in light of recent events, i feel like writing about how encouragement is necessary.
for the artists that are just starting out, I was in your shoes once too.
I didn't have any connections with people.
I didn't know where to go for equipment.
I didn't know where to find people who would pose for me.
It wasn't like i woke up one day and had everything there waiting for me at my door.
I had to work for what I wanted.
Looking back at the first shoot I did with my Nikon D90, I cringe.
LOOK AT THAT COLOR. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!
![](http://image5.photobiz.com/1513/30_20150211161653_3526885_medium.jpg)
But with practice, research, and hours & hours of reading articles about photography,
I can now say all of the blood, sweat, and tears has gone into what I now call my business.
![](http://image3.photobiz.com/59/30_20150211162528_3526889_large.jpg)
So why am I writing about this?
I want to encourage all of you artists to work for what you want.
Go out and ask your friends to model for you. They make the best models.
![](http://image11.photobiz.com/3688/30_20150211154507_3526798_large.jpg)
![](http://image5.photobiz.com/7362/30_20150211154500_3526794_large.jpg)
![](http://image12.photobiz.com/6267/30_20150211171055_3526898_large.jpg)
Create stories and themes to make your art interesting.
![](http://image6.photobiz.com/2537/30_20150211154457_3526793_large.jpg)
![](http://image6.photobiz.com/2057/30_20150211171052_3526897_large.jpg)
![](http://image7.photobiz.com/5942/30_20150211154453_3526791_large.jpg)
Creating pieces takes time.
It takes you going out and connecting with other artists.
It takes patience to create a brand for yourself.
![](http://image6.photobiz.com/2428/30_20150211163929_3526894_large.jpg)
Go out and ASK if you can use a certain location.
ASK to borrow equipment from other artists.
ASK if a makeup artist will volunteer their time.
![](http://image12.photobiz.com/7759/30_20150211164458_3526895_large.jpg)
At times, it will be discouraging, but find that group of people that will help you better yourself and your art.
There are hundred's of photography groups out there.
![](http://image7.photobiz.com/6901/30_20150211165353_3526896_large.jpg)
All in all, remember that you're creating for yourself.
You are the one that is behind the camera.
You make the art for YOU!
So go out and CREATE!! :D
![](http://image7.photobiz.com/2780/30_20150211161654_3526886_medium.jpg)