Practice makes perfect regardless of what profession you are in. Whether it's the arts, or in an accounting job, you have to know what you are doing. You are working for the client, and they want perfection. I've been told my entire life, from academic spheres to personal hobbies, that I need to practice, practice, practice. To be honest, there are times when I have ignored this advice. But, I love to practice photography. It's an amazing opportunity to learn about yourself and your subjects.

Recently I participated in a photo challenge for the month of February, and I must admit it's hard to take pictures of a certain theme or idea every single day. I'm a little behind, but it's been a fun and interesting experience for me. If you'd like to see some of those pictures, head on over to Instagram and find me at KatieGraphsPhoto or use the provided link and visit https://instagram.com/katiegraphsphoto/.

My first baby shoot ever! I now understand why I see a lot of sleeping baby pictures, and not a lot when they're awake. Babies like to move, and kick, put their hands in their mouths, and slobber all over. But despite the uncooperative subject, the experience was totally worth it, and oh so much fun! Shout out to my good friends who gave me this opportunity, and for holding up my backdrops.

There are times in life when it's good to be persistent. In fact, nowadays that's how you get where you want. It's smart to keep going, to keep pursuing a dream or a desire. But I've also found in life, that you have to be brave enough to let go of that security. Let go of the everyday monotony.

Be Brave enough to let go! Try new things. Have fun. Take a different approach. I love photography for this reason. I have to learn on the fly, try new things, and take chances. No photograph is ever the same because the world is always changing.

So this week, I challenge everyone to be brave enough to let go! Try something new, even if it's just a small change.

Be Smart! Be Brave!

I had the opportunity to take pictures of this gorgeous girl a few weeks back! I just have to say that her laugh is contagious. It's always exciting when your subjects have fun and interact with you while you're taking their pictures!

Absolutely LOVE this girl!

Amanda trying to be serious. Her brother behind me isn't helping.

Love her gorgeous smile!

I love this picture! My favorite one from the whole shoot!

It was getting pretty chilly outside. Our noses and toes were getting rather pink.

Photo A Day Challenge - Square - Quotes

For this week's quote, I chose to incorporate the Photo A Day Challenge I am doing for the Month of February. Day 5 was something square. What's more square than a square sticky note, then four of them put together!

Ansel Adams once said, "You don't take a photograph, you make it."

Sure, photography captures what you see, but if I've learned anything since buying my camera, it's that photography more than framing a scene and adjusting settings. One can't simply walk out the door and become the best photographer in the world. You have to learn how to make a picture, how to stage the light, and arrange all the pieces. Then, to take the raw beauty before your eyes and craft that into the stunning image you place in your gallery. That is a true photograph.

"A camera is a save button for the mind's eye." If your mind can't see how all the pieces fall together,  you'll simply take a snapshot. The finished product will not have reached it's full potential.

Practice makes perfect! Learn to make those photos!

If you'd like to share any of your favorite quotes, just leave them in the comments below!
To see more Photo A Day pictures, follow KatieGraphsPhoto on Instagram!