Friday, June 19, 2009

Inspiration, Motivation, Dedication

I worked in a studio once upon a time ago. That's when I realized my love for photography. It was a great learning experience, but it was very restricted. There were only so many things you could do, so much they would allow. When I made the decision to branch out my own, long after I'd left the studio, I realized I was flying blind. This business is competitive. It's not something that just develops over night. Honestly, there are times when I wonder if I'm even cut out to do something so bold. But every time I pick up my camera and take a picture of something that I know will be beautiful, it's hard to feel that I can't achieve anything I set my mind to.

For a long time, I felt like my life was in limbo. I felt that I couldn't move forward and my life was restricted, like working in the studio. There was only so much I could do, if anything at all. I read a blog recently that got me thinking about my future and where I was at in my life. And for days I struggled with what I could do differently to get me out of the funk that I've been in for months. I live in a city where there aren't many opportunities. I've contemplated many times relocating, but this is my home and I fear if I start out somewhere else I will fail. So I decided that going back to school would be my best option. But what school? There are no schools here that specialize in photography, so I decided that if I couldn't be home, I'd go some place close. So I did my research. And I came across The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. They specialize in Photography. I know what you're thinking. PA is nowhere near LA. Although they do have campuses all over, I will be taking the courses online. So, I applied there. And I am ecstatic. It will be definitely be a new challenge for me, but I am so dedicated to doing what I love that it won't phase me. See, I am inspired by small things, and what inspires me motivates me, and what motivates me makes me dedicated to achieving my goals. And I am dedicated to to being the best photographer there can be.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Naturalistic

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Animal Kingdom

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Some minor changes...

Ok, so some of you may notice a change in the name. The reason why I used Photography by Quinn was to use SOMETHING for the time being. I never truly settled on the name and only placed it on images so no one would attempt to steal them. Well, last week, I was thinking of my love for flowers. I love flowers, especially the lily. They're beautiful, natural, even possibly dangerous lol. That's why I spend so much time taking pictures of them. So, I went on a name hunt to find the perfect name for my business, so I can truly be 100% OFFICIAL. Now, I wanted to keep the name kind of close to home, something that signified me and my city. I randomly typed in fleur de lis, because fleur de lis is a flower. Wikipedia defines fleur de lis as a stylized design of either an iris or a lily that is now used decoratively as well as symbolically, or it may be "at one and the same time, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic. Imagine my favorite flower, the lily, an artistic symbol and still staying true to New Orleans culture. So, Fleur de Photography will remain, and I have the papers already to send off to the state so I can really begin this business venture.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Test Drive

Yesterday I went to the quarters to play around with my new camera. I must say that I am extremely pleased with the results. The quality and the feel is just so much more than my Rebel. Don't get my wrong, my Rebel takes great pictures, but the 50D is just better and there is no comparison! I got some great shots and I was even able to get a few snap shots of ANOTHER wedding in progress. The pictures came out great, and I didn't even have to be close to the bride and the groom! After I finish transferring files to my external hard drive I'll add them here.

I'm also playing around with a new logo, something different. I'm going to hook up with my graphic artist to see if he can actually do it for me because I can't draw, and my creative juices are overflowing faster that I can get them out.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Pictures from the Roberston Wedding!




So naturally, good things come in 3's...

So, I've been working with a graphic artist on my business cards (I know what you're thinking, why am I just now getting business cards right?). One of the REASONS behind me waiting so late was a personal one, and that was due to the fact that I wasn't sure where I was heading in this business period. I went through a few personal things these past few months to completely halt any future business endeavors, but now I am sure that this is something I do want to pursue. He sent me the proof of the card, and it needs tweaking but it looks great! I am really excited about it!

Secondly, I shot my first wedding as I stated in my past post. It was a great, learning experience to say the least. There is only so much you can read or review when it comes to certain things, but to physically do them is only the lesson beginning. I also met a lot of different people, networked a little, and because of this wedding, I actually was able to book more sessions with the guests. There is a lot ot learn in this business, and truth be told, I am still learning. But I believe that with my talent and unwavering thirst for knowledge, there is no stopping me!

And thirdly (I saved the best for last), I purchased a Canon 50D! I've spent a week and a half researching (I know, I'm a geek at times) different camera's, seeing which one would be the perfect match. I am serious when I say I want to pursue my photography, and I saw this as a huge investment. Of course there are a ton of other things that I will need to end up getting over time, but considering this was a $1,300 camera, let's just say those accessories will have to be placed on hold until I am able to save up and purchase everything else. I've been considering opening up my own studio for awhile, and there are a couple of people that actually want to invest in me (wait, that makes 4 good things lol). I have the space in my mother's back house to do it, and she's already given me the ok, but that will develop over time.