Guest Interview: Revive: @jojoartjo

Tags

#jojoartjo, #sharesix, #sharesix_revive

@jojoartjo was selected as our Featured Artist for the theme {Revive} and I connected with Julie to learn more about her story and her stunning art.

Tell us a bit about yourself?  And, are you a hobbyist or a pro?

Hi, I am a Julie.  I live in a little mountain town in Northern California, but I am a beach girl at heart.  I live here with my hubby, three kids (who are growing up way too fast), and four cats.  Art is my happy place and I started seriously learning about ten years ago.  I tend to break the art rules and strive to always shoot new.  I don’t want to do the same thing over and over.  I love texture and color and images that make you think.

Out of the Clouds – I often depict my emotions in my art and often I have a lot of dark and moody work.  But in the piece I was wanting to feel the ability to come up and out of that dark place.  I captured her jumping and tried to make her very bird-like to soar out of the clouds.

I was a hobbyist who went pro and have now gone back to being a hobbyist.  Photography has always been about processing life for me, so after going pro for a few years I realized photography wasn’t meaning that anymore.  Since I have a career, I decided to let the photography business go and now it feeds me in a much more important way.

Transformation – I wanted to create an image of transformation and the butterfly is the perfect representation of that.  So here she is, in a cocoon of sorts, transforming, emerging, into her beautiful whole.

What inspired you to pick up your camera initially? 

When I was a kid we had a darkroom and I loved being in there.  Bringing photos to life was fascinating.  Many, many, years later I was an adult, married with three kids, and busy acupuncture practice.  I was struggling with balance.  I needed something for myself.  I remembered how much I loved the darkroom but now everything was digital.  So I bought a camera and from the very first click I was in love and off on an adventure.

Firenze – A very early image that is still a favorite 10 years later.  This was was from my very first exploration of a Lensbaby lens.  I did everything wrong and the combination with the beautiful Italian texture came together so nicely.

How do you improve your technique?

I absolutely loved the process of learning and mastering the camera/Lightroom/Photoshop.  I was obsessed with learning and any spare moment I had was spent on it.  I never wanted to shoot traditional photos.  I loved blur and rule breaking from the very beginning.  This combination gave me a lot of room to just play and explore.  I am also very open to letting the art find itself.  Most of the time where I start with an idea will completely morph as I create.  And that is when I am at my happiest.  

Out the Window – A theme across my art is shooting through things.  I like wondering what the story is on the other side.  Here color and composition played a major role.

Most important thing you have learned about editing?

Oh gosh, well that could be a never ending list of things.  But I would say for me is giving yourself the freedom to try really random things.  Try things that completely change an image, using tools that don’t make sense, add many layers with different blending modes.  The beauty of editing is that anything can be undone or changed.  Edit with freedom.

Beauty Is – I love this image.  It was one of those images that came alive as I edited.  I really explored as I created.  There are three words written across her and you can see the Beauty Is but the third word is intentionally unclear, I mostly did that to give the viewer the ability to see whatever they needed to see.  I know what the image means to me but I like to often leave the image open to the viewer to interpret it in their own way.  I like images to make someone stop and think about them.

Secret weapon. Or piece of advice that’s helped you?

Don’t limit yourself.

Underwater Solitude – This is an earlier image of mine that still captures my eye years later.  The softness of the water and color surrounding and holding her brings me peace.

Why photographs? Why not painting? Or poems? Or, for that matter, statutes or taxes?

I think it is natural to gravitate to a certain medium.  For over a decade photography has intensely held my attention.  But I miss the process of learning and mastering.  So if you look at my IG feed you will see I am currently working on learning to draw and paint.  (I am a complete newbie at it, so it needs a lot of work, but I believe that artists should see other artists learning, that it takes practice and effort to become good at something.). If you are an artist then why not explore all sorts of arts?  It all feeds each other.  My knowledge of light and shadow from photography has helped me to learn how to shadow a face in a drawing.  All art informs other art.  And if creation is what one is after then I think any and all are welcome.  But not the taxes.  Definitely not the taxes.

