Hi,
I'm working hard at not working hard at change. Argh! Yup, that would be true.
Much of what I see in my life is valid data, however, my judgment on it is difficult to deal with.
I had a man from the ManKind Project steal a lens from me. Granted it was a piece of crap Sigma, it was still mine. I did not give it to him, and was perfectly clear he could use it, just to try it out. Anyone w/a camera knows their lens collection is valuable and sacred. I offered as a sign of good faith and trust.
After I loaned the lens and micro drive, I figured some things out about him. He had his children taken from him under the suspicion of child abuse. I didn't want to have anything to do with him and therefore told him. I also asked for my lens and memory drive back. He became abusive, (which I saved on my phone) texting me and calling saying things like "I guess you're not going to give me what I need" and laughing at the idea that I showed trust by loaning him my gear.
He did not return my equipment, and text me that he left it at my house and "don't ever contact me again."
I'm glad I got off with only that much loss. His boys did not get off so easily.
I did ask in the MKP community about him, and since he was a council member and no one had anything bad to say, I let my guard down. What I later discovered was no one had first hand knowledge of him either and he left the council and community without any notice at all.
I take responsibility for it, and consider it a lesson learned with very little damage. It is a wise Universe, I just don't always understand her language.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Setting the Wedding Stage
Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer
It has been my experience that it’s best to work with people you like. With that said, talent and attraction come into play, but not just yet.
Here is an example; when ran a kitchen remodel for my home I interviewed three drywall companies. The pricing with one was low, one was middle and the other higher. The highest guy was late. The low guy talked fast, and rushed me while asking questions, and took phone calls while with me. The middle guy, I had to wait for an appointment, however, he was on time, low-key, relaxed and easy going. I know from doing remodels in the past it can be a stressful situation. My kitchen will be torn up for months. I’ll have to wash dishes in the slope sink and deal with men in my house every day. Under the best circumstances it is stress on my life, so choosing people I don’t mind seeing every day or feel relaxed around is truly helpful.
I chose the middle guy for all those reasons. He turned out to be funny and I actually looked forward to his work days. He was punctual, dedicated to my job and not on the phone every five minutes. Not only that, but what I came to understand was, when I walked into the new kitchen it was already filled with laughter and pleasant feelings. I’d set the stage for my new kitchen, so when I walked into that room I felt good, relaxed. This could have gone far differently had I been waiting for my contractor every time, or been put off, or they didn’t show up on time. This is a glaringly obvious choice, however, people often times over look the easier answer when price shopping.
You will spend hours with your photographer, he/she will ask a myriad of questions, come to understand your family like no other professional at your wedding with exception for the coordinator and will see you on your big day. They will, however, not tear up your kitchen and you won’t have to wash dishes in the slope sink.
Tip 1.)
Which photography are you attracted to? Which art speaks louder to you? Which are you most impressed by?
Tip 2.)
Which photographer took time with you? Which one did you feel most relaxed around? Which one would you like to work with?
Tip 3.)
Which photographer do you feel important and valued by? This is critical. If you don’t feel that your photographer is interested or locked on then they probably won’t be on your big day. How well did he/she listen to you? Did they take notes? Did they ask questions that will help them understand your wants?
So, what kind of stage do you want to set for your marriage? This is the biggest celebration of your life and the launch of your new life partner. Why not start off with people who support you and enjoy being around you?
It has been my experience that it’s best to work with people you like. With that said, talent and attraction come into play, but not just yet.
Here is an example; when ran a kitchen remodel for my home I interviewed three drywall companies. The pricing with one was low, one was middle and the other higher. The highest guy was late. The low guy talked fast, and rushed me while asking questions, and took phone calls while with me. The middle guy, I had to wait for an appointment, however, he was on time, low-key, relaxed and easy going. I know from doing remodels in the past it can be a stressful situation. My kitchen will be torn up for months. I’ll have to wash dishes in the slope sink and deal with men in my house every day. Under the best circumstances it is stress on my life, so choosing people I don’t mind seeing every day or feel relaxed around is truly helpful.
I chose the middle guy for all those reasons. He turned out to be funny and I actually looked forward to his work days. He was punctual, dedicated to my job and not on the phone every five minutes. Not only that, but what I came to understand was, when I walked into the new kitchen it was already filled with laughter and pleasant feelings. I’d set the stage for my new kitchen, so when I walked into that room I felt good, relaxed. This could have gone far differently had I been waiting for my contractor every time, or been put off, or they didn’t show up on time. This is a glaringly obvious choice, however, people often times over look the easier answer when price shopping.
