I Am An Artist

I recently had a couple of difficult days as a photographer... trying to justify to a client why I am charging what I do for my services and my prints and why I do not just give away the digital files for almost nothing.

After our communications back and forth, I took time to reflect about me, my portrait photography, and why I do what I do. I know I'm not the best photographer... I know I have a lot to learn... I know there will always be someone better... I know I fail at light, focus, and framing at times... I know my photography won't be everyone's favorites... I know some people will dislike my photography.

But, I also know...

I am a custom portrait photographer ~ I am an artist.
I am not a Sears Portrait Studio, a Portrait Innovations, and I am not conveniently located in your local Wal-Mart.
You are not just a time slot in my day… 
          you are an investment of my time, my passion, and my creativity.
I don't just take pictures…
          I create art with what I've captured through my lens.
I don't just sell you prints... 
          I offer you timeless keepsakes and cherished memories.
I am a custom portrait photographer ~ I am an artist.

Capturing Life ~ Capturing Memories
Mark Sexton, Photographer

So Blessed... And Thankful

As I prepared the below image to be the cover image for my Facebook page, I couldn't help but think about how blessed I am, and thankful I am.

The images in the collage are a sampling of recent photo sessions I've had.

My clients have no idea the amount of passion and emotion I feel during a photo session. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to capture their lives in a brief moment of time, knowing years later these images will be shared, talked about, and maybe still displayed on a wall, a desk, or an end table. These images could be part of a "Remember when..." or "This was you when..." or "I remember that top..." or "You were so cute..." or "That was your mom at the age of..." 

Yes... I am so blessed... and thankful... to have the good fortune to be part of my client's lives for a brief moment in time that will be a memory to be enjoyed, shared, and looked at for years to come.

Focus To See The Light

James 5:13