Whatever lights your eyes up and tickles your fancy should be embraced.  Let’s feed our souls.

What great advise from Julie. I am in awe and in love with her images. Wow! Thank you Julie for sharing your art with us. Don’t forget to check out her work @jojoartjo

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  The theme this month is {Light} for so tag us with #sharesix_light for another 9 days. The theme will change on July 6, 2022.

Guest Highlight: April 2022: Joy

Tags

#featuredartist, #guestfeature, #sharesix, #sharesix_joy

Our theme for April was {Joy}. We have had a number of long years throughout the world, and Joy is something we could all do with a great helping of in our lives.

Katherine of Cobert Photography chose this image by @kristcx as our Featured Artist for the following reason:

“I think true joy is in the simple things. This image shows the precious connection between a boy and his dog and what joy that connection can bring.”

Congratulations @kristcx for being our featured artist.

@kristcx

Photos from our Instagram page that we have chosen to highlight are below and are in alphabetical order. Click on the names to link to the photographers page.  Go and like them, show them some love, you will enjoy seeing their images in your feed. Congratulations to you all.

@a_winterroth

@allisonb_photo

@alyandlittles

@aspendawnphoto

@carolyns_camera

@iron_lace_photography

@madelinemeffordphotography

We all need a little {Joy} in our lives. These images bring a smile to our faces and we thank you for sharing them with us.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  Don’t forget to tag the Instagram posts with #sharesix_light.  Each month we feature one artist on our Facebook and Webpage banner.  We will also do an interview with the featured artist, so share your images to be a part of this opportunity.

Look out for the new theme on July 6, 2022

Share Six: June 2022: Light

Tags

#nature, #outdoors, #sharesix, #sharleenstuartphotography, #wiredtothemoon_

This month Janet of @wiredtothemoon_ chose the theme {Light}. The web had so many different definitions for light:

“the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.”

“an expression in someone’s eyes indicating a particular emotion or mood.“

“provide with light or lighting; illuminate.“

“make (something) start burning; ignite.“

“having a considerable or sufficient amount of natural light; not dark.

(of a color) pale.“

We have a quiet month, with some of our group away, some dealing with illness in the family, some taking a much needed break. However, I hope you join Janet and I to see how we have interpreted this theme

Sharleen Stuart Photography

Janet from @wiredtothemoon_

If creative blogging to a theme is something you think you may be interested in doing, reach out to us on our Facebook or Instagram page. We would love to hear from you.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  Don’t forget to tag the Instagram posts with #sharesix_light  Each month we will do an interview with the featured artist, so share your images to be a part of this opportunity.

Look out for the new theme on July 6, 2022

Guest Highlight: March 22: Revive

Tags

#featuredartist, #guestfeature, #sharesix, #sharesix_revive

{Revive} – I think that this is something we all look to at some stage. Certainly going through 2 years of Covid, has left us needing some form of {Revive} in our lives. Even with day to day happenings that sap the life out of us, a {Revive} in a day can make a huge difference.

Congratulations to @jojoartjo for being selected as the Featured Artist for the theme {Revive}

Elizabeth of It’s Still Life Photography chose your image for the following reasons:

“What a stunning and emotive portrayal of revival. I can feel the sun on my face, the flowers blooming and a sense of peace and hope-filled energy! Thank you for sharing your beautiful art with us!”

@jojoartjo

Photos from our Instagram page that we have chosen to highlight are below and are in alphabetical order. Click on the names to link to the photographers page.  Go and like them, show them some love, you will enjoy seeing their images in your feed. Congratulations to you all.

@alimobo

@gracy_jackson

@kaelarphoto

@karen_thorne_

@kateainger

@lesclichesdesara

@portraitsbyannie

@valerieeidson

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  Don’t forget to tag the Instagram posts with #sharesix_flatlay.  Each month we feature one artist on our Facebook and Webpage banner.  We will also do an interview with the featured artist, so share your images to be a part of this opportunity.