You will spend hours with your photographer, he/she will ask a myriad of questions, come to understand your family like no other professional at your wedding with exception for the coordinator and will see you on your big day. They will, however, not tear up your kitchen and you won’t have to wash dishes in the slope sink.
Tip 1.)
Which photography are you attracted to? Which art speaks louder to you? Which are you most impressed by?
Tip 2.)
Which photographer took time with you? Which one did you feel most relaxed around? Which one would you like to work with?
Tip 3.)
Which photographer do you feel important and valued by? This is critical. If you don’t feel that your photographer is interested or locked on then they probably won’t be on your big day. How well did he/she listen to you? Did they take notes? Did they ask questions that will help them understand your wants?
So, what kind of stage do you want to set for your marriage? This is the biggest celebration of your life and the launch of your new life partner. Why not start off with people who support you and enjoy being around you?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
An Insecure Photographer
Many things have been happening. More and more people are sharing my art with others. Fan-freaking-tastic! My latest images from my studio were posted on TamiGramont.com and received very distinct support from other photographers.
Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and thought, 'I don't look half bad there.' Well, what if you could catch those moments and think, 'I look pretty good there.' ? Or better yet, enjoyed your image without hubris? Just enjoyed it.
How to Choose a Photographer
I understand it is truly important that the person sitting feels comfortable, relaxed, and we have the luxury of time. The person sitting often times judges themselves much harder than the photographer. I don't judge what I see, I see shapes, lighting, colors, emotions and watch for hidden things to be revealed. I wait for the magic.
I can find beauty in all people and things, I'm not just lucky that way, I practice every day. So sitting for me is being admired and enjoyed. I see authentic aspects to the person they might not see. I open the door for a sexy woman to step forward from a "girl next door" personality that turned out to be one of my most edgy portraits. She saw a different side of herself.
We all have stories about or insecurities and resistances. We also all have inner beauty, power and energy. I wait for the person to let go of their "stories" and just be.
Here's a secret. I can see those things all the time, I just watch for the emotion to flush the skin and then "click". I hope I've revealed what I understood.
Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and thought, 'I don't look half bad there.' Well, what if you could catch those moments and think, 'I look pretty good there.' ? Or better yet, enjoyed your image without hubris? Just enjoyed it.
How to Choose a Photographer
I understand it is truly important that the person sitting feels comfortable, relaxed, and we have the luxury of time. The person sitting often times judges themselves much harder than the photographer. I don't judge what I see, I see shapes, lighting, colors, emotions and watch for hidden things to be revealed. I wait for the magic.
I can find beauty in all people and things, I'm not just lucky that way, I practice every day. So sitting for me is being admired and enjoyed. I see authentic aspects to the person they might not see. I open the door for a sexy woman to step forward from a "girl next door" personality that turned out to be one of my most edgy portraits. She saw a different side of herself.
We all have stories about or insecurities and resistances. We also all have inner beauty, power and energy. I wait for the person to let go of their "stories" and just be.
Here's a secret. I can see those things all the time, I just watch for the emotion to flush the skin and then "click". I hope I've revealed what I understood.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Zen Photography Practice
I see the world in a hyper focused way, not just with my eyes, or with my mind, but emotionally and physically. I let the image permeate me until I am seamless with what I am looking at... Most days.
When I'm engaged in my world, tuned in, locked on and paying attention, I attach myself, for a brief second, to all that I see. I gather tons of information about a shadow, or a shape or a color. I see a shadow and go into it. Examine it from all angles. If I painted that shadow what colors would I use? Where does the scene begin and end? What actually makes up the shadow? Why do I like what I'm seeing? How is it important to me? What flirts with me? What story is it telling me? What do I feel? What are my impressions? What do I smell?
(Its my belief there are others like this, although I've not proven this true, but to a small extent.)
All this, most of the time, happens in a split second. I see things constantly that could be a photo or I could save for later contemplation or enjoyment. That's really the most of it for me, something I see as interesting, something that flirts with, that captures my attention like a soft wind might. Most of us dismiss this wind, we have become numb to it until it gets strong, forceful and annoying. I pay attention to the slightest breeze.
I think there are two extreme examples of how to deal with this attraction of mine to everything: I could stand still and enjoy the breeze or wind letting it touch my skin or embrace me with its might, both the gentle touch or the determination of force are elements to encounter, for the simple sake of the encounter, the experience. The other example would be to strive against my nature pretend the breeze does not exist or plow through the pain-in-the-ass wind cursing it along the way. Both ignoring my deeper desire, my authentic self. Ignoring one's nature is like ignoring the wind. We all know its there, but how we deal with it, address it, and allow it to move through us, past us is our grace, our zen practice of life, which is art.
