Recently I heard a phrase that has become my mantra lately. "Art without intention"
Now I have had various opinions regarding this phrase, but for me it is allowing me to try and create for the love of it. Not for a client, a show, or any particular reason in mind but just for arts sake. It has been helping when I get in one of those through out everything moods.

I have seen brilliant images made with pin hole cameras and poor work made with the best equipment. So I do know that the majority of "good" work is with the mind and eye. But when we have a client to please or a show to jury for, we are not being true to ourselves.

Jim, I find that shooting dog shows is similar to the commercial work I have done too. Both the clients in those fields require a specific need that has very little room for creativity and change. Quality of the image is upmost and it seems you also give them the best regarding that.

In a PPA program I will never forget, the speaker talked about making the experience the most important when it comes to creating the images. Being nice also provides that good experience and that is very important. Because if a real jerk photographed your dog, and you disliked the whole experience, I do not care how wonderful the images were, they would not like them as much as they would if they had a good experience.

I feel the same with us when we are creating. Sometimes outside forces just do not line up to make the shoot brilliant in our eyes. But I would bet the clients are happy if you provided your best for that time.

So today for my own art without intent, I went to a Adopt a Husky demonstration and shot what I wanted to shoot. I had a great day and know that I am now thinking about becoming a foster mom. We will see how my intent works with the my spouse!