Look out for the new theme on June 6, 2022

Guest Highlight: February 2022: Pets

Tags

#cats, #dogs, #pets, #rabbits, #sharesix, #sharesix_pets

A pet is a mans best friend so they say. Dogs love to to love you. They need you. You call them, they will come. Cats on the other hand, rule the roost. They are your boss, and you work according to their schedule, or so my two think. Truth be said I would do anything for my two. We also cannot limit pets to dogs and cats. I for one have had a variety of pets including birds, fish, and guinea pigs. These animals fill a space in our lives and our hearts and bring great joy.

Lynne of Lynne Grant Photography chose the image below submitted by @noebustamantecortiana for the following reason:

“I really love the connection that’s been captured in this image. Being a fellow lab person I know this feeling so well. The reflection of the clouds in the window is beautiful also and really adds to the overall feel of the image.”

Congratulations @noebustamantecortiana for this beautiful image.

@noebustamantecortiana

Photos from our Instagram page that we have chosen to highlight are below and are in alphabetical order. Click on the names to link to the photographers page.  Go and like them, show them some love, you will enjoy seeing their images in your feed. Congratulations to you all.

@bethcagnoni

@brownandbluephotography

@cdannhausenbrun

@jenniferchristinephotogrpahy

@keri_jones_photography

@kimlorrainephotography

@Kristcx

@vampiress727

Thank you for sharing your {Pet} images with us. There were so many to choose from and we loved seeing them.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  Don’t forget to tag the Instagram posts with #sharesix_flatlay.  Each month we feature one artist on our Facebook and Webpage banner.  We will also do an interview with the featured artist, so share your images to be a part of this opportunity.

Look out for the new theme on June 6, 2022

Share Six: May 2022: Flat Lay

Tags

#beadwork, #cobertphotography, #coffee, #creativeart, #flowers, #food, #journal, #lynnegrantphotography, #sharesix, #sharesix_flatlay, #sharleenstuartphotography, #tea, #wiredtothemoon_

Welcome to May and what appears to have been a challenging theme. Sharleen Stuart Photography chose this theme because she was so impressed with what our previous highlight guest artist shared with us.

Amy shared this incredible looking {Flat Lay}. Sharleen loved the way that everything came together in this image. The colors, the food, the textures, they all spoke to her.

@everythingamylsmith

Having never done {Flat Lay} before Sharleen decided not only to challenge herself but also the blog team. We hope you enjoy what the team has shared.

Sharleen Stuart Photography

Lynne Grant Photography

Janet from @wiredtothemoon_

Cobert Photography

If creative blogging to a theme is something you think you may be interested in doing, reach out to us on our Facebook or Instagram page. We would love to hear from you.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  Don’t forget to tag the Instagram posts with #sharesix_flatlay  Each month we will do an interview with the featured artist, so share your images to be a part of this opportunity.

Look out for the new theme on June 6, 2022.

Guest Interview: Abstract: @everythingamylsmith

Tags

#boating, #droneimage, #eagle, #everythingamylsmith, #flatlay, #harbor, #lake, #nature, #outdoors, #sharesix, #sharesix_abstract_22, #sunrise, #sunset, #waterskiing

@everythingamylsmith was chosen as the Featured Artist for the theme {Abstract} and we connected with Amy to learn more about her and her photography journey.

Tell us a bit about yourself?  And, are you a hobbyist or a pro?

I recently relocated to the Louisville, KY area after almost 6 years in Anchorage, AK. To say that I LOVED it there, is the understatement of the century. My husband (28 years), David, and our sons Lucas and Jacob are my everything, along with our sweet Vizsla pups, Sampson and Sadie. I shoot a wide variety of genres, a few of those being landscape/nature, wildlife, my dogs, food, branding, families, and seniors. I shoot Canon and use an R5 as well as a Mark IV. I also have a DJI Mavic II Pro drone that I love to fly and take photos and videos with as well.  I also love to make stop motions and films…So to say I dabble in a lot is an understatement!  As far as the hobby vs pro question, can you be both? – Because I think that is what I am….I do some of both!  I am also very fortunate to be a mentor with Click Community and have that group to thank for majorly forming me into the photographer I am today! Some of my very best friends are in my life due to being a member of that community and I will be forever grateful!  

