My mind is still swirling while my body is just exhausted today, after The Big Easel yesterday.
It s just crazy as to where this photography journey is taking me. I never expected it to lead me to all the places that it has so far.
I only started photography about 4-5 years ago as a New Years Resolution. My goal was to learn what all those settings and buttons on my camera were for. I ordered my first “real camera” , a Canon Rebel T6 on NY day and signed up for a hobby type photography extended learning class at UL in Lafayette. ( I now shoot with a 5D Mark IV)
My intentions were not to be a pro–but one thing led to another and after my UL class, I went on to enroll in the New York Institute of Photography, where I graduated from their Professional Photography course.
Then I started vending. I had no clue as to what I was doing–NONE. I taught myself how to cut mats and frame from watching You Tube videos.
In the middle of vending, I entered a photography contest at The Cajun Heartland Stage Fair. I placed in 5 categories, including a First place win.
Jan 2020. I entered my first art gallery competition. I had to watch You tube videos to learn how to properly frame my prints for it. I was so initmated by that competition because it was my first gallery type one–and knew I was going up against very experienced photographers. I entered because I wanted to learn–to get some constructive criticism on how I can improve my work etc. Instead I walked away with an honorable mention, First Place and Best of Show wins.
So, I continued to vend and less then 2 years of doing it, I was accepted as an artist at The Big Easel. My very first high end art show. I was much more intimidated by it then I was for the gallery competition.
For weeks leading up the event, I worked OT at my nursing job and then stayed up till 2 am working on getting inventory ready. Coffee and stress were the 2 things that kept me going.
I was afraid that my booth set up wouldn’t be good enough. I don’t have the high end professional walls that artists use in shows yet. They are very expensive and I just cant afford them right now. I threw together a “starving artist” version of them to use at my vendor events. For the Big Easel though, you have to rent their tent and you have the option to rent the proper walls needed. However, I waited too late to order them and they were out by the time that I called.
To say I was stressed would be an understatement. Luckily I was able to go the night before to set up. To my surprise, my “starving artist” set up actually fit in that tent..as a matter of fact, my walls were the perfect toughness that I needed them to be. The artist that were able to rent the proper walls, were all complaining that they were not able to get them tight enough–and they came over to find out what I did to make mine
Friday night, the night before the event, I may have slept a total of 2 hours. Again, I was so stressed. The entrance fee is not cheap and you also have to rent the tent. So, it was by far, the most expensive event I ve done. I was scared that I would not make my money back.
Again, I stressed myself out for nothing. I had an awesome day. Not only did I make my entrance fee and tent rental back, but I also made a profit. The highlight, though, was winning the “Best Photography” award. That means next year, I will only have to pay for my tent rental–my entrance fee is waived!
I met so many incredible people yesterday. It was an amazing event on many levels for me. From observing the other artists there, I learned a lot of new things and noted details that I need to improve on. I m looking forward to making those changes!
To everyone that came by and purchased from me or those of you who just came by to say hello or look–thank you all very much! I appreciate all of you.
It was a great experience for me! Last night, I was so tired that I went to bed at 8 15 and didn’t wake up until around 8 30 this morning!
I took it easy today but will be having to get back at it tomorrow. I have several events coming up that I will need to start getting ready for!
