A Note on the Artist Series

I have taken on a project that I am calling the "Artist Series". I will be interviewing and photographing creative people (artists, musicians, writers, etc.) and featuring them individually on my blog. I wanted to discuss my creative process with this project, but I realized that I don't even fully understand it yet. I know where my motivation is coming from, but I can't tell you exactly how it will turn out. I guess that's exactly why they call it a creative process! The project will unfold as I do it. So here is what I know so far...

In going through the process of making Rachel Zee Photography an official business, I have had to reflect on my goals for my business professionally and creatively. Finding the identity of Rachel Zee Photography so that I know where to focus. The deeper I get into studying my God given gifts and talents, the more clearly my purpose as an artist has been revealed.

I recently realized that there was no way I could accomplish everything I wanted in life on my own. I was focusing too much on my worldly goals and not seeing the bigger picture: serving our creator. He made me, so of course he knows what is best for me! I needed to stop trying to do it all, and focus on what I was created to do. I put my entire life in God's hands and asked that in whatever I do, I'd be able to serve him. Immediately, the Lord then started to work within me reveal to me his purpose for my life. I came across this verse:

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace on God.” 1 Peter 4:10

In this verse we are told to use our gifts to help one another and pass on the blessing to serve the Lord. God gave me the talent and interest in photographing people, so it makes sense that He would want me to use my talent. He has also shown me the uniqueness of each person that ever has been, is, or will be on this Earth. There are no duplicates. God did this for a reason, because we all have different purposes and jobs to fill! I am a lover of the arts, and I can't think of a more expressive group of individuals to focus on than people who define themselves as artists. My purpose for this project is to highlight what makes each person unique, focus on their gifts, and help them in making their contribution. And if you think about it, we are all artists of our own lives!

As I said, I don't fully understand it yet. I am looking forward to seeing this project grow. But I have to give thanks, because without the strength and inspiration from the Lord, none of this would be happening.

I'm gonna give all my secrets away.....

{well maybe just one.. for now.}



Because of the bad weather last weekend I had to reschedule two shoots. I was expecting to have a load of work to do finishing them up this week, and now I've got too much time on my hands, and no material to post!

As a photographer who gets her joy out of taking pictures of people, times when people aren't around and I've got the creative itch, are tough! That's where the self-portraits (above) come in. I could go out into public, there are always people there, but I'm shy. I'm sure if I practiced talking to strangers on the street it would get easier. But it's just that first one, that breakthrough (or disaster) that I'm scared of.

I'll let you in on a little secret. I've had this project brewing in my head. I want to approach complete strangers on the street, interview them and take their picture, and post it to share. That is one of the goals for RendeZvous, and a big part in why I chose the name. Each post will be short "rendezvous" with people that you will probably never meet otherwise. And any insights or wisdom that they may share you would have never known.

So pray for me to have the courage to do this. I am starting a similar project that will hopefully be posted soon. Off to work...