There was a time when I really tried to snap some interesting and different pics to win some sort of recognition in photo contests. But when I realized that you give up your photo(s) to be used in whatever way the contest organizers want, I decided that my attitude had to change and stopped submitting pics. There comes a time in every artist’s life when they decide whether to share their art for profit or pleasure. I’m sure there are some out there that are thinking, “why can’t it go both ways?” Well, I’m the one writing and you’re reading so just stay with me here.

I consider talents and skills to be gifts. They can be given at any time, and taken away just as easily. And if you view art as an enterprise or business, then I don’t think it’s art anymore. Like if in the process of creating you ponder how you can make money out of this thing you’re making, then I think you’ve crossed that line. It’s not bad that you’re in that profit zone, but I think that’s misusing your gift. It’s just my opinion.

Don’t get me wrong, I love photos and videos. It’s a gift that I’m passionate about. And I’m fully aware of where that line exists in my life. When I get inspired, it’s full steam ahead. I do the best that I can, and as most of you know, I am my worst critic. But where I have been lacking in is in the area of critiquing my attitude when it comes to these gifts. Trying to keep it centred around ’service’ and ‘encouragement’ is a struggle. Because at the end of the day, I cannot exercise my gifts for the money or glory.

So, when I looked at these photos, I thought about submitting them to a couple local contests. It didn’t take long for me to do an attitude check and figured they would do me much better in a frame in my home. (these were taken from my backyard after that wicked nasty storm a few weeks ago)