

Well, I just received a shock tonight.  I had submitted my initial ten photos to Shutterstock for review, not expecting to have all of them accepted, but at least getting the seven required to join.  The results came in today, and not a single one was accepted - every one of them was rejected.  I was not expecting that at all, and it hurt terribly.

I've always thought I had talent in taking photographs, especially landscapes and nature shots.  But now I am questioning whether that is so.  I can handle criticism and rejection without taking it personally - I didn't get through four years in Fine Arts at college to not learn that.  But to completely fail - now that is something I am not used to.  I've had others tell me my work is good, but they have been friends, and as much as I love them, I can't be sure if they are being 100% honest.  I love taking pictures, and I had a ton of fun at the photo shoot with my friend two weeks ago, but if I want to make any money from my work, I need to know if it is capable of making money at all.  Now I am wondering if I should even pursue the field for now.

One part of me tells myself that I may not be right for stock photography (which is what Shutterstock is for), and that I can indeed do portraits and artistic landscapes well.  But the other part is saying that when I presented my work to professionals, it simply did not measure up.  I know that "practice makes perfect," but can one perfect something when there is nothing there?

I'll get over this in a day or two, and will resume with my dreams of making money with my pictures, but for now it still hurts to not be acknowledged at all.  I cannot submit another batch for review for another month, and now I'm not sure if I even want to.  Maybe I'll just have to make my money another way.

OK, I need some advice.  I love taking pictures, both digital and film, and have had several people suggest I start charging people for my work.  I have also thinking of getting into doing some freelance photography, especially scenic and portrait photography.  I was told I had a strong portfolio in those subjects.  The bad thing is, I really should have better equipment if I am going to be charging people for it.  At the present, a have a nice 5 megapixel Kodak digital camera (unfortunately, it does not have changeable lenses) and a manual SLR (which I use for my black-and-white film) that does have interchangeable lenses, but I only have the standard lens it came with.  I also have a nice six-tank HP photo printer and two tripods.  So, a nice basic setup, but I would feel more comfortable having at least one additional lens for the SLR and a more professional digital (at least 8 megapixels with interchangeable lenses).  The bad thing is, I am on a fairly tight budget right now and cannot afford to buy any of those things.

On the positive side, I have had photography training (I took two classes in college) and I have a Fine Arts degree.  I also have a nice portfolio of work to show, and can do photo slide shows set to music (I also love doing videos).  If anyone has any recommendations on how to get started, where to get deals on equipment, film, developing, and printing (I can't use my poor printer for everything) and how to start promoting myself, I would be grateful.  I have been doing some photo sessions with friends, and am working on a business card and a website to show my work.

I love photography, and it would be fun to get some money doing something I love.