Gut Photography

I'm told I have a unique eye when it comes to my photography. So, I get it... I'm a bit different. I am good with that. I have these things floating in my head that are not like what anyone taught me - ideas so true to me, so natural to my way of being and thinking. These things are my instincts, and I embrace them.

Unfortunately, our society doesn't teach us to pay attention to our instincts. I don't know why this is, but it seems to start in our public school system, which was designed to teach future factory workers to be "punctual, docile, and sober." We are taught to quietly walk in a straight line and be good little kids and follow the rules. Don't get me started on our school system!! (But if you are interested, listen to any of Ken Robinson's TED TALK on this subject)

So, to say the least, I guess you can call me a rule breaker...not for the sake of breaking the rules...I'm not a rebel, per se. However, I firmly trust in following my heart...listening to that voice inside. If we pay attention to our instincts, they will keep us safe and true to ourselves. It also benefits creative thinking...thinking outside of the box, if you will.

THIS is where my photography fits in. Some people talk about the "rules of thirds" in photography, which isn't a bad thing... it's just not the only thing. There are so many other ideas to be open to...like your gut. An easy "exercise" to prove this to yourself is to take an object you are interested in shooting and systematically take pictures of it from every perspective you can find. You will be blown away by what you end up with.

I don't systematically do this. I do it naturally. I don't know why and I don't care to figure it out. It comes from within. You see horses...I see lots of legs. You see a rock...I see a shoe. I can't explain it!

Recently, someone sent me a photo of a group of photographers and me taking photos from a catwalk. I cracked up when I saw it because every photographer was taking pictures of what was in front of them. Me? No, I had my camera aimed straight down. I was capturing what was underneath me!

There are so many benefits to following that voice inside...my favorite one affects how I see my world, how it makes me feel, and how I capture it in images for you.

Just remember...Photography is not a sport...there shouldn't be rules.