Crush on Beginnings

With 2011 fast approaching, I thought it fitting to consider a photo challenge to kick start the new photographic year. Many people, pros and hobbyists, have undertaken the Project 365- a photo a day. After 365 days of observing your world like a photographer, it starts to look different.  There are many of these 365 days of___________.  Jotting down something for which you are grateful, eating a salad every day, spending $1 less than the previous day, etc and my MUST-DO List, dare I say, resolutions have started to flood in.
1) After photographing and/or editing for 365 days x undisclosed # years = stagnant or stale
    After photographing and/or editing for 365 days x undisclosed # years =  reinvent, reinvent, reinvent.
I'm shooting for the latter.
2) After viewing the i heart faces, self-portrait challenge, I realized that I have never done this. I always thought a self-portrait was one that the artist composed of him/herself. In the challenge, it appeared there were photos taken of a photographer by someone else. Do you think this is a self-portrait? #2 on the MUST DO: A true and intentional self-portrait. They are difficult. Focusing, composition, spontaneity, the self-reflection,  and the message. Tough.

* going to take one that doesn't have a black box in my face.

* way too grundgy. definitely doesn't say anything about who i really am. this is what i look like though.

3) Film my children more. play with moving pictures more. compile a short film. for me.

4) Become a better cook. I love food photography and the artistry of cooking but I'm really no good at cooking. Our families have furnished us with all types of culinary tools. So many, a special cupboard in the garage has been given to them. Watch out basil! I intend to use you up in 2011.

5) Hopefully, that cooking will lead to lots of food photo opportunities which leads to me photographing a food spread for my beloved, Sunset Magazine.

The list is much, much longer. It has to be in order to fulfill MUST DO #1. Reinvent. #1 is being tackled early and has been underway for the last 6 months. The reveal will happen soon.

Finally - Which would you like to see turn into a 2011 Photography Contest? Children? Food? Daily Life? Goals?

Crush on Dreams Photo Challenge at Skye Snyder Photography

Three weeks ago, I asked our FB members which was better; to wish or to dream? To dream was clearly favored. There is something magical about the ability to dream--it's skinless, borderless, weightless nature.  This type of artwork frees us of some of the typical constructs that lock us into liking or disliking an image.
A {DREAM} image should make us wonder and float around in our thoughts for a bit.

This photo challenge is offered to you -the photographer- the dreamer- to capture literal dreams, wishful moments, surreal visions. Each photographer's interpretation of the {DREAM} theme is going to be sublime!!


I cannot think of one photo in my collection that truly captures this for me--the way I would interpret it. Looks like I have my own work to do. As you are photographing this challenge, I will be too!

How to Participate in the {DREAM} Challenge
1. Accepting entries Oct 3rd, 2010- November 3rd, 2010. Don't wait to submit your ONE entry. Early submission gets early voting.
2. Open to all - amateurs, professionals, artists,"dreamers, wishers, liars, hopers, prayers, and magic-bean-buyers".
3. Images can come from any camera including phones
4. Editing, use of special apps, etc is totally acceptable.
5. You may submit ONE images into the contest.
6. Email your entries as a JPEG to skye@skyesnyder.com 
INCLUDE YOUR NAME, CONTACT PHONE, and TITLE OF YOUR ENTRY in the email.
7. Winners will be selected by online "likes". Those with the most "likes" will move onto the semi-finals and a GRAND WINNER will be selected by a team of two- myself and a guest judge. 
8. Share the news that you have entered a contest. Friends and family are encouraged to "like" your photo and need to be a fan of Skye Snyder Photography in order to cast their "like". 
9. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a custom jewelry piece of the winning image. One jewelry piece will be selected from the following items; round or square cocktail ring, photo necklace with one photo pendant, or photo keychain.
10. Skye Snyder Photography reserves the right to discontinue the contest for lack of participation, remove an image for inappropriate comments or content on our wall and/or to other participants.  If under 18, please have a parent submit image in your behalf. By submitting an image you are claiming to be 18+ and the creator of the image.


Looking forward to seeing your dreams.
{DREAM}
Skye