Fogged In – But Still a Great Learning Experience with Alyson Stanfield

Solitary Tree

Time for Reflection

Hard to imagine, but not 50 feet from here are the rocky shores of Lake Michigan. I spent nearly three days in this foggy setting, and not once did I see the lake.

Which was a good thing, as I was at this pristine setting for a workshop, and so I didn’t have to fight distractions too much. Once I took my early morning fog photographs, the scenery never changed, and so I was able to focus on the workshop.

The workshop, by the way, was superb. I attended a Marketing Workshop for Artists by Alyson Stanfield, the author of the book I’d Rather Be in the Studio and dispenser of  wisdom on running a business when your business is art. Her Art Biz Blog is packed with great information if you can’t meet this dynamic lady in person.

Now that I have all these new tools and actions, I am committed to putting them into practice, a tiny bit at a time.

How exciting is that!

(BTW, thanks, Alyson!)

Photo Links Wednesday 3.10.10

Remember the Thrill of the Photo Booth?

Remember the Thrill of the Photo Booth?

A few articles from the last week. Anyone else have anything they’d like to share? Leave a link in the comments!

Photo Link Day!

Maybe this is a topic you give a lot of thought to, maybe it’s a topic that never crosses your mind. It’s an article from Digital Photography School on the quest for the perfect camera bag (for us women photogs). I’ve had several camera bags and I’m currently using a LowePro backpack with the zipper that is next to my back. But sometimes I’d like a little less of a camera bag and a litttle more of just a bag. Any female photog have an opinion on this subject? Have you found a camera bag that doesn’t scream “camera equipment inside!”? The comments are interesting, and it is a long comment thread. Lots of ideas.

Chase Jarvis encourages photogs to spill the beans, and share their favorite, secret locations for out of sight photography. I checked the comments –I’d like visit each and every suggestion.

A series by Matthew Kaufmann focuses on the business part of photography. I never thought it would be of any interest to me. Now that it is, I wish I had started paying attention a little sooner. There wouldn’t be so much to learn. The articles include writing your photography marketing plan, writing a marketing plan summary, writing a mission statementsetting marketing plan goals, and analyzing your marketing plan.

National Geographic posted its top 10 photo favorites from 2009. I have a favorite (the photo contrasting the little girl with the women). Do you have one?

Cactus Pottery – Art in Tubac Arizona

Tubac Arizona

Another Memoir Container (in Metaphor)

Here is another photograph of pottery to announce another article on collecting memories and assembling them into a multimedia memoir.

This cactus pottery was seen on an adobe window in the town of Tubac, a few miles south of Tucson. I love how it appears to have a palo verde tree growing out of the container.

Rather metaphorical, like memoirs that can grow from writing just a few words every day.

Green Places – Exploring Bolz Conservatory in Olbrich Botanica Gardens

Green is Beautiful

Green is Beautiful

The sun is shining, the snow is melting. I always think of mid-March as the teaser. Sunny days, almost touching the 50˚F mark. The a dip back into the teens or 20s and frosty again. There are bits of my yard where there are peeks of grass, though much of the yard is under 6 or more inches of crusty snow. But it’s melting. Yes, it truly will be Spring soon.

I still have to find my green in the Bolz Tropical Conservatory, but I’m practicing for when those first bits of green shoots pop out of the earth. Ahhhhhhh!

Chicago’s Water Tower on the Magnificent Mile

on the Magnificent Mile

on the Magnificent Mile

The Water Tower on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue has historically been considered the most significant survivor from Chicago’s disastrous fire of 1871. It has become a symbol of Chicago’s revival and fighting spirit to come back from tragedy.

The Tower, built as a pumping station in 1869, was designed by architect William W Boyington. It is on the US Register of Historic Places.

Two other well known, though significantly more modern buildings, loom in the background of the Tower. The Water Tower Place is to the left of the tower, and the John Hancock Center is on its right.