This morning I set out with Clara in her stroller for a quick photo walk. Over the weekend I was admiring the layer of snow that covered the lake and even saw footsteps on it while out walking the dog last night. I hoped to get a shot of the cool footprints on the lake today, but alas, it rained all night and the snow/ice had melted. Just goes to show you to jump on shots while you still can!
I took a shot instead of reflections at an opposite bank. It makes me think about my year and how it is going so far. I am still not as balanced as I would like to be with my life and 365. I still care a little too much about being good, getting on the popular page or even the top 20 at times. I am trying hard to let these things go and not stress at all about it and hope to just have fun with my project.
Outstanding shot my dear :) I love the still water and stunning reflections :) I know this 365 habit is a hard one to break. (and I've only been doing it for a few months.... I can only imagine after a year...) You taking amazing shots and everyone loves seeing them (I know I do!!) Keeping concentrating on just having fun with it! :) Hugs
Fantastic reflection and tones. Don't think too much about pp or top 20, it will make you go crazy. Believe me I've been there but now I stopped looking or worrying about it. Your shots are beautiful and I'm sure everyone will agree. Just enjoy yourself and have fun =)
This is really ace image the reflection is so clear and love the crop as for PP etc don't be concerned according to suggestions I should like my own work twice:-)
cool how you can see the sky. i know how you feel. but you have to remember that those things don't last. your shots do last however. your growth in photography talent lasts. everything else will fade and one day believe it or not nobody will remember you on this site because this isnt your life. dont let it control you ;)
@tanja_1211 I know that in my head. I needed to write it down I think to see how silly it is. It's nuts to me when shots with 10+ faves don't make it up on PP and week's back I had my most popular shot ever not make the top 20 when I was fully expecting it, too. So silly that it made me feel crushed. Working on it...thanks, lady!!
@wendyhgill I know, lady. It's silly and ridiculous. I've struggled with balancing 365 and life for awhile. My family (husband) didn't want me to continue another year. Some of the struggles are gone, but I an still trying to lose the caring so much. I think that it's just the way I am wired. I like to do things well. But it should just be for me and not matter what others think. I think that writing it down was like confessing it in a way and hopefully that will help me let it go...Thanks, Wendy!
This is a wonderful shot! Such a pretty reflection - it'd look fun if you flipped it to where the trees looked right side up. :)
And I agree with the others on the PP and Top 20. They're funny the way they work. I had one image get something like 14 favs and no PP. Granted, I haven't been here as long, but I think even placing in top 5 some of the themed things are just as great as the PP! It's easy to get caught up in it, but then I think it can take away from the overall enjoyment...the "oh I can't post this, it's too crappy" and all that. We can become even more critical and bypass the whole loving the art thing! I personally really enjoy your shots (and the stories that go with them!)
@emrob You are very sweet, Mandy. Thank you. I totally should have flipped it...such a great idea. Duh! Thanks again. I feel better...I just needed to put it up to see it for how silly the thoughts are.
Lovely reflections, Amanda. And I can relate as I also went through a PP frustration phase on 365 as I was amazed that some of my best work was not getting recognized. But in the final analysis, I realized that photography soothes my soul and as much as I enjoy sharing my work, I do it most for myself. It took me 2.5 months before getting an image on PP and much longer than that to make top 20. Those were both thrilling days, but what I like very best is sharing these images with my friends here.
@soboy5 True wise words, Danny. Thanks. I've been on both. It's just strange when you have a photo that is recognized by your peers and doesn't make it up...like when you have 10+faves. I also was disappointed that an image with 37 faves didn't make the top 20 a few weeks back. I was just fully expecting it to as one of mine with only 20 or so had made it up in the past. It's all so silly...I know. Working on proper balance and just having fun!
I think it is much better than foot prints in the snow. Such great reflections in the shot and description. Just remember photography is supposed to be fun.
@copperheadglass Aw, thanks my friend. Trying hard to keep that in mind. Writing this and reflecting helped put things better in perspective for me. It's easy to see how silly your thoughts are sometimes when they are written down.
Such a beautiful image! The clarity of the reflection is amazing.
Thanks for sharing your other reflections.... I know I am new here, but I think I do understand. I can see that it's pretty easy to lose perspective and life balance in this pursuit. I have found myself becoming very consumed with it and it's just one month in. I think your photos are very special, whether they make it to the PP or not. I always enjoy coming to your page to see what you have next. So please remember when you are feeling down that the important thing is that you are expressing yourself creatively and touching many people through your art.
@pflaume Thanks so much for your sweet word, Lisa. Really appreciate everything you said:)! I am feeling better about things and I think that just writing it down helped me to deal with the feelings a bit and see them for what they are...just silly.
My view on the PP is that it's worth a visit now and again, unless you're looking for your own work there in which case it's poison. The top 20 is something else again, and I'm not going to get started on that. Neither is any sort of index of personal creative development.
What a gorgeous shot of reflections, Amanda. I love it and what you said as you are one fantastic writer. Enjoy your project. It is a wonderful reflection of each of us. Though since I have missed so much not a great reflection of me. lol So glad you are still on here and I will get up to a better pace soon.
Great reflections and thanks for sharing your thoughts on PP etc. I've made PP twice in my first 5 weeks and although it's exciting and gets new visitors it does add pressure to come up with a killer shot each day. I don't want it to be about that and have found the comments here very useful :)
@malc I totally hear what you are saying and agree, Malc. It seems like when I make PP I tend to go through a period of slump afterwards. I can't take the pressure. Thanks for your comments!
February 5th, 2013
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@carolmw Thank you, Carol!
@siwainastromoy Thank you, Siw!!
@tanja_1211 I know that in my head. I needed to write it down I think to see how silly it is. It's nuts to me when shots with 10+ faves don't make it up on PP and week's back I had my most popular shot ever not make the top 20 when I was fully expecting it, too. So silly that it made me feel crushed. Working on it...thanks, lady!!
@lindaagne365 Thank you, sweet lady!
@paul2782 Thanks, Paul. I know how I should be, just trying to remind myself. So silly!
@tbats22 You are so right, my friend. Great words of wisdom. I had to write it down to let it go, I think.
@kwind Thanks, lady!
And I agree with the others on the PP and Top 20. They're funny the way they work. I had one image get something like 14 favs and no PP. Granted, I haven't been here as long, but I think even placing in top 5 some of the themed things are just as great as the PP! It's easy to get caught up in it, but then I think it can take away from the overall enjoyment...the "oh I can't post this, it's too crappy" and all that. We can become even more critical and bypass the whole loving the art thing! I personally really enjoy your shots (and the stories that go with them!)
Thanks for sharing your other reflections.... I know I am new here, but I think I do understand. I can see that it's pretty easy to lose perspective and life balance in this pursuit. I have found myself becoming very consumed with it and it's just one month in. I think your photos are very special, whether they make it to the PP or not. I always enjoy coming to your page to see what you have next. So please remember when you are feeling down that the important thing is that you are expressing yourself creatively and touching many people through your art.
My view on the PP is that it's worth a visit now and again, unless you're looking for your own work there in which case it's poison. The top 20 is something else again, and I'm not going to get started on that. Neither is any sort of index of personal creative development.