Stalking blogs pays off - in many, many ways :))

So I am sitting at my computer, taking a break from editing, browsing through the new posts on the blogs I follow through Google Reader (quite a handy tool, btw). There are quite a few photographers out there that I look up to and whose work inspires me, so I follow their work and visit their blogs every so often, when new posts are up.

You don't even have to be a photographer to like good photography. It is like candy for the eye. We all like good photography...

I left a couple of comments on some, and went on with my work.

Sometimes some of the photographers e-mail back to say thank you for taking the time to leave comments. And tonight I got just one of those e-mails from Amy. Their work (her and her husband are a team) is truly fantastic. You can see for yourself, if you haven't came across them before. Filled with emotions, very earthy, modern and vintage at the same time, out of the box - it is seriously hard for me to put in words all the feelings that their art evokes for me. It feels like words would just water it down.

I thought that it was really sweet that she took the time to e-mail back, and that it was pretty cool that my comment meant something to her. And I continued my work.

My mail program went 'ding', 'ding', 'ding' again. After a little while I switched over to check the new messages. "Red Leaf Photographer Boutique" - two of them, "Red Leaf Studios" the third one. I went from thinking that this was a newsletter from the studio, to thinking that there was a glitch in the system because I got too many, to being really confused because I knew I did not order any actions or textures. I was probably even more in disbelief, because I really wanted them. Eventually I grasped that it was just their way of saying 'thank you'. This is such an awesome and kind gesture. I am really, really excited about them, but even beyond that I was moved to tears by their kindness. It was just a simple comment...

This made me realize once again that every word I say matters, even when I think they don't. Words are powerful - they can build and they can bring down the spirit. I felt really content that my words meant something to them, ...and know that your gesture meant so much to me (way beyond the financial side). It is the coolest thing when people take the time to go out of their way and do such nice things.

Thank you so much again, Richard and Amy.

You made my day! ;) I am looking forward to use the Retro Actions and the two sets of textures, especially! I received as a gift the Vintage set around Christmas and your BW Vintage Brown is my favorite b&w.

p.s. I strongly believe that it doesn't matter the field you work in or are passionate about, you should 'hang out' with the best in your industry. Read their books, watch them, learn from them, be inspired by them (don't copy if you want to be great at what you do and stand out. Innovate. Be yourself. - but that is beside the point). Always soak in the knowledge and always be ready to look at things with an open minded attitude.

You want to become a trusted, quality ...electrician? Find one that you heard and came to know that does an flawless job, has a great work ethic and inspires you, and learn from him/her.

Bottom line? If you are a photographer (or not) - stalk blogs! ;) It really is the thing to do and it pays off. You can not ever put a price on learning new things and being inspired. :)