From The Cubicle: How Quiet Reflection Birthed the #mypicrfwppi Instagram Contest

When I took this job, I thought it would be easy for me to come from the world of photography into the world of conferences and conventions. After all, I’ve been a speaker for many years, have traveled the world and have absolutely adored meeting all of you. I do really cherish every friendship I’ve made with you guys. It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a social butterfly, so this job fits me well. That said, I’m going to share something that I have only shared with a few very close friends: After this year’s WPPI, there was a part of me that felt like I failed as a photographer. The feeling came over me as I walked from room to room during the conference and spent short bursts of time listening and watching images come up on the screen. I sat in envy looking at recent weddings many of my fellow photographers have shot and hearing them discuss relevant topics and how to navigate a wedding day.

 
Photo © Sarah Dawson/@sarahdawsonxoxo

As I watched Ben and Erin Chrisman, Davina and Daniel, and many others show amazing images to their classes, I felt a bit of jealousy wash over me. Then it hit me—I haven’t picked up a camera since October. That’s almost four months! In my 25 years as a photographer, that has never happened. My good friend Colin Michael told me when I took this job that I needed to have a creative outlet, which I quickly dismissed and said, “Well I’m still shooting, I’m sure I won’t miss it that much.” Boy, I could not be more wrong! As the week continued I realized how much I missed being a photographer. During the trade show, I walked around and looked at all the new toys thinking to myself, “Wow, if I were shooting more, I would totally need this,” and that made me a bit sad. In the past, I was always able to justify a purchase.

Photo © Eric Nshimiye/ @cadoimages

Toward the end of WPPI, I went from a feeling of resentment to admiration. I enjoyed seeing people’s eyes light up when they touched a piece of gear or listened to a favorite speaker. I’ve taken so much for granted over the years, but being a creative person is a gift and I wanted to take today to remind all of you of that! For those of you who are just getting started, and struggling to the top, you get it. However, those of you who have been doing it for a while can’t forget the blessing of what we do every day! Too often we get bogged down with the logistics of running a business and forget just how lucky we are to have people let us into their lives and open up for us. Remember that!

All of this reflection has led to me asking, what can I do to keep my creative juices going? Being the social person that I am who loves a good challenge, I’m going to combine the two, task myself and have a little fun with you. 

Here’s my idea: Let’s work together and share one shot a month with each other. This will get me out of my slump, and I’d love to see what you guys are up to creatively! Think of it as a monthly unveiling of your best work that you share with the world. I’m going to ask some of our industry clan to join in, post their photos, and offer advice and 
insight via our social media channels. 

Here’s how to play: On the 15th of each month, I’d like you to post your image on 
Instagram, tag @rfwppi and use the hashtag #mypicrfwppi. The only rules are that it must have been shot in the last month (honor system please)! It doesn’t matter what the subject is, what it was shot with 
or how you made it.

To make this even more fun, I’m going to give away three free conference passes to WPPI 2015 each month! I hope you will join me, and I’m looking forward to growing alongside you guys this year. Good luck! 

Photo © Jason Groupp/ @JasonGroupp

Images in this post are May’s #mypicrfwppi Instagram contest winners: @sarahdawsonxoxo, @neriphoto and @cadoimages