Project 52: Week 2: Defined

This Project 52 with Sandi Bradshaw is going to be killer. Seriously, killer. I'm going to pushed beyond myself in my creativity, my insight, my eye, and my skill. I'm already having doubts about whether or not I can do this and do it well. 

But why do I have to do it well? I mean, I WANT to do my best but I never live up to my own standards so why do I keep those standards? 

I think they need to be pitched, preferably out the window. 

I do not have to have profound images every single time. 

I do not have to have perfect lighting.

I do not have to have the perfect set up.

I just neeeeeed to let myself be creative. To let myself stretch. Grow. Be pushed. 

And forget about it being perfect. 

So, this week was good for me. 

Our assignment was:

"Black and White Images that show something that 'defines' you in some way...but does NOT include any people. So...something that shows a part of who you are or that is very personally important to you."

An image flew into my mind immediately after reading that. I knew what I wanted. But I had a problem - the shot that I was imagining in my head would be the most amazing if I had a macro lens. I do not. 

::sad face:: 

So, I kept thinking because I wasn't sure how to achieve that original idea without a macro. 

I came up with another and this is the result:

If you know me, this says "Diana" to a T. I mean, LIFE NEEDS COFFEE. 

Hellooooo!

And this image did push me - I researched and read about capturing steam in a picture and what is the best way to do so. 

I don't have a studio with multiple lights I can have go off to create the best backlight, but I worked with what I have and got that image. 

I was pretty pleased with it. 

But it wasn't exactly what I wanted. 

So, last night at 9pm (15 hours left until submission was due) I tried for my original idea. 

I whipped out my flash (which I am not skilled at using yet) and configured my set up and just did it. 

This is my actual submission:

I'm pretty pleased with this as well. 

Not what I wanted entirely. Not what I would have gotten with a macro but it's what first popped into my head when this assignment was given and so I feel it's the "right" choice. 

And hopefully, if you know me, you understand why this image defines me. 

Maybe I'll write more on my "definition" later. :)