Featured Photographer Friday :|:Andrea Ward Studio:|:

Yes, I am a fan of alliteration, so I thought I'd highlight a photographer who I admire on Fridays.

I like this because I can't talk so much about all these amazing artists on my company blog, or I'll lose business.  Ok, maybe not, but it feels a bit that way.  I've got to showcase myself and puff myself up so some discriminating soul will pick me over the thousands of other photographers in the area.  I hate that I have to sell myself in order to be the chosen one.  I've always hated it.  It's not in my nature to pick out the best parts of myself and only talk about that.  I'm more of an "I suck at this, but I'm pretty good at that" kind of gal.

And here is my safe place where I can talk about all the ways I suck.  On a blog.  With thousands of random strangers reading.  Or no one at all to hear.  (More likely the latter.)

Well, on to the point of this post:  my featured photographer.

Andrea Ward

http://www.andreawardstudio.com/
http://www.facebook.com/AndreaWardStudio?ref=ts

(She's giving away a free photo shoot this month if you become a FB fan, live in the area, and post on her wall!)

I went to college with this girl.  She was smart enough to know what she wanted back then and got a minor in fine arts.  She's absolutely brilliant.  I'm not sure I could ever say that to her face.  We're so similar.  No, no.  Not it our brilliance.  In our personality.  I find that whenever we get around each other, it is awkward and conversation material seems to hide under our chairs or behind doorways.  

Given how quiet we are together and how little we see each other, I am quite certain she has no idea how much I admire her work.  This woman can do it all.  At least from my perspective.  She can paint.  Boy, can she paint.  Such incredible pictures.  I've always wanted to be able to paint or draw.  But, alas, I suck at it.  (There, I said it.  I don't have to sell my painting skills to you.)  Not Andi (as I know her).  She's amazing.

And her photography...she does really beautiful work.  Quiet attention to detail.  So quiet in fact that you hardly notice all the work that went into it.  Her photos are rich, vibrant, and true to life.  I have picked up quite a bit by simply looking at her work.  For instance, I learned that I should angle the camera so a person isn't straight up and down in a shot, but coming out of the corner.  Much more dynamic and much more visually appealing.  

She's worked very hard to be where she is.  She still works a second job to help pay the bills.  Isn't that the life of an artist?  

I'm actually quite jealous of her.  All the education she endured and all the knowledge that is now safely locked away in her brain.  All the well-known artists she has had the privilege of working with.  All the mad skills she's got.  

Ugh.  Maybe someday I'll get somewhere close.  I have got to learn some patience on this journey.