Sep 15, 2011

Mornings, lately

Some snippets of the apartment taken on Tuesday morning. It feels so good to have film work to show again. I stopped for a while because it was getting to be frighteningly expensive, but seeing film results always make my heart flutter in a way that digital cannot.

It's been busy busy busy over here and lots of priorities have shifted. I remember I used to spend at least a few hours shopping every week - yes, EVERY week. Now of course there is no time (and no money) for that. It's been hard to put together another his look/her look post because my style/wardrobe has been the least of my concerns and focus. I recently had the strangest sensation that I couldn't wait to be in my 30s (when I've usually feared that). Maybe then I will be finally secure - in this saturated competitive industry and in myself and what I'm doing. Of course, it'd be great if I could achieve all that while still in my 20s. ;)

I try not to complain too much on the blog because it's my happy place, but shit, this is HARD. Having to handle the business side of things and producing all the creative work and trying to be PROFITABLE after everything (the insurance, the equipment, the upkeep of equipment, the film!, misc. random costs that you never think about when you decide you to make the jump into the freelance world) - it is a lot to swallow. I mean, do I regret making the leap and pursuing photography full time? HELL NO. I knew it wasn't going to be all fun and games. I knew tears and sweat would be shed. I knew I would probably never shop at Saks again (:P), but I also know that my eventual success and achievements would be a DIRECT result of the work and effort that I put in. I would produce things that I could call mine. And the little triumphs along the way are so much more meaningful than, say, a promotion at some job or a shiny new office could ever be to me.

I'm chugging along because there's something good (no - great) to be had out of all this. Day to day, I'm happy and I love what I'm working towards, but just wish I could learn the ropes better and faster. What a crazy ballgame this all is.

(And to think this was just going to be a post with pretty morning light photos! Oops.)

32 comments :

  1. these film pictures are so warm and beautiful, good luck with your photography buisness, work will pay off for sure. You have so much talent!

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  2. Alice, I really admire you for taking that career path into photography. That's something I would love to do but am too scared to. And you're one of the best photographers I've seen! The $$$ will roll back in ;)

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  3. Man, these photos are draw-droppingly good. Killer frames that are more than worth the cost of developing. And your hard work will pay off. I wish I was as brave as you are. My boring day job still supports my artistic passion =)

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  4. I've been away from the blog a bit so I missed the news of your leap into full-time photography. CONGRATULATIONS! It's something I've thought about for a while and financially it's not something I'm able to do at this time. I follow a lot of photographers on twitter and I think there will ALWAYS be good days and bad days. Your photography is amazing, and truly a gift, and I know that you will make it happen. Keep doing what you're doing, I have no doub that it'll pay off.

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  5. so beautiful!!

    you are doing great. keep up the good work!

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  6. Love the photos today. I have the same feelings since I ventured out on my own as an entrepreneur. I try to focus on the upside, like you are here. You are doing the right thing! Keep it up.

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  7. I love how this entry is beautiful and honest -just like the photographs. You just put into words what I have been feeling lately about being a freelancer for a year now.

    Don't let the business side of photography kill hour love for it. Stay true to yourself, your style, and your art.

    The photography industry can be suffocating at times. Avoid getting caught with the tide.

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  8. Love the photos Alice, your place looks like its coming along nicely.

    On a side note about venting on your blog, I think it's good to hear about the real stuff ( b/c as we all know life is not always pretty light, there is gloomy moments too) and as a creative person who is suppressing my artistic side, reading your blog always fills me with hope & inspiration that someday I will just start living that creatively happy life too :). Even with it being an overly saturated market, I believe true talent stands out and I have no doubts you will be very successful!

    All the best,

    K

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  9. This is such a tough age to be: it takes a lot of patience and perseverance. I'm 24 and find myself going through EXACTLY the same struggles as you: navigating the creative world is frustrating and you have that constant fear in the back of your head that maybe it just won't pan out the way you hope. But, the heart wants what is wants: if you are an artist, you can't stop. Keep living the dream girl. Life is too short to do otherwise.

