According to the IRS, if a business does not report a profit for 3 out of its first 5 years it is considered a hobby. An artist’s thrill is to turn their passion into an income. To have a sustainable excuse to give all of themselves to their art, day in and day out. A year and a half ago we set out with that ambition and formed TheLoveDoves. 2012 is a crucial year in determining how we will be defined. But it has already been an incredible year in redefining myself.
This morning a dear friend encouraged me to reflect on the photography business I had years ago in my home state. I started with a camera. One that I didn’t know how to work manually. Yes, I was a green box amateur. [Hanging head.] But I was wild with inspiration. And everything that came across my path got snapped. I mean every-little-thing. The salt and pepper shaker on the table. The branch outside my front door. And all living creatures I called family and friends. In February of 2004 I took my cousins and some black and white film down to the beach. I knew nothing about exposure or the lighting challenges the noon day sun holds. But I knew a whole lot about these two hearts and their relationship. I photographed my guts out and was left with the unedited memories you see below. They are like still frame versions of who these two used to be.
When we moved to Texas five years ago I wanted to learn what I never got the chance to. I wanted to study the technical. Research styles. And indulge on the works of those in this field I felt couldn’t breathe without leaving something wonderful behind. Those years allowed me to discover how I had been limiting myself with lack of knowledge and creativity. But focusing my attention on other’s brilliance opened a heavy door of comparison too. Fear crept in with every flaw I found in my portfolio. In my personality. In my business abilities. Etc. I lived in that oppressive shadow up until days ago.
A beautiful awakening is happening in me. I am feeling wild with inspiration again. I am returning to the wind blown version of my soul. I am sharing what I know are imperfect photographs because I am remembering that photography is about emotional connection. I am learning the hearts of those who are in front of my lens. I will be wearing my camera around my neck like a locket that a lover refuses to take off. And I have every intention of being fearless in the face of opportunity. I have abandoned myself to dreaming again. So, with unashamed hope, I am believing this will be an explosive year for TheLoveDoves.
Love & Light,
MrsLoveDove
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