Art and Photography: Reflections on the Creative Process | Charlotte Photographer Jamie Lucido

Some personal reflections, to start off the year.  Not that I know much beyond my own experience, but the exercise of reflection and renewed momentum is worthwhile, so I figured I’d share some thoughts for anyone who might be in the same boat.   You’re not alone.   I’m pretty sure any artist or business owner goes through these cycles of passion and renewal…

Seasons are important- in our lives, and in our business.   Especially if you run a creative business, because your mind is always on it.  For me, January is the most relaxed month, business-wise.  It allows me the time to renew myself from the buzzing of Fall and prepare for a busy Spring.  The analytical part of me looks at my calendar and focuses right in on those open days and thinks:  OH MY GOODNESS, I NEED TO FILL THAT!  But the wandering part of me just closes the page and smiles.  There is a power in giving yourself room to breathe. and think. and dream.

In January, I read my favorite books again.  I have the time to enjoy the 365 projects I’ve given myself.  I print out images that speak to me, and sit with them until they’ve released their secrets and I know which way to head next.   I have more conversations with friends and mentors.  I make short films from the clips I’ve collected over the year.  I dig in to the clues- the bits that make me happy, and the ones that make me uncomfortable.  Because I want to keep planting my own seeds, and GROW.   I spend more time with the people I love, and do more of the things that recharge my batteries.

I put myself out there on the web more in 2017, with the hope that the families who hire me will have noticed what kind of photographer I am, what kind of person I am, and chose me to create their images because they WANT my particular eye to be the one telling their story.  A good fit with my clients, and a healthy blend of photography and Art is what success looks like, to me.

When I lay out the full year to review, one thing is clear.  Its a big leap, from ‘photographer’ to ‘artist’, and I only think of myself as an artist when I catch one of my own sparks and it burns me a little, like an electrical zap.  Often, during the rest of the year, I’m focused on making sure the people who hire me are happy with their products.  I DO want to please my clients and create the vision THEY have in mind.  But the tricky part of balancing a passion and a business is how much of the work is your own voice.   So I’m frequently in the middle of personal projects, to fill the gap.

To quote from “Art and Fear” by David Bayles and Ted Orland (one of the books I’m enjoying re-reading again this month):

“Your work tells you about your working methods, your discipline, your strengths and weaknesses, your habitual gestures, your willingness to embrace.  The lessons you are meant to learn are in your work.  To see them, you need only look at the work clearly-without judgment, without need or fear, without wishes or hopes.  Without emotional expectations.  Ask your work what it needs, not what you need.  Then set aside your fears and listen, the way a good parent listens to a child.”

So, I’m reviewing and listening and looking forward to using those lessons in 2018.   Sharing one of my personal projects from last year (we did this in Fall, at my busiest time of year because… there’s a bit of reaching for your center, when the seas are so strong).  I was busy with real weddings, and longing for a quiet moment with a bride and groom, away from the hustle and limitations of a wedding day timeline, so I was delighted when my friend, Inara got married, and volunteered to be my muse for an afternoon shoot with her husband, Chris.  Newlyweds, their connection was so real and just perfect for the images I had in mind, and unlike a regular wedding because we had the freedom of time, and a big open space on our side.  When Melissa, the genius behind What’s Up Buttercup, and Jennifer from Jennifer Abercrombie Beauty joined in, for florals, hair and makeup, I knew it would be a beautiful afternoon at the Providence Cotton Mill.   With a mood in mind, and a 90mm tilt shift in hand, I thoroughly enjoyed our time together.  Thank you so much, for allowing me to create these images with you.  They fill up my tank and make me excited for the new year.  *hint: I discovered how much I enjoy this type of afternoon, and want to do it for real- if you’re planning on an intimate elopement this year, with artistic images in mind, especially if its by the shore or in the mountains, email me!* <3

For more images from this creative session, see our feature in The Carolinas Magazine <3

xo,

Jamie

The Creative Process: Art and Photography | Charlotte Photographer Jamie Lucido

Jamie Lucido is a family and wedding photographer based in Charlotte, NC.  Serving the Charlotte, Belmont, and Lake Norman areas including: The Vineyards, Cramerton, Gastonia, King’s Mountain, Crowder’s Mountain, Lake Wylie, Mt. Holly, South Park, Myers Park, Midwood, Berewick, Madison Park, Stonehaven, Dilworth, Starmount, Kingsbridge, Cameron Wood, NoDa, Commonwealth, Barclay Downs, Ballantyne, Highland Creek, Eastover, Foxcroft, Montibello, Wendover-Sedgewood, Hembstead, Park Crossing, Mountainbrook, Freedom Park, Providence Crossing, Denver, Davidson, Matthews, Ft. Mill, Waxhaw, Tega Kay, and vacation destinations worldwide.

Jamie Lucido offers family, wedding/engagement, and documentary photography.  Jamie’s style is to focus on beautiful light and meaningful connections, for artistic and natural images.

Jamie Lucido Photography, LLC | www.jamielucidophotography.com

For more information, find me on Facebook, Instagram, or Contact Me!