As an artist, I have been on a long quest to find my voice. I have been intentionally creating art, improving the technical quality of my photographs, but have struggled to see myself as an artist and use my art as my voice. Maybe you can relate?

The definition of these terms is crucial. What is an artist?. Webster's Dictionary defines art as “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects”. While voice is “an instrument or medium of expression”. A photographer is an artist who uses their imagination & skills in the medium of photography to create an aesthetic object. What and how you present that aesthetic object to the world is done with your voice.

Like many, my quest began with motherhood, but the priorities of being a mom and working full-time prevented me from creating at the level I wanted. However, even with my limited voice in this season, I treasure the images from that time. I explored the beginnings of my voice as captured wonders of childhood and the immense joy my son brought to my life in unexpected ways.

The tone of my quest evolved as my son got older, particularly upon his high school graduation. He began his own journey, moving away to attend college. My first muse was gone but my passion remained. I explored new worlds within walking distance, images of plants and landscapes. The first tentative steps on this new path did not do justice to the beauty I explored in a local park. I dove even deeper into learning my craft. My voice grew stronger, exploring colorful, bright, and striking images of the beauty around me.

Subjects may change dramatically, but your voice will continue to evolve and change the way art is revealed to the world. First, expressions of motherhood, capturing fleeting moments of growing children. Then, capturing the beauty around me. Finally, exploring more emotional topics, like my recent project on anxiety.

Twenty-plus years into my journey, I continue to build my foundational technical skills, allowing for the expression of voice to match my vision. No matter where you are in your photography expertise, the journey continues to be an artistic expression of ourselves. Our voice follows, conveying our message in the way we imagine them. And, our voice can increase in strength through a few intentional means.

The Basics: Understanding the technical basics of your camera using the exposure triangle of shutter speed, aperture and ISO will allow you to capture in-camera an image that consistently expresses your voice.
Equipment: Spending time with and learning about the full capability of your equipment will allow you to create effects in-camera that can further voice your story and message for viewers. In-camera double exposures, intentional camera motion/movement, free-lensing or reverse free-lensing, Lensbaby, Lensbaby Omni wands and crystals can each morph your image from dreamy to surreal to dark and foreboding.
Process: Editing and post-processing tools can further enhance your voice through the many different software solutions available. These tools can be used to refine your frame or alter it entirely to convey your message to your intended audience.
Inspiration: Your voice is refined by exposure to others' ideas and work. Exposing yourself to a variety of styles and genres can improve the vocabulary by which your voice can express itself. But always keep in mind, copying is not the goal. In the book, Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon says, "You don’t want to look like your heroes, you want to see like your heroes."

In my quest to become more intentional about my work in the past few years, growth in each of these areas has allowed me to express my voice in ways not possible a few short years prior. These skills serve me well in both client and personal work.

The ultimate expression of our artistic voice doesn’t change. As we grow, our range improves, moving in different ways and filling in the spaces in our potential. We learn and grow with each image. Every single one we shoot. What inspires us. What disappoints us. Observing art. Observing artists. What we learn. What we teach. Our life experiences blended seamlessly into our true voice.

Where are you on your artistic journey? Do you feel that your voice is being clearly heard with the art you create?