Jumping in but intimidated

Lisa Ober · 03-02-2005, 01:59 AM

Hello!

My name is Lisa Ober. I live just outside St. Louis, Missouri. I am married and have two children who make for great portrait practice if you ask me.

Like many others whose posts I have read recently, I have lurked here for quite some time. I have been both impressed an embarrassed. Being impressed with the talent and professionalism here is obvious. The embarrassment for me comes in when I realize how much time I have wasted in my professional life by not pushing myself and not being as dedicated to improvement as I should have been. Over the past few years I have decided that is going to change. I know I have found the right place to learn and grow. I just hope one day to have something to offer in exchange.

In spite of what has been mediocrity I think (especially after looking around here), I have somehow managed to make a living for almost two decades as a full-time portrait artist. I must have very good luck. Because an enormous amount of my work is children's portraiture, I do work primarily from photos. I miss the days of art school when I was able to work form live models but I don't see that happening any time soon for my work. That being said, I am hoping to learn how to take better photos in addition to improving my technical skills. I am a bit nervous about posting but I am looking forward to becoming a better artist.

Thank you for allowing me to join in the fun as I go jump into the ego-busting world of critique. In a few years, let me know if I my work has improved. I know I'll be saying my prayers toward that end.

Terri Ficenec · 03-02-2005, 02:09 AM

Hi Lisa and welcome!

I lived out in St. Louis (U. City) from 1991-1996... my kids were both born there. Very family friendly area... can imagine it's a great place for portraiture!

Looking forward to your posts!

Cynthia Daniel · 03-02-2005, 02:28 AM

Welcome Lisa,

I grew up in St. Louis from about 9 thru age 19. Later, I had an apartment there from 1995-1999. I MISS St. Louis terribly!

Isn't there an O'Fallon, IL also? I seem to remember living there as well as Belleville and Lebanon.

And, my compliments on your bravery!

Lisa Ober · 03-02-2005, 02:49 AM

Thank you both! It never ceases to amaze me how many people I meet who have lived here.

Cynthia, you can always come visit! Yes, there is an O'Fallon, IL. I live on the western edge of St. Louis County though, which is an exploding area. As to my bravery, we shall see. I just might end up a sobbing basket case from the critiques. If you see me post again it's probably a good sign.

Terri, I went to school right down the street from where you lived at Washington University. You lived in a wonderful area. St. Louis is certainly family friendly and there is a lot of work to be had here but I have found quite a resistance to pricing that would be considered average in other cities. Normally, I would think that is just me and my work but I have heard the same from quite a few other portrait artists here in spite of the superb quality of many of them.

Well, I look forward to getting to know everyone here. Thanks for your welcoming words.

Mary Sparrow · 03-02-2005, 07:50 AM

Hi Lisa,
It is nice to see you here. You will have no choice but grow if you plant yourself in the middle of this crew! Welcome.

John Reidy · 03-02-2005, 07:55 AM

Hello, Lisa and welcome to the fun. As you can see from my information posted here with my picture I am a recent member to SOG. I have picked up a lot from the critiques. Remeber, this group of people have all been here where you and I are now and they benefited from the generosity of their community. Likewise with us.

Regarding photography, see if there is a good photography school in your area. I would think so being so close to St. Louis. A technology school is a good place to look. Good reference material is important and may add perceived value to your product.

I lived in Tulsa, OK for over 30 years and am happy to see someone from that part of the country here.

Have fun and I look forward to seeing your work.

Claudemir Bonfim · 03-02-2005, 12:50 PM

Nice to see you here!
Welcome.

Lisa Ober · 03-02-2005, 03:13 PM

Mary, thank you! It's nice to know you are here. I will have to go look at what you have been doing. I do plan to learn as much as I possibly can. I'm not getting any younger.

John, well welcome to you too then. I agree that everyone here is very generous with their time. Believe it or not, I have quite a bit of background in photography but that was years ago before digital. I do need a refresher and there are great schools here. I think my other issue is with quality equipment. Poor equipment can mess up potentially good results. I'm going to read as much as I can on that. Thanks again for the welcome.

Claudemir, it is nice to be here as well. Thank you!

Cynthia Daniel · 03-02-2005, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa Ober

Thank you both! It never ceases to amaze me how many people I meet who have lived here.

Cynthia, you can always come visit! Yes, there is an O'Fallon, IL. I live on the western edge of St. Louis County though, which is an exploding area. As to my bravery, we shall see. I just might end up a sobbing basket case from the critiques. If you see me post again it's probably a good sign.

Terri, I went to school right down the street from where you lived at Washington University. You lived in a wonderful area. St. Louis is certainly family friendly and there is a lot of work to be had here but I have found quite a resistance to pricing that would be considered average in other cities. Normally, I would think that is just me and my work but I have heard the same from quite a few other portrait artists here in spite of the superb quality of many of them.

Well, I look forward to getting to know everyone here. Thanks for your welcoming words.

Cynthia Daniel · 03-02-2005, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa Ober

Cynthia, you can always come visit! Yes, there is an O'Fallon, IL. I live on the western edge of St. Louis County though, which is an exploding area.

I was actually there last July, but it's not the same as living there. I do thank you for the invite - you never know. I loved having my little flat in St. Louis, just off Grand and a few blocks from where I went to high school. I love the city and if I ever lived there again (unlikely), it would only be in the city.