PHOTOGRAPHY ELF WORKING CHRISTMAS EVE

This past year has been quite a learning experience for me.  It was my first full year cycle selling my photographs.  I have been quite lucky in having my prints available on two websites, at the Preservation Society of Charleston, the airport gift shop and the Charleston Visitor's Center.  I was also made Contributing Photographer on CharlestonCurrents.com, one of Charleston's premier newsletters. 

It has been a year of many highs and many lows.  The highs I can handle easier, the lows...not so much.  My biggest disappointment has been trying to stitch the highs together into a nice long run.  The lows just have to be dealt with one at a time.

Of course I enjoy when people like my work and comment on it.  I actually like it even better when people like it enough to take it home with them for themselves or to give as a gift.  I am pleased to have a few patrons who have returned to purchase my work several times.  I also have been pleased with the exhibits that I have entered this year.  The worst thing that could happen to an artist is to get recognition for your entry the first two tries.  Okay, they were only honorable mention but I like the "honorable" as well as the "mention" part.  That sets one up for disappointment when you receive nothing on the third try.  But, I kept at it and received 2nd place at the First Federal Starlight Pops People's Choice Exhibit.  I know it isn't first but sure beats a sharp stick in the eye.

I doubt that I will be as fortunate next year.  It was a year of many firsts for me (except in the competitions).  So, now that I know better, I look back at all I accomplished this past year.  The funny thing is that I accomplished a lot.  I guess it could be beginner's luck.  Maybe I was just so naive that I did not realize that I was not supposed to be able to accomplish what I did.  What scares me now is....what to do next. 

One of the many things I learned was that just because I liked a shot, I should not print and mat it.  I enjoyed what I was doing so much I thought everyone else would like every print too.  That was a big mistake.  Mistakes, I have been told, just shows that you have at least been doing something. 

I used to go with my wife to a lot of the Spoleto craft shows, the Farmer's Market, etc.  I would look at the beautiful art, furniture, jewelry and would many times be only looking.  I would feel that I had to make a comment, "beautiful work" or "nice".  Now I realize that the artist may appreciate the compliments but they would rather make 1 sale than get 100 compliments.

People also amuse me when they look at your work and comment, "you must have a great camera".  If you told a chef "you must have a great stove", he would be within his rights to come after you with sharp cutlery.  Okay, that might be a stretch but you have to admit...it was funny.  Okay, maybe just mildly amusing.  Right...moving on.

So, here I sit pounding away on my trusty Toshiba laptop when I could be watching Cajun Pawn Stars of Ghost Adventures but no.  I am writing a blog that most likely will only be read by the Patch editor.  I hope that all of you have gotten some enjoyment from my musings or rants, if you need to be hurtfully accurate.

Tomorrow I will get up early and head down to the Preservation Society at 147 King Street.  They will only be open 10-12 tomorrow but will be open from 10-5 the day after Christmas.  I will be there both days.  My remaining pieces will all be on sale.  They will be at the lowest price of the year.  Stop by and mention the Patch and receive a signed, matted 5 x 7 free to the first 10 people.

If you are in a total panic and need to purchase a print on Christmas Eve give me a call.  In the meantime check out my website and see if there is something you can't live without.  Just call me and I will give you a killer sale price.  So, yes, this Santa's elf is working Christmas Eve, if you need me.  If not, have a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Michael Kaynard is a local photographer who lives in West Ashley.  His photos can be seen at http://kaynardphotography.webs.com.  He can be reached at 843-412-2299 or mkaynard@gmail.com.