Today is your day. Sometimes I feel caught up by the world around me. I go here and there, dictated by other's opinions and agendas. One of the great things about photography is the ability to take charge. To capture on camera what you want, not what others see.

I will admit that Dr. Seuss was nonsensical at times, but from such nonsense are some very wise moments of insight.

"You're off to great places. Today is your day." So today, I want to do more than just Carpe Diem. I want to make today my day, wake up to the sun and have fun. Today is Pie Day how will you celebrate?

"Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way." Sure there are hard times that stand in your way, but if you know what you want, that mountain is waiting! Go climb it. Have an adventure!

Go get yourself some pie. Today is your day!

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/.

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!

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!

Mr Snail - Be Spontaneous

“It’s about reacting to what you see, hopefully without preconception. You can find pictures anywhere. It’s simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what’s around you...” Elliott Erwitt

Nature is gorgeous! If you take a moment and open your eyes, you'll be surprised at the little things in life. Pictures can truly be found anywhere! I love having my phone on me because of the awesome camera it has. Granted it's not my nice Nikon, but in a pinch it works well.

Like Elliott Erwitt said, the key is noticing what's around, and caring about it. Take a moment to slow your busy life down and enjoy nature and people around you. I've often been told to slow down, that I need to take time to enjoy each day. Sometimes it's hard between work, school, and other responsibilities.

But, this year I've made a resolution. Life will get hectic with class and business, but I'm going to take time to smell the roses and snap pictures of the little things (as well as the big things) in life.

On my way home from class this past summer, I paused a moment to enjoy the birdsong and the babbling brook on the backside of campus. The sun was shining and it was cool in the shade of the overhanging trees. I usually hurry down the stairs, oblivious to everything else, as I rush to my next shift at work or towards my awaiting homework assignments.

That day I stopped. I didn't have to be anywhere to be, no pressing demands, so I took a moment for myself. Amid the other student's running up and down the stairs, I happened to look down. Meet Mr Snail. Calmly sitting in the corner to avoid being smashed in all the chaos, no one noticed him. I wouldn't have noticed him either had I been given the chance on any other day.

After everyone had cleared out, I hunkered down and took a picture as he continued about his day.

Sometimes the greatest moments are the ones you don't anticipate. So what is my resolution for this year? Be free to be spontaneous!