I'm reading the new book by Todd Henry, Louder Than Words, and this passage has stayed with me for days..
"Contrary to how the word [authentic] is often used today, this isn't necessarily about full transparency. Instead it's about coming to a clear understanding of what you care about, then finding a way to infuse your work with the best of who you are so that it resonates in a unique way..."
The last few weekends I've been working with incoming Kindergarteners and returning elementary students to create authentic environmental portraits. I'm also in the middle of wrapping up the Federal tax return at work. Lots of long nights, lots of caffeine and lots of questioning as to why I'm perpetually spreading myself so thin.
Come to a clear understanding of what you care about. Infuse your work with the best of who you are.
On Sunday I exchanged putting away my 5th graders laundry for 15 minutes of his time in front of my camera. The thing is, I want what you want. I want a "nice" picture of the boy I adore.
But, when I make him be something he isn't. When I put him in clothes he doesn't normally wear. When I ask him to be still and serious I don't see the boy I adore. When I make him be something he isn't I quietly tell him he is isn't good enough.
Come to a clear understanding of what you care about. Infuse your work with the best of who you are.
I care about children knowing that they will always be good enough just as they are.
Because when we do, when we let them know they will always be good enough we allow ourselves to truly see them. And as adults, isn't that what we still want, to be seen and accepted for who we are?
What better place to start than with children? On Sunday night I was able to truly see my son. Over the next few weeks I'll be delivering galleries and my hope is that children will be seen but most importantly I hope they get to see themselves as they truly are.
Come to a clear understanding of what you care about. Infuse your work with the best of who you are.
