“Wouldn’t it be interesting if…” Photography

Trust that little voice in your head that says “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…”  And then do it.” ~ Duane Michals, “More Joy of Photography.”

This powerful quote says it all.  In photography, if we trust our inner knowing, we can create magic.  We can capture what we see in most unusual ways.  It gets us creative, it fills us with imagination, and we capture that wonder in our beloved photography.

Here are some photos I captured following my inner wonder:

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot an incredible sunset reflected in theater’s windows?

Here is the magical result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot sunset reflections in a far away building with my zoom lense?

A building becomes alive with a golden beautiful light.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align the sun with crystals?

The beautiful necklace by Dalia Koss becomes full of crystal magic.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align fishing Great Blue Heron with Super Moon’s pathway?

Even though I was tripping in the dark going down the slope, I had a vision in my heart and went for it.  This picture in my Flickr was overnight sensation, totaling 1000 views per night.  Right now, it has over 2,000 views.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would catch a sunlight in my fingers?

Magic catch.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align the sunset colors with a spider web?Here is a colorful spider web palate

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will integrate my friend Sandy in art?

Sandy becomes a part of statue. Art Deco.

Sandy becomes a part of painting.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would capture sunset through the window from inside the house?

The door window becomes enchanted.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I align a sunlight with our Princess Adora?

Princess becomes an angel.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will capture Princess through my car’s reflection?

The capture makes an interesting composition.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I will try to capture moon through the blinds?

Here is a result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align a crow statue against decorative lamp?

It becomes like fairy tale: a crow against the moon.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if we would take our cameras while parasailing?

The view was spectacular!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot rain drops on my back car’s window lighted by the car behind while waiting by the red light?

Rain drops become hundreds of hearts.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would “train” a dragonfly to stand on my finger while taking a picture with another hand?

Ladies and Gentlemen, Dragonfly the Acrobat!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would align a sunlight on the dragonfly’s wings?

Golden Magical Dragonfly.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would come really close to the Brown Pelican, and snap the photo?

The light was incredible.  Brown Pelican trusted me to come closely.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would capture the wave from the low point?

Getting a close up.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would use a light post for support because I did not have a tripod with me for this night shot?

It is great to improvise!

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would take this photo of sand castle against sunset and include a person to show the size?

Here is a dreamy dragon beauty.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would include a sunset and shoot this castle from the ground?

Picture becomes magic.  One woman yelled at me because according to her, I took the best spot.  It was my idea all along and after me, a few people started to follow my low point of taking picture.  Love to inspire people.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would see what is inside this rock?

Here is a result.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if I would shoot a sunset through my car’s mirror?

I was standing by red light.  Love to use these waiting moments for my advantage.

So, what would you see if you would follow your inner knowing, “Wouldn’t it be interesting if…?” Go shoot the magic!

Wish you lots of creativity!

Tags: art, beauty, Dalia Koss, Dalia Koss Unique Jewelry, friends, fun, http://www.daliakoss.com/, inspiration, journal, life, lifestyle, me, nature, opinion, personal, photo, photo gallery, photo inspiration, photo tips, photography, photos, picture, pictures, post and photos by Ineta McParland, random thoughts, reflections, Sandy Baumgartner, thoughts, wonderocity

Passion

A cold natural stone becomes warm and ignited once touched by caring hands.  Imagination comes into play.  Colors, design, and inner vision – all ties up into a beautiful masterpiece.  Dalia Koss is a master designer who makes every woman look beautiful.  Her energy is captivating and women feel it by wearing her necklaces.  Her shared love and passion radiates in every piece she creates.  The necklaces become a part of the women.  Instant connection make women feel special, beautiful, brave, fun, as if the masterpieces they wear have some magical power.

The expression, the mood, the pose, a sense of calm, a soft skin tone are all portrayed in Brent Twit‘s work.  His passion for detail and beauty make people real in his paintings.  His love flows in his works of art and it shows.

Eyes are windows to the soul, they say.  Chevas expresses that in his paintings.  Eyes are the most profound feature in his work.  It feels as if his paintings are watching over you.  His passion for life and fun personality shines in the most vibrant colors.  Reading people and finding their wisdom and goodness shows up in expressive eyes he concentrates on in his paintings.

Last week, I went to  William Wolk‘s gallery and felt instant love and passion for his work.  I am passionate about animals myself.  Therefore, I could feel his each brush stroke.  His paintings were works of love for nature and beautiful creatures.  Each feather, each muscle, the whole detail…  Each brush stroke made a magnificent creature come alive.

What these artists have in common?  They all have a passion for their work.  Passion – what a beautiful word.  It is something that can not be taught.  It is something that can not be touched.  It is only can be felt within our hearts.  We are either born with it or we develop it in later years.  Some of us might not even know what are our passions.  It is only because we did not awaken what is deep within our hearts.  It is because we live our lives according others’ expectations.  We are too busy working, taking care of business, responsibilities, etc., etc.  We do not have time to stop and ask ourselves “What is our passion?  What we would like to do today?  What lights up our inner fire?”

