Thursday, December 1, 2011

original



“Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.”
– C. S. Lewis

My mind has been so full of thoughts about where I want my business and my life to go. I have been studying other people's work, researching what it takes to succeed and trying to be purposeful in everything I do. I've let go of the idea that I can't, that I don't have what I need, that there isn't enough money and a million other things. There are tons of people out there. I am just one of the many photographers in my city, not to mention the rest of the world. It's hard to stand out when amidst a crowd. I know that, but it doesn't discourage me.


Images have the incredible potential to encapsulate a truth and capture emotions. My goal it to do just that. I want to show the truth that love knows no bounds, that each person is unique and wonderfully made by the Creator, that marriage is a beautiful thing, that there is merit in little things and so much more. I don't need to worry about being original; I already am. I just need to stay true to myself and encapsulate the world how I see it, not how I am suppose to see it or merely for the sake of being "different".



There will never be another you, so embrace it. Don't worry about standing out in whatever you do, but seek to express truth. That is enough. Don't change who you are to be more "original" or sacrifice truth for the sake of something that won't last.


PS: Don't forget to enter to win these supper cute earrings here!

37 comments:

Jenni Austria Germany said...

love your tights.

Laura Nelson said...

These photos are so gorgeous! The bokeh is so pretty too! :) I love that quote!!! I just love it all :)

Contemplating Beauty said...

Girrrrrl you are so right on. I have loved and cherished this quote for years. Someone once told me that I was this quote. Because I have been teased for being "different" for years, and now that being "different" is cool, such as vintage, thrifting, etc. etc. it's like everyone is into it. Do you know what I mean? I have never "tried" to be different, I feel I am just who I am, and always have been...and I am sure others feel that way too, but you are right, it's just about simply being, and doing what we were made to be and if we are inspired along the way by other great work, then so be it, that's good. But the hardest thing to grasp is that we are ALL needles in a haystack when it comes to talents etc...but what's unique about us, and sets us apart, is that we are defined by our Creator, we get our worth from Christ, He is the Ruler of our hearts, the keeper of our days. So whether our work "succeeds" on a worldly level or not, it REALLY doesn't matter, what matters is that we are living for HIS KINGDOM, our bodies are not our own, this world is not our home (Switchfoot)
And girl you are doing it, your work is seriously SO unique to my eyes. I haven't seen anything quite like it and I've seen a lot b/c I was in advertising for 5 years and one of my BF's is a photographer!
Keep on keepin on and giving Him the glory and that is all that counts.
Love you girl, you have been an inspiration since day one. You know that. I hope I made sense here! xoxoxo

Emily grapes said...

There's nothing like being yourself. Love everything you said and the pictures are great. My favorite is the ornament on the twig.
Emily at Amazing Grapes

Unknown said...

I think your pictures are looking Beautiful!! Stay encouraged, You are doing great :)

Mckenzie Jean said...

that photo of the red ornament is just stunning! You truly have an amazing and original eye. I always look forward to seeing the pictures you post!

Anonymous said...

Jen you're beautiful. I love that shot with the sun behind you

Anonymous said...

Jen you're beautiful. I love that shot with the sun behind you

Candice said...

my goodness..I don't think I've seen a photo of yours that I haven't loved..you are stunning, Jen! :)

Unknown said...

Gorgeous photos! Very inspiring.

Breeanna @ a brilliant melody said...

I struggle with trying to just be myself and not what I think others want me to be. In my bathroom I have a quote by Oscar Wilde, "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."

Annie said...

i love your photos. i think you really have a voice of your own in photography, and i love that. i love knowing that whenever i see your photographs, i am going to get a glimpse of how you speak to the world.

Charissa Steyn said...

well said Jennifer! thank you for the inspiration today!!

♥ CheChe said...

I am loving this post of yours. Originality is what happens when we are just honest with who and what we are and how we see and our voice and our beliefs. That is the originality that matters and the originality that makes our relationship with Christ so inpenetrable. Blessings to you girl!

♥CheChe

Sierra @ Sierra's View said...

I love that quote so much.
And even though I do not know you, I think your pictures are stunning. Be confident in your talent!

Sarah B. said...

Yes! Thanks for these encouraging words - I'm stopping by from Casey's!

Annie said...

" I don't need to worry about being original; I already am." Beautiful, and so true. Why do we forget??

Anonymous said...

I think you might like this quote. It's one of my favorites from Dr. Seuss:

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than you."

I've always loved that one so much!

Lisa @ MMT said...

Great post and beautiful pictures! You are right about just being you and true to yourself. I need a reminder of this every once in awhile too!

Jennifer Rod said...

I love the last part Jen! So true.

ashley marie wilson said...

model AND photographer... beautiful :)

Natalie @ NS Pottery said...

Love that quote! And I love you! :)

Natalie @ NS Pottery said...

AND I think we need to get together so you can teach me some things about photography :)

Amy @ AGirlCalledBeloved said...

I so admire your drive Jen!
Gorgeous photos!
Gorgeous you!

Sam W. said...

this outfit is beautiful!! perfectly wintery and girly.

love your words and your cute blog :)

Jen said...

Can I just say how much I love this post?
Your vision, your words about what you want to capture are just so amazing. You are honestly my favorite photographer and I truly wish you lived closer!
That picture with the Christmas bulb is the best holiday picture i've seen this season :) LOVE it!

Allie said...

These are such great photos, and of course you are beautiful!

howficklemyheart.wordpress.com
new post: how to live an exceptional life.

Marissa said...

AH! love this post! very encouraging and inspiring :) And I just LOVE your photos. seriously, you have such an amazing eye.

♥Samarah

meme-and-he said...

your photos are seriously unreal! What kind of lense do you use (mind me asking)?? love those cute packages!

Lindsey Peterson said...

Gorgeous!

... said...

Your way with words is so beautiful. This post is uplifting, motivating, and empowering. God has designed each of us intricately, giving us each gifts and strengths that web us into who we are. We are capable of anything with a self-supporting attitude. One that believes, dreams, and perseveres. You my dear, are amazing. Your heart is amazing. Your writing is amazing. Your photography is amazing. Be proud. Hold fast. Keep believing. You are something!

kaysie said...

Can we talk about how beautiful you are? I took a break from blogging for like 3 weeks and I cant remember your blog looking so awesome

Unknown said...

this is wonderful!! I absolutely LOVE your words and these pictures.......great job!!! so beautiful & creative!

daniel.and.stefanie said...

Love your philosophy on photography :) Keep taking beautiful pictures!

Anonymous said...

you are beautiful friend! i absolutely love these photos :) xoxo!

Anonymous said...

So many great truths in this post... I love it! I think that just by being true to ourselves, we will automatically be "different." And different is GOOD because God made us all to give something different to the world.
You take amazing photos. I love your perspective... sometimes I just browse the pics on your blog because I enjoy seeing all the prettiness you capture through your lens.

Lublyou said...

how could any pictures be so pretty?!?! fantastic!!

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