The blue sky sunrise photo is a favorite because it was taken very near where we used to live in Anchorage. I miss that view.

What inspired you to pick up your camera initially? 

I am a former school teacher, fortunate to be able to stay home when my kids were born. When they were school age, I went back to teaching periodically (long term maternity substitute positions) and being very involved in my kids schools, all the way until they were in early high school. By then, ‘stick a fork in me’ —  I was ‘done’ in the school setting. I began to think about what I was going to do when they went off to college and left the house. I had always had a camera around to document life since I was a kid as well as when my kids were young – I had 1000’s of photos in boxes, all very precious to me, but not very technically correct. I felt, and from seeing so many amazing photos and photographer’s work out there, I felt something was missing and that was skill and knowledge – both of which I hardly had any. My husband got me a “real” camera for Christmas in 2013 and I was literally scared of it – all the buttons and dials…I joined the Click Community and decided to take control and learn how to shoot in manual and  have never looked back since then! I have learned so much and have grown so much as a person! I only wish I had taken that step so many years before!

The eagle photo is special just because…I love the strength and beauty of those amazing creatures. I was so lucky to be able to capture them in the wild on many adventures we took in Alaska!

How do you improve your technique?

Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more! Always be observant of the light and whatever it is you like to shoot, whether you utilize natural light or create the light you want to showcase in your work. Tell a story with your work. I also gain a lot of insight and am inspired by studying photographers whose work I admire for whatever reason – their use of light, their editing style, their compositional techniques, the way the push boundaries… I also try to take as many workshops and breakouts/self-paced courses that I can fit into my schedule.

The golden hour sunset at the Waikiki harbor is special as it was just after a rain storm and the light and color was magnificent!

Most important thing you have learned about editing?

Your editing style is what makes your work, your work. It is one of the ways that photographers make their vision ‘happen’ and apparent to the viewer – it is a tool they can use to amplify their voice and overall message of their work. I edit differently depending on what the subject and/or purpose of the image is. For example, my food work differs from my landscape and nature work. It also depends if it is client work or for me personally. Regardless of what genre I am shooting and then editing, I have learned that sometimes less is more…and sometimes more is more…it just completely depends on what the vision for the image is. 

Camping at Trail River in Moose Pass, AK was time spent with amazing friends and so much fun was had. Amazing memories go with the time spent there and this particular foggy morning is a perfect reminder of all of that for me!

Secret weapon. Or piece of advice that’s helped you?

I think it’s something that, for me, I believe has come with time and “maturity”(hint-hint, wink-wink…not AGE- that’s just a number). When not planning and shooting for client work, I create and shoot entirely for me and me alone. I don’t shoot in hopes of pleasing anyone else or gaining followers or likes. If you look at my IG feed, it isn’t curated or cohesive in any way, other than it’s what I like and how I see the varying genres and subjects that I shoot, and in turn, share. If it make someone smile, or takes them to a place or memory they have in their mind/heart, that’s great! If not, that’s great too – I felt something from the image and that’s enough. 

The drone photo is special to me as that is one of my boys doing something they’ve loved to do since they were little dudes. I love to shoot them doing their thing!

Why photographs? Why not painting? Or poems? Or, for that matter, statutes or taxes?

Numbers and I aren’t very good friends. Never have been. I mean, we can be in the same room together, but we don’t have a lot to talk about. Thankfully my husband and I compliment each other’s weaknesses very well! ; )

But…anything that has a crafty vibe or hands on/diy aspect? – Bring it on! I really enjoy and have gotten into acrylic pour painting, and I like to create my own backdrops and surfaces to use in my food and still life photography. 

The flatlay of the designed bread is special to me because it is a concept I had in my head and made it come to life just as I had envisioned. Food photography is a such therapy for me as I love to cook and bake. Working with small businesses – is so fun and rewarding at the same time!