So, some days I choose not be lock-on, and other days it sneaks up on me. I forget this is my behavior, my nature until I see it happen within my relationships. I suppose we're all capable of this behavior, to be too sensitive, or too intense... Something. My most inner climate is intense, full of rich colors, amazing shapes and contrast, juxtapositions and paradoxical ideas. Only when my guard is down do I see this manifest in my relationships... Maybe that too is becoming more authentic, which is my personal goal in life.
That is my goal in photography. To bring about my understanding of that most authentic and sincere moment, or characteristic in a person. That deep authenticity can be so fleeting that it is only a ripple under the skin, a passing emotion on the face. If I lose my vigilance I miss that moment. The thing is, I don't try to be vigilant. I try NOT to be. Vigilance is my nature.
I was doing what I do, watching my environment, when I saved this moment. She was turning her head and lowered her gaze, dropped her eyes just so, my heart caught. My finger reacted first, but my heart did catch and I didn't have to look at my camera screen to see what I had. I knew what I saw.
When I'm engaged in my world, tuned in, locked on and paying attention, I attach myself, for a brief second, to all that I see. I gather tons of information about a shadow, or a shape or a color. I see a shadow and go into it. Examine it from all angles. If I painted that shadow what colors would I use? Where does the scene begin and end? What actually makes up the shadow? Why do I like what I'm seeing? How is it important to me? What flirts with me? What story is it telling me? What do I feel? What are my impressions? What do I smell?
(Its my belief there are others like this, although I've not proven this true, but to a small extent.)
All this, most of the time, happens in a split second. I see things constantly that could be a photo or I could save for later contemplation or enjoyment. That's really the most of it for me, something I see as interesting, something that flirts with, that captures my attention like a soft wind might. Most of us dismiss this wind, we have become numb to it until it gets strong, forceful and annoying. I pay attention to the slightest breeze.
I think there are two extreme examples of how to deal with this attraction of mine to everything: I could stand still and enjoy the breeze or wind letting it touch my skin or embrace me with its might, both the gentle touch or the determination of force are elements to encounter, for the simple sake of the encounter, the experience. The other example would be to strive against my nature pretend the breeze does not exist or plow through the pain-in-the-ass wind cursing it along the way. Both ignoring my deeper desire, my authentic self. Ignoring one's nature is like ignoring the wind. We all know its there, but how we deal with it, address it, and allow it to move through us, past us is our grace, our zen practice of life, which is art.
So, some days I choose not be lock-on, and other days it sneaks up on me. I forget this is my behavior, my nature until I see it happen within my relationships. I suppose we're all capable of this behavior, to be too sensitive, or too intense... Something. My most inner climate is intense, full of rich colors, amazing shapes and contrast, juxtapositions and paradoxical ideas. Only when my guard is down do I see this manifest in my relationships... Maybe that too is becoming more authentic, which is my personal goal in life.
That is my goal in photography. To bring about my understanding of that most authentic and sincere moment, or characteristic in a person. That deep authenticity can be so fleeting that it is only a ripple under the skin, a passing emotion on the face. If I lose my vigilance I miss that moment. The thing is, I don't try to be vigilant. I try NOT to be. Vigilance is my nature.
I was doing what I do, watching my environment, when I saved this moment. She was turning her head and lowered her gaze, dropped her eyes just so, my heart caught. My finger reacted first, but my heart did catch and I didn't have to look at my camera screen to see what I had. I knew what I saw.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Finding Beauty
I realized that I can find something beautiful on anyone. The curve of a hip, the angle of a wrist, the nape of a neck, the defined muscle. However, that does not include the stereotypical pose or portrait.
I couldn't get enough of the people at the gym today. There were so many, at a time I don't usually go, that I'd never seen before it was hard to stop looking. There was a woman with short spiky overly blond hair that I would have loved to photograph, only because she walked in with her well defined arms exposed in contrast to her high heals, her curvy body in a slim fitted skirt and more confidence then women half her age. It was all so alluring I wanted a chance to capture some of it, freeze it so she could see what I see.
There are always beautiful men there too. The shoulders and legs, all that is exposed, all that is "man" is hard not to look at too. I wondered how I could ask anyone of them, "Hi, if you ever need photographs please call me. I'd love a chance..." Then, I thought, this is a safe place, a place where we are not our professions, or who we are out "there" but how dedicated we are, how hard we work, how focused we are. I won't violate that.
Not me. I am a photographer all the time. It is how I see the world. It is not a job. It my life. It never shuts off, or loses interest for me. I can always see art around me. So, do I get a reprieve for asking someone to do what others think is my job in this place?
