Hi SGland!
So...I'm SUPER nervous about this easter...want to know why?! Because my FIRST self shot set releases on the site. I just had a set that I shot with the lovely @empress_ release and while a lot of people have said lovely things or even constructive criticism (which is very acceptable and greatly appreciated)...there have been some that haven't been so nice. This makes me even more anxious about my own set coming out.
The set I shot with her was one of the first full sets digitally I've done. I have a degree in art, for drawing, painting and photography, however my degree for photography is in film photography and black and white....not digital. So this whole digital is a new realm for me. I don't photoshop (only use lightroom to brighten photos) and I prefer to keep the images as raw as possible because I feel they are more natural that way. I am also very aware of what my mistakes are....with that said...I'm TOTALLY fine with having intelligent conversations about where improvement can be made, things that would help etc. But sending messages like YOU SUCK! and ID NEVER SHOOT WITH YOU! Apparently you don't know what you're doing!!! Are pretty hurtful and honestly uncalled for.
Now....back to what this whole blog is about....my self shot set. It is NOT perfect...but are self shot sets at all really? This particular set took me 5 hours to complete...out in the mountainous desert so you can imagine the lighting is a nightmare. But I made the best of it and shot in sunset...hence the name "Soft Focus Sunset". Self shot sets are hard, tedious, and rather annoying to get just right. You have to be willing to accept non-perfection while shooting a self set. There will be shots out of focus, there will be shots where the crop is odd or weird and I personally don't use a remote so I have 9 shots of posing and moving, then I have to adjust the camera again, set the self timer and then again 9 shots etc etc. It's very hard work.
I am so worried that people won't take to this set like I would like. Did I turn it in expecting it to be bought? No...I didn't. I was so happy they even accepted my self shot set and that was ultimately my goal. I feel that I've already accomplished something awesome by getting it into MR. But that still doesn't make my anxiety go away.
So here's a few previews (some I've posted before) The lighting in the set starts off a bit harsh and then as the sun goes down it becomes softer and lighter. I hope you all enjoy the set as it was hard work and if you don't have something nice to say....how about say nothing at all?
Thanks for all the love and support from those who have been so kind to give it! It doesn't go unnoticed...I promise!
Easter Sunday this set releases....keep a look out for it. <3 <3 <3
Xoxo
Mara