I will always remember the one time I hired a photography tutor when I was still in auto. We met for only one day and he never mentioned my camera controls, which is what I was hoping for. Instead he said something that I’ve always remembered: “Don’t just take a photo because that is just a record. Express yourself and make art.”
I think about that statement a lot and believe we never really arrive; we are constantly on the journey making adjustments within to express a more complete self. Along life’s journey, I’ve noticed it seems a lot of the time we get what we need but not always what we want. It’s up to us to see the big picture and to realize that even a step back can ultimately be a step forward.
It’s not how big your steps are or how fast they are…it’s about taking the step in the first place, appreciating the meaningful things along the way, and never ever giving up! That’s my path in photography and life!
I love this quote by Dewitt Jones: “Our deepest inspirations come from not looking to others but from looking within”.
The Journey – Laura Macky
Laura Macky Photography 
September 2, 2016 at 5:37 pm
How we each see is what we use to create art. It is very personal.
September 2, 2016 at 5:38 pm
Yes 🙂 I hope this didn’t come off as otherwise!
September 2, 2016 at 5:39 pm
I was confirming what you said. I should have said so 🙂
September 2, 2016 at 5:40 pm
Sometimes when I write things, I don’t see the ramifications so I’m glad you explained what you meant. Phew! 😉
September 2, 2016 at 5:39 pm
Excellent advice.
September 2, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Thanks Terry 🙂
September 2, 2016 at 6:06 pm
‘Making Art’ is what it’s about. So happy to be part of this awesome, inspiring community.
September 2, 2016 at 6:16 pm
I’m glad we are here too Ed. FB is nice but not quite the same as here. Love to see your art!
September 2, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Thanks Laura. FB is loosing its appeal. Loving your art too.
September 2, 2016 at 6:51 pm
I see so many amazing photographers there though. Plus my old friends are there. Thanks Ed 🙂
September 2, 2016 at 6:51 pm
‘he never mentioned my camera controls’
OMG.
although I’m not a sunset person, this is an excellent shot.
September 2, 2016 at 6:53 pm
I think he was definitely more into the art of it all and how you see things. It took me a long time to figure out how to use my camera. Thanks Gavin. 🙂
September 2, 2016 at 8:08 pm
I hear you on ‘It took me a long time to figure out how to use my camera’.
me too.
September 3, 2016 at 7:53 pm
Hard to google when you’re really not sure of the questions! Fortunately mine are less these days but still…..always something new!
September 3, 2016 at 8:23 pm
i did a course, which was both helpful and unhelpful. books were also a source of information too.
September 3, 2016 at 9:34 pm
I have a book or two as well.
September 2, 2016 at 6:59 pm
How come I take photos and they never look like the way I saw it… Color enhancing helps I guess.
September 3, 2016 at 7:50 pm
Well, there’s a lot more than color enhancing here. Plus this was on my Sony Mirrorless not my iPhone (for a change!).
September 2, 2016 at 7:24 pm
I’ve been a fan of Dewitt Jones for a very long time, and I have several of his books. He was one of my main inspirations when I was getting serious about photography. It’s great to see that you are also a follower!
September 3, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Oh that is so neat!! Amazing what you find out here after awhile eh? I knew you had good taste! 😉
September 2, 2016 at 7:49 pm
Lovely lighting!
September 3, 2016 at 7:53 pm
Thanks Cindy 🙂
September 2, 2016 at 8:02 pm
Well said. 🙂
September 2, 2016 at 10:00 pm
Such a wonderful picture you got here! Keep up the good work.
September 3, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Thanks so much Rob!
September 2, 2016 at 10:57 pm
Love this beautiful image! Thank you for sharing the quote, Laura!
September 3, 2016 at 7:55 pm
I’m so glad you like it! Amazing when I concentrate what I can get. Thank you for enjoying the quote too. 🙂
September 2, 2016 at 11:24 pm
So beautiful and so true
September 3, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Aw thanks Julie. 🙂 I’m glad it resonates with you.
September 2, 2016 at 11:42 pm
I like your philosophy, Laura, and agree!
September 3, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Thanks so much Sue! Great minds think alike, eh? 😉
September 4, 2016 at 12:17 am
Yup!
September 3, 2016 at 1:06 am
Great shot and very interesting article, Laura! 🙂
For me, it’s to let truth, nature, and art express themselves… and for “me” to stay out of it.
September 3, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Isn’t it funny how we all have different meanings as to why we do things or why not? I’m glad you enjoyed it Tom. Thanks!
September 3, 2016 at 3:09 am
Great shot, excellent argument.
September 3, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Thanks much Victor. Once in awhile I can croak something out. 😉
September 3, 2016 at 3:17 am
True dat!
