What I Did This Summer .or. How Stock Photography has Changed my World

Back to School

I think there is something magical about this time of the year on dreamstime.

Maybe I'm a bit of a voyeur,

but I love to browse through random porfolios

to get a peek into how my fellow contributors spent there summer holidays

(or winter holidays, for our friends in the southern half of the world)

Winter Jogging Footprints

As stock photographers, we have a tendency to leave a trail as we live our lives.

On the go tourists

That got me thinking about my recent vacation

– cruising the Norwegian Fjords.

Waterfall in Geirangerfjord Norway

Oh sure, I took the standard pictures.

Still Waters

Alesund Norway

Alesund Norway

Went on the standard tours.

Kayaking the Fjord in Geiranger Norway

Did the normal tourist activities.

North Sea Platform in Dock

But I also found myself looking for those “special” pictures,

North Sea Platform in Dock

finding things that I wouldn't have regular access to,

One Armed Bandit

using things in stock type settings,

On Duty in Engine Control Room

looking to gain access to behind the scenes locations,

Recycling Room on Cruise Ship

especially the less than glamorous ones.

On Vacation, Cruise Concept

That’s when it hit me,

Stock Photographers don’t take vacations

– we simply manage to find a little R&R time on one of our extended photo shoots!

Modern Thinker

So I started thinking how becoming a stock photographer has impacted other areas of my life …..

Woman Shopping

Will I ever be able to shop?

Making Shu Mai Dumplings

Or cook?

Man eating lobster dinner

Or eat

without stopping to grab “just one pic”

(my husband sure is hopeful)

Perplexed Dieter

Before the Bite

And don’t even get me started on the additional pounds I’ve gained from being "forced" to eat my “props”

Before the Bite

Will I ever be able to throw anything away

– ever –

again?

(fortunately we have a large basement which my husband has surrendered to the cause)

Ready to Debate

Will I ever look at the news or world events

Vote 2012

without trying to mold them into a concept photo?

Best Buy

Will I ever again buy things I need

for something other than pictures?

(oh, and while I'm there..let me just take one more ....)

Calendar Bears

Will I ever again look at the changing seasons

for something more than new inspirations?

Hay Fever

Will things that used to irritate me

go back to being something bad?

Pulling Weeds

No

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to these questions,

And I have to admit that I'm certainly glad for that!

I hope your world view forever changes for the better as well!

Photo credits: , Karen Foley.
  • Karenfoleyphotography
  • New Cumberland, United States
I'm a freelance photographer, videographer and writer with a passion for travel. Please contact me (by leaving a message on any of my photos) to discuss image, video or article requirements I could help with.

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Tridgers

September 24, 2012

Completely agree with what you say. Nice article! ;)

Studioportosabbia

September 24, 2012

Great article and excellent shot. Hope they "work" for you!

Karenfoleyphotography

September 23, 2012

Thanks @Peanutroaster. I'm sure my husband rues the day I picked up a camera - but he sure is a good sport about it!

@Hannamariah what a sweet thing to say, thank you so much!
K-

Hannamariah

September 22, 2012

You're not only a talented photographer, but a talented writer as well! All of it so true, thanks for making me smile!

EMFielding

September 22, 2012

Enjoyed the trip! So very true and its great having a supporting spouse!

Karenfoleyphotography

September 22, 2012

@Georgeskyrillos, @Inyrdreams, @Laurasinelle, @Hanbaoluan, @Giannit and @Thanatonauti - thank you so much for the kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed my little ditty.

@Clearvista - you always have the nicest things to say. I think you hit the nail on the head, It's about the journey not the destination for us now!

@Egomezta - yes, September was very good for me! Hope to keep the momentum going into the fall!

@Vcarmstrong - I'm not sure I'd want to break my "addiction", but I think the First Step is "Admit you have a problem ...." At least we've all done that!

Thanks again everyone! K-

Thanatonautii

September 22, 2012

This is an awesome blog! I had lots of fun reading it and you very right in your affirmations.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Giannit

September 22, 2012

Norway is simply the great place i've had the pleasure to visit...

Hanbaoluan

September 21, 2012

The pictures are beautiful!

Laurasinelle

September 21, 2012

Nice images! Great blog!

Vcarmstrong

September 21, 2012

Nicely done and I completely agree. It is almost like an addiction having to photography everything along the way of life! I wonder if there is a 12 step program? hahaha

Inyrdreams

September 21, 2012

hard to add any more comments to this other then nicely said!!!!

Egomezta

September 21, 2012

Wow, a busy summer. Nice images by the way...

Clearvista

September 21, 2012

A great blog as usual from you. Agree with you once you start stock photography then you see everything differently wherever you go. It has certainly opened my eyes and I no longer just walk to a location in a trance like state. I now see everything on my journey too, which is a fantastic bonus to the photography. Great portfolio, bet your "model" wonders what situation he will find himself into next :) Very inspirational, thank you.

Georgeskyrillos

September 21, 2012

A delightful read :) I guess we're all addicted!