When I think about this past year, it seems as though five have passed. So much has happened, and yet I still have so much further I’d like to go. I’ve pushed myself remarkably hard this year – to find my voice, to shoot for myself, to be true to my vision and my brand. I’ve branded myself (or at least started to) and I’ve really begun to discover who I am as a photographer, or at least I think I have.
This business is tough, I’m not going to pretend otherwise. And it’s extremely trying and at times remarkably arduous. But it’s three thousand percent worth it. The heartaches, the triumphs, the little victories and the setbacks. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Okay, fine, maybe I’d trade the setbacks, but in those moments, when I’m mad and frustrated and just want to throw my hands up, and the towel in and just give up, I remind myself that if it’s easy, if it doesn’t hurt, then I must be doing it wrong.
For if art truly is an extension of one’s soul, then its birth, like that of anything, doesn’t come without momentous effort, searing pain, delirious exhaustion, or tear-realeasing, soul-filling, heart-wrenching joy.
The images below, then, are the fruits of my proverbial labor. These images are a visual representation of my body of work in 2012…as well as all I hope and aspire to become in 2013. Thank you to all who helped make every single one of these images a reality. To my amazing clients, for your candor, your friendship, and most importantly your trust, to my friends who were brave enough to stand in front of my camera, and to my fellow photographers who have taught and pushed and mentored me, I owe this body of work to you. I thank you – more than I’ll ever be able to express in words.
More than I could ever show in photographs.
You are the heart in my art.
I love you and am so incredibly thankful for you. For this.
Every last drop of it.
Nadia
Yup. Pretty much sums up your year of amazingness. Xoxox
anna
I can tell what you were thinking when you took each of these. I can see your silliness, your excitement, your anticipation, your quiet and your intensity in each one. I know who you are through your art and it’s why you are my friend. I’m so glad to know you, Athena. Happy New Year!
Lindsay
What a great year, my friend!! I can’t wait to see you soon and run my fingers through that short hair of yours. Ooo-la-la!!!!
anda
be very very proud of these, athena. i’m proud of you for sure. i cannot believe how far you’ve come in one year. remember that when things get hard. another year from now … you’ll be that much better. and you’re already so good. and, a year goes so quickly … it’s really no time at all.
Mom
My cup runneth over with pride and love for you sweet pea! You are simply amazing.
jenna
i could have scrolled for hours. i can see every little detail and pick out what struck you about the image and how it can impact those who view it. if a photo was worth a thousand words then this blog post is immeasurable… xo
Jacki
The products of your labors are just gorgeous. I think your work is fantastic, and am so happy to have stumbled upon it this year! Happy new year, Athena – cheers to where you’ve been and where you’re going!
amiejean
I love you so much lady! Congratulations to all your creative success this year! I wish you more in 2013! :) xo.
Jenn Stark
So happy to have come to know you this year, beautiful friend! What a lovely post — here’s to another year of pushing & creating in 2013. XO
Kelsea
You. Are. Athena.
(Don’t ever change.)
Serena
I have loved watching you blossom into the photographer you have become, and continue to grow into frame by frame. Hell you inspired me to leave the corporate world after my monster came, pursuing my own photography career and to never look back with regrets. To continue pushing forward into the unknown. Be brave.
Keep up the goodness Pink Glitter.
Oh and those girls, to die for -but you already knew that.
XO
SLP