http://beedlephotos.com/blog » Blog for Judy Beedle Photography

I love to watch people create. Watching and documenting someone’s creative process is even cooler. It feeds the storytelling artist in me.

Stephanie Sersich, working in her studio.

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This past Fall I followed my friend, Tricia to a bead making lesson with Stephanie Sersich. I was beyond excited to photograph this process. I  knew there would be really great colors, I am a fan of glass beads, and I have always wanted to see (and photograph) how it’s done.

Ok, ok, fine. I’ll admit it – also because I have secretly worshiped Stephanie from afar for a long time. But that is simply because I love her work! I commented on one of her necklaces so many times to my former boss that she wrote my better half a note so he knew to get me one. She probably just wanted me to shut up already.

But my worshiping of Stephanie aside, it was a great chance to shoot personal work while learning something new and getting to know some other creative types. A few months later I went to a local PUG meeting for photographers where we talked about the importance of personal projects and shooting for yourself. I have always been a huge believer in that, and I know that is what has helped me shape the look of my work. When you shoot for yourself there is a certain amount of pressure that is let go, and a freedom that steps in allowing you to play and experiment and learn. These are the times when I leave smiling. Then just keep smiling for hours.

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When I step into these shooting-for-me kind of situations I don’t always have a plan. I think in my head I have ideas of what I want to go after, but all that can change when you walk into a place and see what is there before you. Then I just shift into documentarian mode, and notice details, light, shapes, colors. And watch the action. In a glass studio I was absorbed in all the fun colors, but also really focused on their hands and the whole humans making things piece.

I also remember that I am a guest – with a camera – and therefore need to respect their space and act like a human. I see very little need to get all paparazzi on anyone. Interacting and blending in (and maybe getting to the point where people forget I have a camera) is what works for me.

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Tricia is on her way to becoming a master bead maker.

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I love how human this image is, despite no real humans being in it.

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And this one. Just because.

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I still compliment my friend/former boss if I see her and she’s wearing one of Stephanie’s pieces. I think it says something about her work – and how unique it is. She makes beautiful pieces because she is passionate about her craft, has a strong vision, and has worked many, many hours to perfect her skills. And it is evident in her work.

So, she was cool enough to let me hang out, document, and basically spend the day laughing and sharing. The three of us had a blast, to be quite honest.

And at the end of the day, she is just like any of us with life and family and responsibilities to take care of. She just comes with an extra side of awesome because she makes amazing things and is really fun to hang out with. Oh, and it feels good to support a local artist. Of course.

So, shooting personal work is crucial in this field known as photography, but also in any creative sector. Really, no matter what you do for work, doing personal projects can only benefit you. And you just might get to witness moments like this one and expand your horizons and friendly circles a bit.

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* For more info on Stephanie’s work head over to her site http://www.sssbeads.com/  OR her Etsy Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/StephanieSersich *

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