So far…

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I know everyone is saying it but how is it already July, actually almost August! I’ll accept that it could be February, maybe March, but not July! Of course so much has been happening that I don’t know where to begin……

Ok so photography. I still love it. You put me in front of anything and I can get the pictures going in my head, the potential, the ideas, the plans. Being in the Gold Coast I have so many options which means inevitably I neglect growing the business side of Jona Photography. If the choice is going out at 2am because I know the milky way is going to look amazing rising up from behind Mount Warning (my thoughts on tonight) or sleeping through the night so I can work on marketing during the day, the decision isn’t hard. You can see my dilemma.

My last two photography gigs have been a family shoot and website photography for a surgeon. Not pet related but I’m beginning to understand that I go where the opportunities are.  The family shoot was at the beach and was a beautiful Gold Coast winter day, beautiful colours and all organised within a few days, before 3 of the 4 participants went back to their home country of Hong Kong. The website shoot meant having my camera in an office and in the operating theatre. I really enjoyed capturing someone in their own environment and I’m looking forward to seeing the new website with my shots.

In the last 6 months I’m unveiled my new website, which looks amazing thanks to the patient assistance of Jo, from Jo Kuipers Design. I’ve also set a date for my exhibition. That’s right my 1st exhibition is Monday 6th February 2017 in Kirra. There will be an opening night and then my work will be displayed for 2 weeks. At this stage I think it will be titled “Celebrating Australia”. There’s so much beauty in Australia and although there’s so much to explore, I’m getting there. I’ve been down to Victoria twice this year, 3 times if you count I returned to Gold Coast from Melbourne on the 1st of January and had my first trip to Western Australia. What an amazing place! I loved the beaches, the skies, the beauty of it all. With my sister there I’m sure to make a return trip soon. I’ve also worked out astrophotography and when the milky way rises and sets. The featured image is from last night’s outing.

I think the main theme for the last 6 months has been excitement. There is so much exciting potential to be captured and displayed. I remember realising 10 years ago that photography lifted me up, energised me and it still does. Now though I’m more excited by the results I can give.

Art takes time

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I love photography. I love taking photos of a subject and knowing the outcome is good. I love the opportunity to capture something so beautiful that only lasts a small period of time or limited in who sees it and make it accessible for all. I love that I can say that’s my picture, my memory, my gift to you. Last month I wanted koalas and at David Fleay’s Wildlife Park I had these two willing models. Included in the photos was this an unexpected shot.

Who knew koalas could fly?

Of course photography takes time. Often the shooting time is only a 1/4 (or less!) of the time required making the final multiple masterpiece. That’s why in reflection I’ve decided I’m going to be more intentional in what I shoot.  Yes I love photography but like everyone I have limited time. That’s why I’m going back to focusing on animals, pets and landscape projects.

In the last 2 months I’ve included doing a wedding, a newborn/family and a business workplace. I’ve enjoyed working with different people and have believed it’s been a privilege to have an inside look into their world. I’ve also learnt from each opportunity I’ve been given. However I don’t think I’d last the distance going from one speciality to another. As well as a photographer I’m a theatre nurse. As a theatre nurse I would not want to do ward nursing one day, community nursing another and then end the week in theatre. My sanity would not last and patients would become unhappy with the results I give.

The great thing about making a good decision is the peace it brings. It’s important for me to be realistic about what I can do and do it to the best of my ability. I’ll admit I’d love to spend more time taking photos but I can be grateful for what I can do.