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thoughts on creativity & photography by Cherie
September 2009 Posts
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I was accepted to Pacific University, which was my first choice in grad schools. Boasting one of the top five MFA in Creative Writing programs in the country, it will definitely keep me challenged over the next two years.
My articles for MyPhotoMentor are part of what spurred me to choose this program. I've always loved to write, and the weekly writing for MPM really stirred up my need to continue the adventure. I'll be looking forward to your input over the next couple of years - will you see an improvement in my writing skills? Only time will tell!
Be sure to check our product reviews. You can easily access them by clicking the 'reviews' link under Featured Applications in the left hand column.
I LOVE my AlienBees flash units! They come in great colors, they are rugged, the company is fabulous to work with, they are easily transportable, and have lots of cool accessories...have I mentioned the great colors they come in?
Click here to see my review of AlienBees - and check out our other reviews, as well. Our members are welcome (encouraged!) to write their own reviews. We want to know what you equipment YOU love.
For those who don't follow popular music, Muse is an alternative group with an eclectic sound. Imagine hard-beat rock meets world music meets classical meets Jimi Hendrix... Their new album, The Resistance, was released today, and I am listening to it as I write.
There are no elements in their music that haven't been heard before. The classical piano/strings in 'United States of Eurasia' could be a Chopin etude. Hendrix-influenced riffs are plentiful. Lead singer Matthew Bellamy uses falsetto & vibrato as many before him. So, why do they sound SO unique, and why do I love them so?
I think, like any art, it's their assembly of elements, from composition to instrumentation, that makes people sit up and take notice. It's certainly what draws me to their music.
It's the same with photography. No matter what equipment we use, it is used by millions of others. Our cameras, lenses, light equipment, etc - none of it is unique to us. But what we do with it - how we combine our use of the equipment, how we compose the visual elements - that's what makes our art original.
We each have a 'voice' unlike any other, and we must be true to our own style. Our photography does not need to look like Annie Lebovitz or Edward Steichen. It needs to be our expression, our vision. Like Muse, it's how we combine the elements at our disposal that determines what we present to the world.
It's enough for my art to look like Cherie Renae. Inspired by great music - like Muse! Here's the album: The Resistance
Well, I did it. I've submitted my applications to four low-residency MFA in Creative Writing programs. It was a whirlwind of activity this weekend, getting together applications, personal essays, a critical analysis (hadn't done one of those in about fifteen years), letters of recommendation, and today, my undergrad transcripts. Whew!
People ask, "Are you giving up photography?"
ABSOLUTELY NOT!
I love my studio and MyPhotoMentor, and I will continue to enjoy these thriving businesses that I've built.
But it is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to continue my education and obtain an advanced degree. Gotta follow the dream!
When I was young, all I thought about was growing up. Now that I'm a few years further down the life line, I think about growing old. What's clear to me, though, is that I can choose an alternative to 'growing up' or 'growing old'. I can choose to grow along.
This growth process can be quite painful. Even absent actual trauma in our life, the expansion of our awareness can bring 'ouch' moments, when we realize we are not following our heart, our goals, our dreams, or our spirituality as perfectly as we would wish.
I had one of those moments recently. Walking on a local college campus with my son, I watched the students' eager & purposeful faces, ready to dig back in after a summer's break. I sighed. "This was my destiny, you know," I commented to him. "I was supposed to be a college professor. But life just didn't turn out that way."
"It still can," he replied. "Why don't you start a grad program? In 4-5 years, you can be finished."
"I'm too old," I protested. "Who would hire a woman in her mid-fifties?"
"Everyone," he replied. "You would be considered a prime catch for a college with your business background, creative talent, and teaching skills."
"But I don't want to give up photography," I replied.
"You don't have to, do you?" he wisely responded.
No, I don't. And yes, I can - follow my dreams, that is. So I'm currently looking at grad programs. Trying not to panic at the application process, the test-taking, and the terror of entering uncharted territory. And feeling a flutter inside me that tells me I'm charting the right course.
I'm growing along.