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  10. first of all, all those photos are so beautiful. looks like a very peaceful morning :) and secondly, i love your perspective and think i know how you feel. when i feel discouraged about things i always remember what an art professor told me--things are always worse before they get better. i don't know why, but for some reason that always helps me stay positive :)

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  11. I adore that you have been so honest with your feelings here, because even those of us who are the most positive have down moments and I think sharing it is great for you and your blogger friends. There is no doubting that you have the talent for this so I know you will work through the tough patches and come out glowing. And yes the 20s can still be a place of great personal growth and acceptance. From 25 onwards I loved that I just got more and more comfortable in my own skin. I've just turned 30 and yes it feels absolutely fantastic. But don't wish away the greatness of your 20s either.

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  12. Amazing how that works, starting with one thing and ending up somewhere else. Possibly part of being a creative.

    Keep chugging. You'll be fine.

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  13. Well first of all, I love your curtains and the apartment looks quite serene.

    I understand completely about taking a plunge into the photography business. I took the plunge too, last August.

    It's hard, but ADVERTISE ADVERTISE ADVERTISE.

    Also, make contacts. Talk to people who can get you referrals. Just keep going. It will all pay off.

    Since you're so talented, I'm sure work wont be hard to come by.

    Good luck!

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  14. Alice, congrats on making the leap to being a full-time photographer. You are an inspiration to many of us, me included! I've been wanting to make this leap, but... you know the drill - there will always be excuses. I'm glad you're no longer hindered by any of those excuses and have found what you truly love to do. Your talent and perseverance will take to you amazing places!

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  15. Lovely photographs, as always. Keep spreading the beauty.

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  16. Love these photos and I definitely think all the hard work will pay off.

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  17. these are gorgeous photos.
    aren't dreams are hard work? but they're all the more wonderful because of the work. :)

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  18. wow, wow, wow! i so love your window! incredible light you have on that new apartment XD

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  19. Great set of pictures Alice. The light and the minimalism in your place really works well!

    I have no doubt that you will undoubtedly be successful in this business. You definitely have the skill, the eye, and the eloquence in the way you write to do so. Keep at it :)

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  20. oh you're really doing what I am planning on doing.. I've already quit my job and have finally decided that photography is probably the way to go for me. but it is sooo scary! you inspire me.. and I know you will be successful in your career.

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  21. You're an inspiration, girl. With your combination of passion, hard work and talent, I am sure you will be successful (...before your 30s!) Go Alice!

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  22. I have these days every once in a while too. good for you for having a peaceful morning. :)

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  23. Have been following you posts for quite a while. Beautiful beautiful work! It's a bless that you have such passion and talent in what you are doing. Over the weekend, I went to a stree photography workshop at San Francisco, hosted by erickimphotography.com. He is also a young guy just graduated last year, decided to go full time 2 months ago. anyways, just want to say hi and show some support!

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  24. Alice, I frequent your blog because the work that you do beautiful, authentic and fantastically inspiring. I visit quite a few blogs (ranging from photography to crafty to fashion) and yours stands out from them all. I have no doubt in my mind that you will succeed - you have the talent, the passion and the willingness to do the hard work. Have faith. :)

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  25. The apartment - So much light!!! Love the floors and walls.

    The new career - Your talent is such that I see Saks in your future once again soon. Just you wait. You'll get into a good rhythm with what you are doing and it will all flow.

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  26. Alice, love your work really. And yea you just triggered my emo-ness. Laugh. I am just graduated from university and stay amidst a formal corporate job and yea, like you said, visualize for freelance craft job acting as future daytime job. The feeling is just so sucks when weighing against reality and money. :s

    Take care and I believe you can do it! :)

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  27. I really love your photos. They bring a calm feeling & very inspiring to me! :-) it's a nice feeling to sit back, relax and indulge in your works.

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  28. The nicest thing I've found about being self-employed is that when you finally are at a point where you can allow yourself a tiny indulgence again, it feels one MILLION times better than all the other times in the past you just carelessly went out and bought or did whatever, because you could. These future times ahead of you, everything will be paid for with money that you bled, sweat, cried and laughed to earn. It's a satisfying thing. Maddening to a degree, also :)

    You will do great, Alice! And know that you are not alone, either, in the struggle or the frustrations! <3

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  29. These film shots are simply breathtaking. Your work is an inspiration and clearly a testament to your passion for photography. The rest will fall in place!

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  30. Well all I know is how much I believe in and admire your work. I feel privileged to share in it and call you my wedding photographer.

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