They are all just so freaking amazing... Damn it.
I couldn't get enough of the people at the gym today. There were so many, at a time I don't usually go, that I'd never seen before it was hard to stop looking. There was a woman with short spiky overly blond hair that I would have loved to photograph, only because she walked in with her well defined arms exposed in contrast to her high heals, her curvy body in a slim fitted skirt and more confidence then women half her age. It was all so alluring I wanted a chance to capture some of it, freeze it so she could see what I see.
There are always beautiful men there too. The shoulders and legs, all that is exposed, all that is "man" is hard not to look at too. I wondered how I could ask anyone of them, "Hi, if you ever need photographs please call me. I'd love a chance..." Then, I thought, this is a safe place, a place where we are not our professions, or who we are out "there" but how dedicated we are, how hard we work, how focused we are. I won't violate that.
Not me. I am a photographer all the time. It is how I see the world. It is not a job. It my life. It never shuts off, or loses interest for me. I can always see art around me. So, do I get a reprieve for asking someone to do what others think is my job in this place?
They are all just so freaking amazing... Damn it.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
You are the smartest you know. How do I know this? If you are reading this you have kept yourself fed, clothed and sheltered for your entire life. You. No matter what your judgment is of your circumstances, you are doing it.
"Ask yourself the secret of YOUR success. Listen to your answer, and practice it." ~ Richard Bach
Judgment is not fact. Fact - you are alive. Fact - you have all you NEED right now. Fact - you are breathing. Fact - you can read. Fact - you are interested in others. Fact - you are open minded.
Things can get confusing with training dogs, horses, people. I know, many don't like the idea of "training" others and without judgment we "teach" each other how to treat us, and that can easily be replaced with "training". We weight train, on the job train, train for athletics and train for competitions. Why is it thought that "training" each other how to treat us is negative? So, suspend your judgment and think about this, by re-acting to those situations we do not like we support them and reinforce the training. Who's training who?
In horse training (or horsemanship) if a every time a horse paws while tied and its person runs to it (thinking the horse is nervous) that person strokes it, speaks soothingly and tries to comfort the horse, that horse will know the routine. Paw and get attention. The horse's message is clear, "Hey you! Come here!"Who trained who?
When your husband/wife is freaking out because they are late do you go to his/her rescue? How do you feel afterward? Is the next thought, "Why does he/she make me ____?" or "I hate it that he/she creates such drama around ____."
Next time, I invite you to ignore the behavior. Choose something different. It doesn't have to be perfect, just different. The originator of the chaos taught you how to respond to that drama and you created a role to play. Now, you respond as if on cue. Change the role, create one of steadfast calm. Or just something different, without judging the out come. Stay in the moment, maintain calm and do the simplest thing... nothing.
We teach our selves how to respond as well. What do you think when you pay a bill? To you pay it and then have fear that sending money is lessening your assets and soon you'll be poor. So is that the role you've taught yourself? What other fears have you taught yourself to respond to internally? Better put your seat belt on so we don't have an accident. Be careful so you don't get hurt. Don't go, do, behave in any way that you might get hurt or... Trained thought patterns. Over and over these thoughts generate fear.
How about this? "I am grateful I can pay this bill. I can keep myself safe by using my seat belt." By changing these thoughts we change thought processes, mental pathways. A friend of mine who did her thesis on group dynamics and behaviors told me, 'A habit is like water running down a mountain. After awhile there is a deep rut, or even a cavern, that can take practice to divert that same waterway.'
Can we retrain ourselves? That is the real question. I began this blog with the statement, 'you are the smartest person you know'. Why? Because YOU kept yourself alive. No one else. Your only job was to keep your body at 98.7 and alive. Today, you have accomplished both of those tasks. If you have a fever today, I'm sorry, AND 1 our of 2 isn't bad.
For today, question your thoughts. Suspend judgment and see the facts first. Save your "story" for another day. Today, just see things as they are, not as you judge them. You will be better able to respond instead of reacting.
*Blog thoughts inspired by "What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage", by Amy Sutherland
Tami Gramont
Orginally posted NewHorsePhotography
"Ask yourself the secret of YOUR success. Listen to your answer, and practice it." ~ Richard Bach
Judgment is not fact. Fact - you are alive. Fact - you have all you NEED right now. Fact - you are breathing. Fact - you can read. Fact - you are interested in others. Fact - you are open minded.