Thank you Amy for sharing your story and your beautiful images. You have share some stunning images here. I love the beautiful countryside and wildlife, but the drone image and the flatlay are just amazing.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  The theme this month is {Joy} for so tag us with #sharesix_joy for another 2 weeks. The theme will change on May 6, 2022.

Share Six: April 2022: Joy

Tags

#flora, #itsstilllifewillson, #lensbaby, #light, #portrait, #sharesix, #sharesix_joy, #sharleenstuartphotography, #surfing, #water, #wiredtothemoon_

There seems to be so much going on right now with all of our contributors. Bear with us as we navigate our lives and blogging.

This month Katherine of Cobert Photography chose the theme {Joy}. Katherine and her family have been going through a really tough time and I fully get why she would chose the theme {Joy}.

The definition of {Joy} is “A great feeling of great pleasure and happiness”

We are quieter than normal but I look forward to seeing how each person interprets the theme {Joy}.

Sharleen Stuart Photography

Jan D from @wiredtothemoon_

It’s Still Life Photography by Elizabeth Willson

Cobert Photography

These photo’s draw me in and make me want to see more. I hope you do too.

If creative blogging to a theme is something you think you may be interested in doing, reach out to us on our Facebook or Instagram page. We would love to hear from you.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  Don’t forget to tag the Instagram posts with #sharesix_joy  Each month we will do an interview with the featured artist, so share your images to be a part of this opportunity.

Look out for the new theme on May 6, 2022.

Guest Interview: @alimobo: Autumnal

Tags

#alimobo, #atthelake, #blackandwhite, #featuredartist, #flora, #hearts, #houseplants, #landscape, #lensbabyedge35, #monochrome, #portrait, #selfportrait, #sharesix, #sharesix_autumnal, #snow, #winter

@alimobo was selected as our Featured Artist for the theme {Autumnal} and we wanted to learn more about Alison and her photography journey.

Tell us a bit about yourself?  And, are you a hobbyist or a pro?

Hi! I am a wife and Mom and I love photography (of course), music, and stretchy pants (ha)! I would like to say that I am both. I have been a professional photographer for seven years and I just moved 500 miles away a few months ago and just started my business back up. As a professional photographer in the Charlotte area I specialize in lifestyle photos of families, newborns, branding and more. I also do a lot of personal projects.  I am currently working on my fourth Project 365 (taking a photo every day for a year) as well as trying to do at least one self portrait a week for the year. My daily photo is often of one of my kids, but it can be nature, a self portrait, still life, etc. I keep it very open as a way to give myself lots of freedom. 

This is a self portrait from January after I was just published for the first time! 

What inspired you to pick up your camera initially? 

My Dad had a nice camera when I was little, which I thought was very cool. I had always enjoyed taking photos, but I didn’t learn more about photography until I was in high school. My high school had a dark room where we could develop our own images, which was so neat. I used film then as well and my Dad’s camera of course. They only offered two photography courses, however, my senior year I ended up doing a third as an independent study. I loved it! I used to take photos with lots of juxtaposition. I had a friend wear a fancy prom dress, but stand or sit in front of a falling down barn. I still had a lot to learn, but that was my start. Later, my husband gifted me my first DSLR and I got into the Click Community. I learned a lot that way and really enjoyed the community as well. 

Here is one of the self portraits I did this year – one with my children too! They are getting to be too big to take baths together, but they still love it. I didn’t think I had any images of me giving them baths so I knew I had to set up the tripod to get some before it was too late. I was so glad I was able to get the movement of the water because most parents know when you give a bath you don’t walk away dry. I am very thankful for images with me and my children so that we (them and I both) have those in the future as well. 

How do you improve your technique?

I know I mentioned these things before, but the Click Community really helped me learn a lot as they offer a lot of courses as well as Breakouts and other information. I think my 365 Projects helped me the most though. When you are taking photos every single day you are learning so much. And each day is different. One day you may learn something about light that you never knew or start to notice shadows in a new way. Using your camera often is so important to growing. 

This is my daughter after she got her haircut (I know, it’s still very long). Anyway, the stylist curled it and she felt so beautiful and confident and I just loved that so I had to get her showing it off in front of my camera. I chose my Lensbaby Edge 35 for this shot because I wanted a really special flare. I love how it almost frames her as well as the movement and colors in this one.

