On Gratitude

I feel the need to vent a little something about gratitude today...

I was recently in a pretty significant car accident (May 6, 2008). This accident left me alive... that is the first thing... secondly I had to have sixteen stitches on my face around my eye and temple. I have neck, shoulder, knee(s), and head injuries to boot, mostly contusions and bruising. I am lucky, but I haven't been able to find the gratitude in this luck... this is where I believe the problem originates [in me]...

Then to top it off, it seems that my favorite client in my photography business is not happy with me because I charge too much... and let me clarify from my point of view... I have lowered my hourly rate by 33%, I have 'given' unlimited usage on my photos (handed over all my negatives), I walk in with over $20,000 in camera equipment, and I have 25+ years experience in creative photography...

Then it dawned on me why I was taking this whole thing soooo personal... that is why I created the graphic above. I realized that all I have heard is complaints [over money]. I have told the client how much I appreciate the work, and that I love the project. I always say thank you... but apparently it's not enough. I'll admit, I am hurt and I really don't know what to do.

So I have decided to hand this over to my higher power (God, Budda, the Universe, etc...). There is nothing more I can do for this client in the way of pleasing it seems but to give my services for cheap... I have lowered my fees where if I go any lower, I bring harm to myself and my business. No one seems to understand the hours I spend in post production for "NO PAY" every time I shoot... and that is the 33% discount that was taken away AND I get no pay for usage on my work [a photographers bread and butter]. I'd love to keep doing the work, but it's hard to work for someone who doesn't understand.

This blog is about life, love, and laughter... this situation encompasses all but laughter... but let me say this: I am grateful for all the experiences that I have gained from these jobs, the prosperity, the friendship, the resume credit!

Can't Wait to See the Movie

I saw this movie last night (5-28-08) at the Nashville, Tennessee official opening! We had our photo taken by one of the sponsors of the evening... The movie is awesomely unexpected! It evoked all my emotions... it was thought provoking for me personally...

If you are a Sex in the City fan... this is a MUST see movie!!! By the way, the cloths are UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Arm, Leg, 1st Born

Self explanatory...??? I thought so... I did however find it interesting that the station decided not to even publish the prices they were charging...

3 Poets

Just when I think there are no more flowers for me to add to my collection; another one appears for me to photograph... I'm glad I was wrong.

Two Lips

I LOVE this photo! I deserved this beautiful photo, it killed my back to get it. I took quite a few pictures of tulips until I got this one that I felt garnered association with my usual floral photography. My first tulip with rain drops on it...

Self Explanitory

Horse Medicine

For me horses bring a sense of calmness to my being. I want a horse soooo bad, I just haven't been able to make the commitment yet... someday...

T.G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang

I have been recently blessed with an abundance of photography work. Here's a preview about a show I am working on that is about saying thank you... saying it in a way that is profound...

In memory

An Easter tribute in Tennessee.

Shamus

What a sweetie... and he didn't pee on me either!

Kitty, kitty, kitty

I was sitting sipping my morning green tea when I noticed something that might be an interesting shot...

Picture a Day

Some entries from my picture a day photos. It gets to be challenging to find something to photograph daily... but fun to try.I would love to know what kind of tree this bloom is from...
A tree that houses critters on our land, looks scary...
Spring cleaning with Katrina resting in a drawer...

Love Grows Here

Another one of my children sold recently at the show mentioned below... here is a photograph of that [painting] child.

Through the OPEN window

I shot this on our way into a one night exhibit of art - it is not totally sharp because I had to lean up against a power pole to get still enough with what I had to shoot with (Rebel XT/ 28-80mm 3.5 lens). I had a painting in the show (it SOLD!). I brought my Rebel with me so I could get a PAD, I was kicking myself the whole time wishing I had my 1D MII... and my 24-70 2.8 lens... there were SO many photo ops... but the Rebel came through the best it could...

http://www.imagestocksouth.com/hmp/gallery2/v/PAD/march/8-14/Contreras_031408_2305.jpg.html

Our Deepest Fear

I was recently reminded by two people that I have been playing small... thanks so much for the reminder to you both!

“ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ”

~Nelson Mandela