Passion is our inner knowing, love for what we do.  Passion can be expressed in infinite ways.  We express our inner world into the outside world.  We express what we see, what we feel, what we hear, what we touch, what we taste.  It is about endless imagination and creative ways.  We create for the world to enjoy.  Some people might not understand what we create.  That’s O.K.  It is not their time to understand it yet.  Yet if we put all our heart into creation and our whole passion, many people will be awed and even inspired.

So, what is your passion?  What would you like to do more than anything in the whole world?  Awaken what is inside of you, and let your heart bloom.

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How to Stand Out from the Crowd?

Most of us are usually the followers.  We want to be like somebody.  We want to fit in in the crowd.  If we differ in something, we think something is wrong with us.  How can we be different, why can’t we be like everyone else?  What we do not realize is that by thinking like this, we put ourselves in the box.  We become average people, looking average way, doing average things – we become like everybody.

Actually, not fitting in – is not a bad thing.  That means, we are different.  We have our unique personality, unique style – we are our unique ourselves.  Instead of hiding our uniqueness, we should celebrate it.  Being different is a gift.  Being different opens up all the new doors.  When we stand out from the crowd, we get different opportunities that no average person will ever get:  from getting a job to having a successful business to having a great life simply by being ourselves.

Think about it.  Do you know how many job applications employer gets?  Many applications and resumes never even get read.  How many businesses there are selling the same things? Do you know how many average people there are having routine jobs they hate, and never differentiate showing the actual talents they have because they are afraid to be different?  Unfortunately, many.

If we look for a job, we usually do it backwards.  We look for any job that pays.  Then, we get stuck with it, hate it, but we can tell ourselves, “Well, at least it pays the bills and we get benefits.” We get a job and we adjust to it.

The better way would be to look at our passions and skills, our gifts, our strengths and look for the job accordingly.  This way we will stand out and we will enjoy our jobs.  Employer will see right away the enthusiasm we have and how much we can contribute to the company.

Next, we got to promote ourselves.  Going for the job is like a sales job.  You are selling yourself.  If you would be an employer, would you hire yourself?  Stand out from the crowd:

1.  Learn about the job and industry.

2.  Go talk to employees to find out important people’s names, insider information like new positions opening up.  Also, when talking to them see if they are happy with the company.  If most of them are not, that means the company does not treat people right.  Look at other options, if you get a bad feeling.

3.  Always trust your instincts.

4.  If you need to learn some needed skills, sign up for classes.  Find out details what company and employer needs and show them what you can offer.

5.  Show employer you’re enthusiastic.  Attitude is everything.

6.  Most importantly, be yourself.  Be confident in your skills and who you are.

Now, if you have your own business, how to stand out?  As I mentioned before, there are so many ordinary businesses offering ordinary products we can find anywhere.  Some businesses even steal other business ideas or product lines to be more competitive.  Their mentality is, “if competition can sell these items, why can’t we?  We even can sell for lower price.”  Some owners even sneak to competitor’s supply trucks to steal supplier’s names.  What they do not realize is that in long run, they not only ruin competitor’s business, they ruin themselves.  They want to be ordinary and copy others.

The same, like with a job, if you go to business just to make money, the business will never survive and you’ll be miserable in the process.  Now, if you utilize your gifts and skills, and you’re passionate what you’re doing, you not only enjoy what you’re doing, but your customers will see that through you.  To stand out, you got to offer something unique:  product or service that nobody has.  People love different things, something that is out-of-ordinary.  One real great example is Dalia Koss at daliakoss.com.  Dalia makes the most extraordinary jewelry.  In 5 years of business, she never runs out of her creativity.  She makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and never makes the same.  Not only she dazzles customers with her creations, but she gives the best service.  She will match customer with a necklace, what will look good.  She even transforms a non-jewelry wearer to one who never leaves home without her jewelry.  Dalia creates magic with her shop and she is passionate what she does.  That’s a true example of standing out from the crowd.

Photo courtesy of daliakoss.com

When you’re passionate about your talents and who you are, you naturally stand out from the crowd.  This becomes your way of living – being passionate for life.  It transforms in everything you do.  It becomes your lifestyle.  Another great example is Markus Urban in living on impulse.  Markus’ lifestyle represents his way of being.  He is curious about everything, travels all over the world, takes on adventures and inspires people on the way.  Markus does not let anything stop him from achieving what he wants.  He has a great outlook on life, and he turns his dreams into reality.  He is go-getter and inspires people by being him.  Many people ask, “How does he do it?”  He always finds the way – and that’s his way of life.  He stands out from the crowd by being him.

Both Dalia Koss and Markus Urban are my family.  I’m so proud of them, and they are the biggest inspiration in my life.  I love them with all my heart.  They inspired me to write this article.

To sum it up, to be extraordinary rather than ordinary and to stand out from the crowd, we got to:

1. Use our talents, gifts, passions at work and life;

2.  Be different than everybody else;

3.  Believe in ourselves, and most importantly, be ourselves.

There is nobody like us, and we should utilize it to our advantage.

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