As an artist I find fulfillment in the process of creating a work of art. From conception to completion there is joy to be found.
From the first concept of the image to be created ideas dance in my head as I prepare for the photo session. Sometimes I get butterflies in my stomach as I near the studio or to the location for the session. It almost feels like I am about to enter the stage, preparing to sing “on key” or dance to the right steps. I’m not a singer, nor am I a dancer. My art happens with my camera in hand.
Every session brings new challenges and a new opportunity for me to create. I chase the light which inspires me, molding it into a sculpture of form and expression. Sometimes it takes a little while before I get “into the groove” but once that kicks in I am on cloud nine. During this brief window of time that is our photo session, I want to get acquainted with my subjects- how you connect with your loved ones, what makes you laugh, which side is your “best side,” making an authentic portrait in which your soul shines through. I do this for you . . . and I do this for me, as the artist in me requires continual nourishment in order to exist. We part ways, and then my artistic process continues.
I carry out the mundane tasks of equipment care, downloading cards, charging batteries and such. Then I spend some good quality time with your images, gathering together the ones which capture the essence of our session together. Most of my editing is done in the late evening into the midnight hour when my creativity comes alive (and my kids are asleep!) I always choose a compatible soundtrack to listen to while I’m perfecting your collection of images. My workflow continues smoothly and then, suddenly, an image stops me in my tracks. I get goosebumps and a smile. Sometimes I may even feel a bit choked up with emotion. Perhaps it is because this image captures that artistic vision I brought with me to the session. The image that shows a true essence of who you are, from the inside out. I like to spend extra time with such images, as this is a vital part of my creative process. Once the images are edited, I watch them on my computer as a slideshow set to music . . . just to make sure they are just right.
Alas, the images are converted from a RAW format to .jpgs, burned to disc, labels adhered, orders packaged and prepared for you. They are presented to you as a gift from an artist- if I could package my creativity and artistic vision in a box it would look just like this. There is much anticipation on my part, as I know you’re anxious to get acquainted with your images and I want you love them as much as I do. This is where your hard work pays off. You planned and scheduled the photo session, coordinated outfits, kept your kids from getting last minute facial injuries, bribed them as needed to get through the session, and paid for your images with your pocketbook. You’ve now got the images that will preserve this little window in time indefinitely. Job well done. It could end with now having a collection of great images to look at and share on your home computer . . . or . . . you could actually have them printed and properly displayed on your walls! (Imagine real paper photographs in this digital age!)
The artist in me desires to see those “track stopper” images beautifully printed, and an 8×10 printed at our local photo lab isn’t going to cut it. How many of you would choose to invest in a painting for your home a size smaller than a piece of notebook paper, printed on standard materials? For me, the artistic vision that inspired me to create these images in the first place is a bit dampened when I am unable to see the process to full fruition, as my inner artist’s vision is left incomplete. This isn’t a guilt trip for those of you who haven’t printed your portraits . . . it is however, an insight into why I feel so strongly that your portraits deserve to be professionally printed and properly displayed in special place on your walls. For me there is no artwork more beautiful in my home than the authentic, endearing portraits of my loved ones. When these precious images are created through our professional grade lab and details such as fine art canvas or linen texture are applied it makes a huge difference. I urge you to take the time to select your favorite images and find a way to get them on your walls. You’ll never regret it. If you need help putting your wall gallery together, that is what we do best. We’d be glad to add our two cents and artistic sensibility- whether we meet in our studio or in your home. When your portraits are printed and hung on the wall, I’d love to come and admire them with you. I just may get butterflies all over again!
Thank you to the many clients who have entrusted me in the creation of your images and wall portraits . . . I have been hard at work designing several amazing gallery wrapped canvases and wall galleries for you, along with custom Christmas cards over the past few weeks. We’ve got some amazing orders rolling in (I love it when the UPS truck delivers around here!) and if you’d like to get your portraits professionally printed in time for the holidays for your walls or as cards or gift prints our deadline is Friday, December 11th. After this date there may be a chance we can meet a holiday deadline, but a rush fee will be added. If you’ve read this whole post, you are truly kind to indulge me in allowing me to share some of my deep thoughts.
~Amy Springer
