In most Slavic languages, Easter means “Great Day.”  It is always a great day when I get a great shot.  Sometimes, I capture the most amazing image I’ve ever pressed a shutter button for.  I raise my camera, place my eye next to the viewfinder, follow the action, and release the shutter.  I then bring my camera down to review the image and I’m totally amazed by what I captured.  It’s the same feeling I get when I stumble upon an arrowhead, reel in a big fish or discover a great burger joint.  It’s dopamine for my brain!

Then… (insert long pause) there are times when I take a picture (or look back at a picture) and I’m like, “What is that?  Who took that?  Really??  THAT is what I captured?”  My level of confidence quickly dives into the negative zone.  Self-doubt creeps in.  I question my skill… my art.  I interrogate my knowledge.  I feel yucky!  I ask myself why have I spent so much time and money on this hobby-turned-business.  Do I dare deserve to continue?

I think it’s perfectly natural to occasionally doubt yourself.  I think the yucky pictures are just subliminal messages to remind myself to keep working hard at my art.  They remind me to constantly improve my skill.  It reminds me I still have a lot of stuff to learn.  And, it makes me eager to improve.  I get excited all over again!  My confidence level begins to gradually increase.

Then, I get a GREAT DAY picture like this!!  I’m good again.  Dopamine is on board.

Dopamine for Ata-Girl!

Happy Easter, everyone!  I hope you’re having a GREAT DAY and getting to spend the day with loved ones and/or family!  I am; I am blessed!  🙂

P.S.  If all goes as planned today, I’ll also be taking some baby bump pictures!

**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter 

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I started Ata-Girl Photography Co. in 2010 and I am one of the premier San Antonio wedding photographers who is available for local and destination weddings. In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in high school seniors and family portraits in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!