I’ve been thinking a lot about how creativity is born. In any creative profession, there is a delicate balance between business and art. They can compliment each other and also wage war. There is a moment that you decide to risk the art you love the most for the hope to do it every day, where you put it all in, and risk losing what you love the most in pursuit of a career that you truly love and believe in. You go from beloved hobby to a creative professional making a living. It’s exhilarating, powerful and terrifying. You risk it all.
I’ve had many conversations with photographers about this delicate balance. To succeed you must pull back on the business end to allow creative space for yourself. It is so important to feed the creative in you and no one can tell you how that happens. It is different for each artist. For some it is being alone in the quiet to find rejuvenation and new flow of creativity. For others its being among the hustle and bustle of others, watching and feeding on the energy of others. For some its books, traveling,the outdoors, music, dinner with friends or reading the newspaper.
As I continue on this journey I realize how so very important it is to feed my creativity. I am learning how to give my self the space to grow, to change, to fail, to be inspired. If not, my business will fail and fade into the background as one of many. Without allowing and feeding my passion I will tire and become mediocre. I will stop pushing to be the best, to reach higher , to risk more for what I believe in, for my calling. So put down the bank statements, the emails that don’t seem to have an end, the bills, the marketing, the phone calls and go read an inspiring book, see the others around you and to let your passion recharge. Photographers, this is what your business is built on, and it is important!!
On that note, I’m going to take a walk. I mean come on, its 75 degrees in Chicago on April 1!!
Our studio. We have work space with computers and paperwork out of ears, along with a sofa to sit , read, and chat it up with our clients.
Had a lovely time celebrating the beautiful Emily and Paul this past weekend. The wedding took place on a quaint inn on a river. Here is one frame with more to come in the next few days! Can’t hide happiness!
Jenna and Nick have been dear friends of ours for years. It is always a special privilege to get those you love in front of the lens and capture the love and warmth they are giving to the world. We are so delighted to be living near these two again and are looking forward to many new … Continue reading
To celebrate our 2,000 mile move , we are having a moving sale! And not just any moving sale but 20% off of all wedding packages for those within 120 miles of San Francisco! Spread the word! It is first come, first serve and need to book by May 15! Email jessie@simplyjessie.com for all the … Continue reading
Kristine and Nathan’s day was an amazing Spring day in the Midwest The trees were full of colorful blossoms, warm temperatures and the leaves were the brilliant green of new life. Thank you to Jaclyn Simpson for being my wingman!
Forgive the silence of the last few weeks. It is hard to describe in words what these days have been…. a journey is the best way to describe this process. So many things have happened , our feet have been in so many places, our eyes taking in gorgeous landscapes and the expanse of our beautiful country. … Continue reading
As this blog posts, Eric and I have loaded up our small car with our gear computers, two cats and 2 weeks of clothing. We have turned our car and hearts West. We are ready to document this new adventure armed with rolls of film, field cameras, medium format and digital cameras as well. As I … Continue reading