Personal Photography Project of Ardelle Neubert
ardelle my life
What is/was your personal project and what inspired you to start it?
This personal project means a lot to me, I am so excited to share it with you. It all began last February when I was at a point in my photography where I felt like I was in a rut, I was ready for growth and change in my art. My boys inspire me everyday, they fascinate me and I love them over the moon. That is when my project “Ardelle My Life” was born, creatively documenting my boys “mostly daily” (just to cut myself some slack when needed). It’s our story about the little and big moments in our days.
Are there any challenges or ruts you faced during your project and how did you overcome them and keep a creative eye?
My biggest challenge is myself, I am my own worst critic. Sometimes, in my mind, nothing turned out how it should have. I had to learn to let that go, to accept each image every single day, reminding myself that tomorrow is another day. It’s okay that I’m not happy with today’s image, just learn from it and move on. To stay creative I continue to try new things, sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, and that is okay too. By challenging myself I learn with each click of that shutter, so either way win/win.
What have you learned through your process with your personal project?
Before starting this project I had many hopes for what the results would be. It is so much more. I have learned a ton along the way, new perspectives, better uses of less than ideal light, ways to keep myself inspired. Topping it all, the absolute best thing that has come out of this project are the mounds of images full of my boys personalities. My hope now is that when my boys are grown they will see that each image was with love.
Is there anything additional about your project that readers may find interesting?
Now that this project is over a year there are changes near, maybe shoot a little less frequently. I am still enjoying it immensely…my boys somedays but lately, not so much. Shooting for yourself is so rewarding and I cannot recommend enough to start your own project. Shoot something that inspires you and I promise that you will love the results.
I loved this post! Ardelle, that first shot is one of my all-time favs from a CMer. ALL TIME! <3
I have immensely enjoyed seeing your images from your project throughout the year. You use light so well, capture your boys’ personalities, and your compositions are always fantastic.
These photos are beautiful, Ardelle. You are such an inspiration! <3
Oh my goodness, that picture jumping onto the bed is INCREDIBLE! Can’t stop going back to it. Love all of your images. So real and genuine. Thanks for sharing your inspiration!
You are so inspiring! I love when you put up a blog post on your blog with these amazing photos of your boys. Thanks for sharing!!
Very nice thanks for sharing! I knew you must be Canadian when I saw that future star out on the ice…Love that shot!!!
Wonderful article, Ardelle. I love following you on the Daily Project.
I am such a fan of your work Ardelle, and am stoked to see you on the blog! Love your compositions! <3
what a wonderful, meaningful project. these are great! boys are the best!!
Thank you everyone for your kind comments, truly heart warming hearing from each of you <3 Each of you talented ladies are also so inspiring to me in your work and your support.
Not a member. Just a visitor, but I must say, that while I do frequently come across photos I love, I don’t always feel like I immediately want to follow that photographer’s work, but I really love your style so much. I especially have a hard time getting back and fitting more in my pics — I always tend to do face closeups. I’m not even sure what type of lens I would want to use — a wide angle? Or just my 85mm but force myself back? Anyway,I can’t wait to check out your blog for more. (P.S. The lion leaping onto the bed is great.
that first image is one of my favorite ever, ardelle! thanks for sharing your journey with us. i’m inspired by you!
Ardelle, that images of your kids hugging almost brought me to tears! This is so inspirational–thank you for sharing your thoughts here!
These are amazing. I love the first and last image and of course those in between. lovely!