A couple of months ago, I put out a call for guest posts to the Photo-Heart Connection participants. I asked them to write about what the Photo-Heart Connection meant to them this year. For the next few days I will share these very special answers with all of you, celebrating the first year of the Photo-Heart Connection. Enjoy!
Tree Shadows © 2012 Bo Mackison
One of the reasons I participate in Kat’s monthly Photo-Heart Connection is it offers me a monthly routine, that of looking through a month’s worth of photograph to see what it is I have been photographing. It encourages me to ask myself questions about my photography, and then answer those questions. Sometimes the obvious reason, the initial impulse to take a photograph, is only part of a more in-depth story. When I choose the photos which have a true “photo-heart connection” I always discover new reasons for taking certain photos, reasons not immediately obvious.
Pink Queen Anne’s Lace ©2012 Bo Mackison
When I looked through my entire set of Photo-Heart Connection photographs – there were 10 in total – I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I chose a wide variety of photographs using many different techniques. It was a heart-pleasure to realize my photography has developed from my original emphasis – taking macro-botanical photographs – into a block of work that encompasses many styles and techniques. It re-enforced my premise that taking photographs on an almost daily basis, a continuous practice of the craft, feeds not only the passion I have for photography, but also improves my craft and broadens my experiences.
Savanna-Sabula Bridge © 2012 Bo Mackison
I continue to shoot my first love – macro-botanicals. But I also shoot many landscapes, captured moments in time, abstract studies, architectural photos. There are photos that focus on composition, shadow play, mood, light, color. There are photos taken with a deliberate set-up using my DSLR; there are photos taken with my iPhone using the Hipstamatic or Snapseed apps. There are photos straight out of the camera and there are photos which I have intentionally used post processing software to achieve a certain look or feel.
Burlington Northern © 2012 Bo Mackison
But all of the photos had an underlying connection – they were either story-tellers or memory-triggers. I think that is what truly turns a photograph into a heart-connection photograph – the emotional response. Sometimes this connection is easily seen by other viewers, but often the connection is on a more personal or private level.
And that is a great thing to recognize – that ultimately I take photographs that speak to me on many levels and that are meaning-makers for me.
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Bo Mackison is a photographer and artist addicted to exploring sacred spaces, traveling to new places, being inspired by the natural world, and creating meaningful art, Her photography goal for 2013 is to create a hand-made, limited-edition art book including some of her photographs. Bo lives in Madison Wisconsin and Tucson Arizona. Her website and blog is at Seeded Earth Studio and you can find her on Facebook and Twitter.
Thanks so much Bo! It was fabulous to hear about your experience with the Photo-Heart Connection.
Join me for another guest post tomorrow! And don’t forget the other things going on in the Kat Eye Studio:
- Do you know anyone who got a new camera for Christmas? Gift them with the free Digital Photography Basics eBook. They will thank you!
- Exploring with a Camera: Lights of Night continues through the end of the month. Take some time and get out to capture those holiday lights before they disappear, and then share it with us here.
- Registration continues for Fuel Your Creativity, starting January 6, and Find Your Eye: Journey of Fascination, starting January 20. Both are all new for 2013!
I really enjoyed this soulful post by Bo, a very talented photographer whose work I thank you for helping me discover. I have only participated in a few Photo Heart connections but I really relate to everything Bo writes. I have found looking at my photos this way to be revelatory.
Thanks so much, Sherry. It was a fun article to write — made me really think about the Photo-Heart Connection, not only as a monthly project, but as a statement about my photography practice as a whole.
And I’ve enjoyed visiting every photographer that posts a photo each month, also. So often, photos are posted without much detail. When the photos are shared in the Connection, the photographers share a part of themselves too.
Wonderful guest post!
Thanks, gotham girl. Appreciate your comment.
Bo, I enjoyed reading this and seeing your images once again. Photo Heart Connection has been one of my favorite activities of 2012. Not only does it make me think about the images I have taken, as you have said so well, it also has connected so many of us with similar interests. I’m looking forward to carrying on this same ‘tradition’ in 2013.
Thanks, Deborah. It is always fun to connect with soul-spirited photographers on a project like this. I’m looking forward to what photography brings in 2013, too.
A very interesting piece and gorgeous photos. 2013 will be my year for stretching myself and getting out of that comfort zone. Have a Happy New Year….
Thank you, Viv. We all have those comfort zones we need to move away from, but the view is usually pretty darn amazing after the stretch. 🙂
A truly amazing range of styles and subjects – all beautifully shot. I agree with your premise about making photography a part of our daily life. That commitment has done more to improve my art than any class or tutorial. Thank you for sharing your art and your thoughts.
Thanks, Brenda. I was surprised when I looked over my many photographs and found so much diversity in subjects and styles. The realization made me feel proud of all the hard work and time I’ve devoted to my art. And yes, art as a part of daily life not only improved my art, it helped heal a great and persistent void in my life.
I´ve enjoyed reading this and seeing your wonderful photos once again… I have loved this project and sharing the journey with you. Happy 2013
Thank you, Zena. I agree it’s a wonderful community project.