We are here at the end of our 52 week journey, and I am letting out a huge sigh…..
I am in awe that 52 weeks have passed since our group started this creative journey. I was thinking today of how I would describe this journey and waves of different words washed over me. The one that sticks the most is ‘Proud’. I am so proud of each and every one of the photographers in this group. We started out as 17 strangers, only virtual friend by way of a forum and each week that we chose to participate was week that we grew closer to our art and to each other.
Personally, for me, somewhere in August I began to struggle in my photography. I felt like my photographic voice and my vision were lost or stuck, and I was watching all of my friends grow leaps and bounds. I became sad and frustrated. During this period I began exploring film and it has helped to slowly clear the fog, but I am still wrestling with who I am as a photographer. But an amazing thing happened today. Today, I started putting together my project 52 album to capture in one book this year long photographic journey. In the hours that I spent dragging and dropping pictures, copying and pasting text my eyes opened. And that one word, Proud, it resonated again. But this time, I could say, I am Proud of myself. Going through all of the weeks worth of photos I can see that I have grown, that I started to find my style somewhere in June, that my vision and voice didn’t get lost, but instead is slowly becoming refined.
I would like to say ‘Thank You’ to all of my Project 52 peeps. Every week we spent together creating, was a week that I became inspired. I also want to say GINORMOUS (not really a word, but it should be) ‘Thank You’ to Hope Toliver for coordinating the project from the first week. Hope you did one amazing job, and I am so so thankful for your friendship.
We are ending this project with how we started, with a self portrait. This is me.
{Self Portrait}
This is the last time we will do this circle, so please take the time to head on over and check out my friend Lisa Turner | Denver, CO Family & Child Photographer.
what to say when beautiful and gorgeous doesn’t cover it?? i love this jayme. i love your vision. you are one rockin soulful photographer! thank you for your friendship and support.
Jayme, what a beautiful writing you have there. It’s so true that sometimes we feel stuck (well, I feel that all the time) and it’s so true that once we see what we’ve created, the sense of pride and accomplishment is just a beautiful thing. I am glad I got to know you through this project. And yes, I totally agree about Hope.
Jayme-gorgeous-and I look forward to following your continued explorations in film! I just found my film camera in the basement and dusted it off…hoping for good things this year.
Congratulations Jayme for such success in your film photography and finding your voice again! You blow all of us away.. you would have never known that there was a departure in your photographic voice and vision.. but when we, I, began to notice your interest in film.. you were speaking loud and clear! I really am excited to watch you grow.. and you know.. with your written words.. you express such peace and solitude.. very thoughtful and deep. I am going to be looking out for the publication of your photo journal and memoirs!!!
I LOVE this self portrait of you.. it also speaks volumes.. friend, you are a thinker!! In your eyes are deep waters.. you really can see your soul. God Bless you and I so look forward to the remainder of our 10 on 10 year… xoxo
Beautiful photo! So glad you are in this group! This should be a fun year!
Wow….your words are so raw and touching. I heard and felt everything you were saying. Your portrait is powerful. Love it! Let’s get together in February! Promise me!
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I have loved seeing your work this year. You are simply awesome! I will be sure to stay in touch!
Have loved doing this project with you! Enjoyed seeing your work and reading your words. Gorgeous picture with which to end this group!
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