Saturday, July 5, 2014

See


Well, hello there. I haven't seen you in a while.

I have excuses reasons. I'm working on the final production for Act As If: Stumbling through Hollywood with Headshot in Hand, my new book of essays about my experiences in Hollywood. I'm writing another novel. I'm making website changes. John and I are training Wilma, who is willing but has the attention span of a dog.

And I'm seeing differently.

When I started taking pictures, I began to see like a photographer. I saw the shape of the photo in my mind, with levels and shades, thirds and quadrants. I learned to frame the picture in the camera instead of in software. It became almost automatic. And every day, I couldn't wait to share my photos with you here.

Now I rarely see a photo like I once did. I wonder if this is the photographer's equivalent of writer's block, yet I don't believe in writer's block. When I feel a block, I keep writing. It's the same as grocery store worker's block. When you feel it, you still go to work.

I haven't been taking as many photos lately, and if I would just get out there with the camera I'd begin to see photos again. But right now, I'm doing other things and I can't wait to share them with you when they're finished.

22 comments:

Dina said...

Good onya for having the will power to work on all those indoor projects, Petrea.
We will be ready and willing to hear more, whenever.

(Funny, when I saw the thumbnail here, I thought, Why is Petrea publishing photos of Iron Dome trying to intercept another Gaza missile? Guess I've been living in southern Israel too long.)

Book Dragon said...

I'm always excited to see what you see and will still be here whenever you share again.

Good luck with training Wilma. What has the attention span shorter than a dog? I think that's me ;-)

Kalei's Best Friend said...

I don't think u have a block at all.. your interests have just segued a bit.. nothing wrong w/that. I know mine have.. I haven't blogged in months... Lately, books have been my addiction.. I start one, finish it, then on to the next... I'm learning a lot and enjoying each page.

William Kendall said...

Well, you are keeping busy.

As a writer, I know writer's block. And since photography is creative in nature, a photographer's block is not that unreasonable a concept.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks for the nice comments! A great way to wake up on a Saturday.

Dina, I don't know what the picture is but I liked it, so I kept it. I probably dropped the camera when passing a street light.

BD, maybe a cat?

KBF, you and I are both reading a lot. And I'm not blocked. I'm constantly churning out stuff, just not the same stuff as before. It's a fine thing.

William, your blog flourishes so I hope you don't get blocked!

Bellis said...

At first I thought that was one of John's photos. I'm glad you're busy doing things you enjoy but you have a good eye for a photo, and I miss seeing the area through your good eye. I can't take good photos any more as one of the dogs invariably pulls on the leash just as I'm clicking the button.

Petrea Burchard said...

That's part of what I'm dealing with, Bellis. We're teaching Wilma not to pull on the leash and she's doing very well. She needs to learn not to freak out every time she sees a dog. She's also improving in that category. Squirrels and cats--she may never get over that.

Pasadena Adjacent said...

spermy

Petrea Burchard said...

Obviously an over-achiever.

Ms M said...

Inspiring to hear of your different projects! And it's fun to experiment with photography -- see where "the adventure" leads you. (As well as where Wilma leads you :-))

Petrea Burchard said...

She would like to lead me right up a tree to catch a squirrel.

Unknown said...

Keep up the good work, Petrea!

Petrea Burchard said...

Obrigado, José!

Anonymous said...

Attention span of a dog? Sometimes I worry that I have the attention span of a gnat, but fortunately I forget about it pretty quickly and start worrying about something else instead

Petrea Burchard said...

You made me laugh, ymbfa!

Thanks.

Ann Erdman said...

Wilma is teaching you patience!

Petrea Burchard said...

Indeed she is, Ann. The three of us begin our "reactive Rover" class at the Pasadena Humane Society tomorrow evening!

TheChieftess said...

Haha!!! I can totally relate!!! My photography has been on the back burner for awhile...actually I should say photography burn out...however, I must admit, I still see things as if through a lens. Once the dust settles in my life (literally and figuratively) I'll get back at it. But for now, I'm enjoying perusing all my blog friend's blogs and struggling with Kelly's stubborness (if Kelly doesn't want to get in the car she climbs under it...and if she doesn't want to do something she just sits down...yeah...you try and move a 100 lb Golden Retriever stubbornly refusing to do something!!!) and then there's her selective hearing...trust me Petrea...even the best of dogs are a challenge at times!!!

Petrea Burchard said...

I'd like to see a photo of Kelly refusing to come out from under the car!

TheChieftess said...

There's one on my blog!!! There was snow all around and crawled under the hatch of the car, curled up and looked up at me as if to say "just try and make me"!!! Then she rolled on her back, paws up!!!

Margaret said...

You are busy indeed. Can't wait to get Act as if for my little thespian.

Petrea Burchard said...

Working on it today, Margaret.