A Life, Unlived
by J.D. Dickerson on Aug.18, 2010, under Misc.
I have a stack of 10 to 15 well-worn books that counsel me when I need a dose of timeless inspiration, or need reminding of why I’m here, trapped in this fleshy suit, fighting with every fiber of my being to be the best man, son, brother, boyfriend, creative, student, teacher, leader, etc. that I can be, seemingly against universal current. I am reading one of these incredible books today, curiously named The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (not to be confused with the new white-collar workforce fav, The Art of War by Sun Tzu). In the opening of the book, Pressfield suggests that most of us have two lives: the life we live, and the unlived life within us. The thing that stands between these two lives is Resistance (think: fear, doubt, anguish – whatever keeps you from doing what you want to/should be doing). What a breath-taking idea. There is this life that we live, and our unlived life that we would be enjoying if not for our yields to Resistance. This idea is particularly resonant for me because I have lived so much of my life in fear. Fear of non-acceptance, fear of the responsibilities of success, fear of that empty, worthless feeling that accompanies failure. I even have a long-standing fear of talking to people. Just talking. There is a reason there are so few entries in this blog (the same reason I’ve chosen a career where I communicate visually in lieu of with the written or spoken word). It’s because I fear I have nothing to say – that no one is going to want to read what I write. I imagine my unlived life without this Resistance, and it is awesome. It is AWESOME. I touch so many more people. I make the journey of life so much more enjoyable for those around me. I bolster the power of the indomitable human spirit, and by example, inspire all to live courageously, abundantly, and in undeterred pursuit of their greatest vision of who they are. I will cut this rant short, though there is more to come.
I hope to conquer my Resistance in time to live the life I imagine. I hope that in writing this acutely honest entry, I’ve taken the next large, cathartic move towards a life rich with freedom and devoid of uncontrolled fear. I wish, for you and I both, a life sans Resistance.
Wedding Bells: Taryn & A.J.
by J.D. Dickerson on Jul.28, 2010, under Uncategorized
I shot this couple’s engagement photos a few months back, and had the pleasure to shoot their wedding in Atlanta a few weeks ago. I love these two. They’re such an adorable pair. I am re-kicking The Body into repair, so I’ll be posting some nudes, boudoir, and other intimate shoots pretty soon…
Commencing Countdown, Engines On
by J.D. Dickerson on Jul.24, 2010, under Uncategorized
Sooo…I wound up taking a bit of a break from The Body Studio for a while to devote more time to school. It’s paying off. I have a solid 4.12 GPA, but the days are getting longer, and I need to inject some passion and adventure (and money) back into life. So, I’m re-igniting The Body. I feel that what I do is too important, both to me, and to the incredible, brave and powerful women that I photograph, to remain so distant from it.
A couple of days ago, I created a Tumblr photoblog to be filled with inspiring images of women, as another method of extending opportunities for self-appreciation/realization. Every couple of days or so, I’ll scour the net for emotive or positive or inspirational intimate images of women and post them to that photoblog. The title of the blog is ‘No Fig Leaves Required‘, The Body Studio’s (clever, if I may say so myself) tagline. Other updates: My girlfriend and I are living together (biiig step), I’ve switched my major from Business to Women’s Studies, we bought a new puppy, and I’ve discovered that Goodwill stores are amazing resources for deeply discounted books of all genres ($2.50 for hardcovers!). More to come…
Lovely Amy
by J.D. Dickerson on Feb.02, 2010, under Uncategorized
A few weeks ago, I had the incredible pleasure of shooting with a sassy, spectacular gem named Amy. I laughed harder during that shoot than perhaps I ever have (I even snorted, which she’ll never let me forget :) ). At one point she said, “If there were a soundtrack to today, every track would be laughter!”. It was a blast. Here are some of our fruits:
Amy and her dad are world-traveling magicians (How awesome is that!). The mirror in this photo holds sentimental value for her, as it’s one of her dad’s magical accoutrements. It’s one of my favorites from the shoot.
Amy, you are amazing :)
GRRRR
by J.D. Dickerson on Jan.24, 2010, under Uncategorized
I am, and have been for the last two weeks, a GSU Panther. Grrrr (that’s my panther growl). I took a couple of weeks off from, well, everything, to become reacquainted with full-time education. The result: I’ve found a new love. I am a full-time nerd, and loving it. The books, papers, pens, the record-scratching sound of the textbook pages as they’re flipped, the enthusiasm of professors to gift every eager mind with erudition they’ve mastered, the satisfaction of raising your ink-stained hand to answer a question correctly. It is a rush. I love school. I love my company. I love my clients. I am as happy as a clam. It is a great time to be me. Grrrr.
Booty Pop
by J.D. Dickerson on Jan.11, 2010, under Uncategorized
I believe that self-confidence is exceedingly important and I have a great many views on the subject. That aside, this is just eyebrow-scrunchingly strange and funny:
Twitter: bodystudio- Interesting Hint at Future of Photography: Nikon President Says Photography Needs Redefinition http://bit.ly/cf8Fv8
- Just changed my major from Biz to Women's Studies. My company's focus is the advancement and equality of women. I'll hire an accountant.
- Considering past mistakes and what to learn from them. Biggest mistake my first few years in business: serving clients alcohol. Just don't.
- Got the CS5 suite yesterday. Sad to say I am underwhelmed. Content aware fill...not so much. If you're on the fence, stick with CS4.
- An amateurish search for Inspiration --> Seth Godin's blog --> Steven Pressfield's 'The War of Art' --> a firm, needed kick in the ass.
- After two months of quiet, readjusting to full-time school, I'm setting the stage to reignite The Body Studio's engines...
