Project Athena - Day 108 (Transparency)

I'm Looking Through You

“I think that my followers and potential customers need to see who I really am on social media platforms and in real life.”
— Bhadra

I feel inspired to write today so here are some thoughts on what it really means to be transparent in social media and why it could be a good thing.

I have heard there are benefits for social media users to "have transparency" but until I took some time to contemplate this, I was not really sure why. The theme this week has evoked some engrossing questions for me. How does transparency help me achieve my dream of being a professional photographer, exactly? What is the real benefit of transparency in all of life? What if I value privacy too?

I think that my followers and potential customers need to see who I really am on social media platforms and in real life. Rather than polishing an image or trying to be something I am not, I am hoping that my authenticity will come across as both honesty and integrity. I like to believe that most people value these things and choose to surround themselves with those whom they can trust.

Whenever I feel afraid of just being me, I ask myself "What criticism or opinion could be more important than being true to myself?" I have not ever found one thing that holds more worth than being REAL. Still, I know that opinions and judgements are a part of being out in the world and they can sometimes carry a wicked sting.  If I am brave enough to welcome feedback, both positive and negative, then at least the fear of criticism or success cannot hold me hostage.

So being up front and personable on this blog is happening. On the other hand, I try not to over share either. There may be some trade secrets or tedious details about how a shot came to be that would most certainly bore you. Nor am I about sharing private going-ons in my family or relationships. Rather, I like to share what is engaging, fun, interesting, useful, relevent and professional.

I love to engage as well, so online conversations are welcome! Comment, post, repost, share, etc. This project is about opening and expanding and your input is welcome. That's why it is called social media!

I guess I believe that transparency is fundamental to the success of most things in life. My willingness to be transparent in a way that you have come to expect will only mean increasing the odds for our continued correspondence in our future.

Greenhouse

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 18mm • F10 • 1/250s • ISO 400

Project Athena - 104 (Black & White)

Later Summer Flowers

“By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer.”
— Helen Hunt Jackson

White and green against a contrasting brown stained fence this Butterfly Bush is new to our landscaping a. I am loving that late summer fragrant blooms, hope you do too.

Butterfly Bush

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 200mm • F5.6 • 1/60s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 77 (Flowers)

Purple Coneflower

“When you contemplate the mandala you are harmonizing inside.”
— Joseph Campbell

The flower theme comes to a conclusion today and I have to say this has been one of my favorite weeks of shooting so far. It makes sense. I have been observing and studying the most amazing natural mandalas everywhere I go, for an entire week.

Yesterday, my partner asked me, "Why are you so happy this week?" I found myself at first searching for the reason. Then I realized this happiness she was observing could actually be my natural state of being and the simple act of appreciating the beauty that surrounds me has raised my vibration to its uninhibited, perfect pattern. I immediately stopped searching for the why and let the possibility that I could be happiness itself just resonate in my awareness.

Experiencing a facial expression created by turning the corners of my mouth upward ;)

Purple Coneflower  ( Echinacea purpurea)

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 44mm • F/5.3 • 1/60s • ISO 400

Project Athena - Day 76 ( Flowers)

Pink Pompom

“I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and... I believe in miracles.”
— Audrey Hepburn

Tonight I was blessed with the privilege of photographing in my next door neighbor's back yard. It's more like an amazing private sanctuary of beautiful colors and soothing sounds. Thanks neighbor. for sharing your oasis.

I have always loved these pompom flowers and honestly, I had forgotten what they are til tonight. They remind me of a colorful popcorn ball and the pink ones, in particular, melt my heart.

"So, so pretty" she said in a childlike voice, understating how emotionally moved she was by its stunning beauty.

Pink Hydrangea

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 120mm • F/4.8 • 1/100s • ISO 1600