September 3, 2016 at 6:05 am
I’m still in A…… sort of
September 3, 2016 at 8:00 pm
An “A”? Sorry…I’m missing your point. 😦
September 4, 2016 at 6:32 am
Auto
September 4, 2016 at 7:19 am
Oh Lordy. Sorry…we went for a hard hike yesterday and I was completely out of sorts. Thanks for clearing up the obvious. lol
September 4, 2016 at 5:35 pm
No problem. I actually debated whether to write A or Auto.
September 3, 2016 at 6:23 am
Beautifully put, excellent photograph.
September 3, 2016 at 8:01 pm
I’m glad you liked it. Thanks so much Belinda. 🙂
September 3, 2016 at 8:36 am
Great photo and wise words. Exactly what my wife and I considered a few short months ago. Taking the first step is the hardest. For us it was the lure of photography in coastal South Carolina. My words of wisdom were from that wise sage Alfalfa (Our Gang, 1940’s) “I don’t know where we’re going Spanky, but we’re on our way”. Worked for me…..
September 3, 2016 at 8:01 pm
OMG….I loved little rascals! It’s fun to relate isn’t it? 🙂
September 3, 2016 at 10:12 am
I’m back again. Beautifully said about the journey, Laura! Thank you for reminding us the “step back”. 😍
September 3, 2016 at 8:02 pm
haha thanks for returning! You are so cute. And yes…that darn step back….I’m convinced that’s true. Glad it can help!
September 3, 2016 at 12:30 pm
A beautiful capture -and even better it made me read your reflections as well. It definitely resonated with me – realizing that even a step back can be a step forward can be a hard thing to see and secondly accept:)
September 3, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Isn’t that so true. I think I wrote this because I needed to remind myself. It’s for the greater good I tell myself! But then I forget the next time something happens lol. Thank you for your comment Inger. 🙂
September 3, 2016 at 12:54 pm
truth….this is a journey without end…
September 3, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Thank you Robert. It sure is. 🙂
September 3, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Inspiring story and great image, I love landscapes on sunset time
September 3, 2016 at 8:04 pm
Thank you Monte. Oh my gosh…I adore landscapes on sunset too!
September 3, 2016 at 4:29 pm
A wonderful quote Laura. Thanks for the inspiration of the day 🙂
September 3, 2016 at 8:05 pm
I’m glad you liked it Andrew. Thank you and you’re welcome! 😀
September 3, 2016 at 5:22 pm
Beautiful image .. And that quote is spot on! 😄
September 3, 2016 at 9:33 pm
Thanks so much! I really like that one a lot.
September 3, 2016 at 6:55 pm
lovely Laura! I sooo enjoyed reading this post too 🙂 cheers, Debi
September 3, 2016 at 9:32 pm
Thank you Debi. Sometimes I’m in the mood for this instead of history lessons about my photos. 🙂
September 4, 2016 at 2:59 am
I hear you !
September 4, 2016 at 8:33 am
I love your philosophy! Beautiful!
September 5, 2016 at 7:38 am
Thank you! Are you all moved in now?
September 4, 2016 at 8:53 am
this is stunning 🙂
September 5, 2016 at 7:39 am
Thank you so much Joshi. 🙂 I appreciate the comment!
September 5, 2016 at 7:53 am
Beautiful post, Laura — words and photo.
September 5, 2016 at 8:15 am
Thank you so much. 🙂 Once in awhile I feel like saying something more than giving a history lesson. Happy Monday!
September 5, 2016 at 8:16 am
Beautiful art Laura 🙂
September 5, 2016 at 8:22 am
Thank you Irene. 🙂 Happy Monday!
September 5, 2016 at 8:50 am
And a beautiful day for you Laura 🙂
September 5, 2016 at 9:09 am
🙂
September 5, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Wonderful photo!! And I love the quote…so true
September 5, 2016 at 1:15 pm
Thank you so much Mark! That quote is one of my favorites. I’m glad you like it too. 😊
September 11, 2016 at 6:10 am
Love the scolors. Beautiful photo with beautiful words. lovely!
September 11, 2016 at 8:07 am
Aww thank you so much Joel. I really appreciate it!
September 11, 2016 at 8:08 am
You’re welcome Laura.
September 11, 2016 at 8:11 am
🙂
September 28, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Well said — Well done!
September 28, 2016 at 4:16 pm
Thank you!
October 16, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Totally in agreement with what you are saying. I take some ‘record’ photos, as travel photos. The rest, I think of the saying that I will now misquote. Things are as you see them and after you become aware, things are as you see them. That is how I have come to understand my photography, realizing no one else can experience the same emotional response I had at that moment and am pleased when a few others find something acceptable. You are really good at conveying what you saw, experienced, Laura.
October 16, 2016 at 8:32 pm
I like that description. It’s such a challenge conveying what I felt in my photos. I’m glad you think I do well at it. Sometimes I wonder. But then to what you said we are all interpret things differently so when we connect with someone who feels similarly it’s kinda nice. :-). It’s something I struggle with outside photography. Thanks so much robert. I always enjoy your comments and posts and am glad you’re back!