Fine Art Photography - Abstract

I'm not really sure how to even begin what I'm about to say... I've made abstract photography my focus in my Fine Art Photography class this semester. It's been challenging, but I've had such a blessing of growth. At the beginning of the semester I really struggled to wrap my mind around the subject, but as I progressed, I realized that constructing my own setting worked for me better, than trying to 'find' abstraction. This was a little bit sad for me, because I really was enjoying my outings... reminded me a bit of the old days, when it was easy to just pick up my camera and go! If I had only had the inspiration then, that I have now! 

It's been weeks of trial and error, as I've worked on idea after idea, image after image.... along the way, I've had some coincidences that have lead me into a deeper concept behind my work. Since then I've seen a major growth of inspiration, and success, that I feel has really raised the level of excellence of my work. This is something I'm constantly striving for; achieving a higher level of excellence that is. 

I went about my business as usual last week, not really knowing what I was going to shoot, but applying some new techniques to my work and my process, experimenting with ideas, and so on. Till I came across something I liked, and went with it. 

As my instructor has corrected and directed this semester, I've been tweaking my work, and my grades have been going up. But I was caught off guard this last week, when my instructor mentioned a connection to my work, with that of the master photographer Edward Steichen. WOW! I am extremely humbled, and have saved my instructor's critique as a reminder that the hard work is paying off. I view my instructor's work as very accomplished, and find it extremely inspirational, so I don't take what she says light hearted. 

After her encouraging words, I thanked her, and expressed how much it meant to me. Her response followed... "I call it as I see it..." 

I have not reached a climax in my photographical aspirations, rather I feel as I've finally arrived. I feel as though I've officially started my 'professional' journey in a sense. Even though I'm emotionally ready to graduate school, I'm blessed to have learned what I have, thus far. I thank God for the blessing of being able to fulfill my creative dreams, while being home with my children.