Most important thing you have learned about editing?

I do enjoy editing, especially seeing the before become the after. I think the most important thing I have learned is to just keep trying new things. I used to edit in a completely different way when I started my business as well as when I did my first 365. But the more I took photos and the more I edited, the more I found my voice. The editing is just as important in your style as the photos you’re taking. I have also watched videos of others edit to learn a lot of trips and tricks in Lightroom – many from the Click Community and Click Photo School. 

This shot was completely candid. I did not tell them to sit there or next to each other or to cuddle up with a blanket. I found them this way and had to grab my camera. I love it in black and white as I think it keeps the focus on them rather than distracting with any colors. I just love this moment that they were in together and that I was able to capture it.

Secret weapon. Or piece of advice that’s helped you?

Something that I have found to be really important with growing as a photographer or doing a Project 365 is to have your camera out. Keep it somewhere safe, but have it out where you can grab it. I actually have all of my lenses on a shelf so I can quickly change them out if need be and my camera lives on my desk ready to be used. That way when inspiration strikes you are ready to go! The other secret weapon is COMMUNITY!!! I can’t tell you how many friends I have made through photography. Find a community – any community! In 2020 I applied to become a Click Pro Elite and was accepted. The world wide community they offer is HUGE! But even if it’s a few other people in your neighborhood or city. You will learn so much by talking about photography, teaching each other, asking questions, and encouraging each other!! I can’t say enough about the importance of having a photography community!! 

I am doing a neat project where you take a photo in the same spot once a month for the whole year. This photo shows my spot from January. It’s right on Lake Norman and it actually snowed (which seems to be rare for this area). My kids were LOVING it. I love the scale of this to show the tree, the water, and the pretty sky, but that you can still tell me kids are running around and playing.

Why photographs? Why not painting? Or poems? Or, for that matter, statutes or taxes?

I think photography has always been it for me (not just because I’m not as strong of a drawer or painter), but because it freezes a real moment. Do you know what my Dad often does when we go visit my family? He pulls out the photo books. I am a very nostalgic person and will always find the importance of photographs. They live on, they tell stories, they move people, and they are real. They make you FEEL. And you can’t get those moments back, but you can have photographs to take you back to them. I have always described photographs as time machines and I am so grateful that I have so many but that I also get to give others that gift as my job. 

I chose this image because I love the light and shadows in it. We moved a few months ago and these plants are still sitting in their boxes from then. I love the storytelling of it and that I will know this is February because we put homemade hearts upon our windows.

Thank you Ali for sharing your story and your beautiful images. Congratulations on being published in the Click Pro magazine.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  The theme this month is {Revive} for so tag us with #sharesix_revive for another 2 weeks. The theme will change on April 6, 2022.

Guest Highlight: January 2022:

Tags

#doublexposure, #icm, #lensbaby, #sharesix, #sharesix_abstract_22

Congratulations to @everythingamylsmith for being selected for the {Abstract} theme in January. Janet from @wiredtothemoon_ chose the theme and she absolutely loved your image.

Janet said this about your image:

I love this wintery abstract and the beautiful sleek lines from the ICM ( intentional camera movement) It’s like a painting with the impression of brush strokes.

@everythingamylsmith

Photos from our Instagram page that we have chosen to highlight are below and are in alphabetical order. Click on the names to link to the photographers page.  Go and like them, show them some love, you will enjoy seeing their images in your feed. Congratulations to you all.

@karen_thorne_

@melissabissellphotography

@michellewrightphotography

@shellbellephotos

Thank you for sharing your {Abstract} images with us. It was a quiet response, but this is definitely one of my favorite themes.

We look forward to seeing your images on our Facebook page and our Instagram Page.  Don’t forget to tag the Instagram posts with #sharesix_revive.  Each month we feature one artist on our Facebook and Webpage banner.  We will also do an interview with the featured artist, so share your images to be a part of this opportunity.

Look out for the new theme on April 6, 2022