Things can get confusing with training dogs, horses, people. I know, many don't like the idea of "training" others and without judgment we "teach" each other how to treat us, and that can easily be replaced with "training". We weight train, on the job train, train for athletics and train for competitions. Why is it thought that "training" each other how to treat us is negative? So, suspend your judgment and think about this, by re-acting to those situations we do not like we support them and reinforce the training. Who's training who?
In horse training (or horsemanship) if a every time a horse paws while tied and its person runs to it (thinking the horse is nervous) that person strokes it, speaks soothingly and tries to comfort the horse, that horse will know the routine. Paw and get attention. The horse's message is clear, "Hey you! Come here!"Who trained who?
When your husband/wife is freaking out because they are late do you go to his/her rescue? How do you feel afterward? Is the next thought, "Why does he/she make me ____?" or "I hate it that he/she creates such drama around ____."
Next time, I invite you to ignore the behavior. Choose something different. It doesn't have to be perfect, just different. The originator of the chaos taught you how to respond to that drama and you created a role to play. Now, you respond as if on cue. Change the role, create one of steadfast calm. Or just something different, without judging the out come. Stay in the moment, maintain calm and do the simplest thing... nothing.
We teach our selves how to respond as well. What do you think when you pay a bill? To you pay it and then have fear that sending money is lessening your assets and soon you'll be poor. So is that the role you've taught yourself? What other fears have you taught yourself to respond to internally? Better put your seat belt on so we don't have an accident. Be careful so you don't get hurt. Don't go, do, behave in any way that you might get hurt or... Trained thought patterns. Over and over these thoughts generate fear.
How about this? "I am grateful I can pay this bill. I can keep myself safe by using my seat belt." By changing these thoughts we change thought processes, mental pathways. A friend of mine who did her thesis on group dynamics and behaviors told me, 'A habit is like water running down a mountain. After awhile there is a deep rut, or even a cavern, that can take practice to divert that same waterway.'
Can we retrain ourselves? That is the real question. I began this blog with the statement, 'you are the smartest person you know'. Why? Because YOU kept yourself alive. No one else. Your only job was to keep your body at 98.7 and alive. Today, you have accomplished both of those tasks. If you have a fever today, I'm sorry, AND 1 our of 2 isn't bad.
For today, question your thoughts. Suspend judgment and see the facts first. Save your "story" for another day. Today, just see things as they are, not as you judge them. You will be better able to respond instead of reacting.
*Blog thoughts inspired by "What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage", by Amy Sutherland
Tami Gramont
Orginally posted NewHorsePhotography
Monday, June 1, 2009
About Hind End Photograph
Hi, Good Monday Morning!
My studio should be up and running by the end of this week. I've begun doing a variety of photography and am entering into the world of weddings! I'm terribly excited.
I went to a Wedding Event Networking meeting Thursday at the Firesky Resort in Scottsdale. It was very cool. The talent in one room, I came to find out, was amazing. I ran home, after getting through the traffic on the 101 at 9:00 PM, to discover some of the premier wedding photographers of Phoenix were there.
People like, Archie, from Cosey Photography.com and Sararh Hagerty from Hagerty Photography.com and Katrina from Sedona Bride and even, Holley Schumacher from Holley Schumacher Photography .
All amazingly gifted and talented wedding photographers AND seemingly nice people.
I've met the most amazing photographers and people who are all connected to the wedding industry in some way.
I'm now working with Ken Gray Helicopter Aerial Photography and Photo Decor and More on new projects. He called me out of the blue the last Monday. I thought, 'Wow the Universe works quickly!'
Just posted an edgy image that is getting a lot of attention at Tami Gramont Photography .
Keep checking back for my new outlook and newest photography.
My studio should be up and running by the end of this week. I've begun doing a variety of photography and am entering into the world of weddings! I'm terribly excited.
I went to a Wedding Event Networking meeting Thursday at the Firesky Resort in Scottsdale. It was very cool. The talent in one room, I came to find out, was amazing. I ran home, after getting through the traffic on the 101 at 9:00 PM, to discover some of the premier wedding photographers of Phoenix were there.
People like, Archie, from Cosey Photography.com and Sararh Hagerty from Hagerty Photography.com and Katrina from Sedona Bride and even, Holley Schumacher from Holley Schumacher Photography .
All amazingly gifted and talented wedding photographers AND seemingly nice people.
I've met the most amazing photographers and people who are all connected to the wedding industry in some way.
I'm now working with Ken Gray Helicopter Aerial Photography and Photo Decor and More on new projects. He called me out of the blue the last Monday. I thought, 'Wow the Universe works quickly!'
Just posted an edgy image that is getting a lot of attention at Tami Gramont Photography .
Keep checking back for my new outlook and newest photography.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
