When I was a wide-eyed newbie, back even before the days of Instagram, I had a love of setting little photo challenges for myself. This once involved blocking the screen of my digital camera for an entire week, just to see if I could make images without instant feedback (hey! I could!). Another time, I dared to document an entire wedding using a single lens (actually, I did this 3 times: 20mm, 50mm, 100mm… I’ll let you guess which was the least successful.) My favorite experiment involved shooting an entire event as if I miraculously inherited the eye of Henri Cartier-Bresson.

*A selfie of a photographer, shared back when Facebook was still sorta cool (2007ish).*

It was this time in my photog journey when I was über curious and trying new things felt like second nature. My camera? That thing was ALWAYS looped around my neck, like a trusty sidekick geared up for all the adventures. I was diving into the art form with an open mind, soaking up everything, and being cool with not knowing what was next. Unknowingly, it was at this time that I embraced the "Beginner's Mind" – seeing the world with fresh eyes, leaning into its magic, and staying open to whatever came my way.

In Rick Rubin’s book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being,” he highlights the importance of the beginner’s mind in the creative journey, emphasizing how seeing the world with the innocence and openness of a child can unlock a depth of our creative potential that is often missed by wisdom and experience.

“Beginner’s mind is starting from a pure childlike place of not knowing. Living in the moment with as few fixed beliefs as possible. Seeing things for what they are as presented. Tuning in to what enlivens us in the moment instead of what we think will work. And making our decisions accordingly. Any preconceived ideas and accepted conventions limit what’s possible.

*Why do new photographers always take pictures of feet? Heck, why do seasoned photographers take pictures of their feet? This one is from 2010ish.*

Over time, I've noticed a shift away from this approach. Where once I delighted in photographing cracks in the sidewalks and taking pictures of my feet (oh, so many pictures of my feet), I began to leave my camera behind when not at work. The process of making pictures had transitioned from being an exciting adventure to feeling more like a chore. The shift mirrors Rick Rubin's observations about the challenges of accessing the beginner’s mind in our creative pursuits.

“Accessing the childlike spirit in our art and our lives is worth aspiring to. It’s simple to do if you haven’t accumulated too many fixed habits and thoughts. If you have, it’s very difficult. Nearly impossible.”

So, how do we keep and nurture this childlike mindset? Are we doomed, or is there a way forward? Meditating on the idea, I began to brainstorm on how I could rejuvenate my own beginner’s mind:

Embrace Curiosity

The world is full of a bunch of things you don’t know, and that’s exciting. Be open to new experiences, ask questions, seek answers, and never stop digging.

Keep Learning

There is always room for growth and improvement. Whether it’s challenging yourself to master a new technique or observing how others approach their art, learning is an ongoing journey. Be open to learning something every day.

Cultivate Creativity

Put yourself in circumstances where your creativity can flow freely. Challenge yourself to see the familiar in new ways, seek inspiration from diverse sources, and push the boundaries of your artistic expression without fear.

Stay Present

Stay grounded in the here and now. Practice mindfulness while shooting by becoming fully engaged and observing the moments happening in front of you (lens in front of your face, or not). Prioritize authenticity to create images that resonate on a deeper level, and try not think about what you’re making for supper.

Be Humble

Knowing that you don’t know everything is everything. Remain humble, accept feedback, build meaningful connections, and be willing to evolve.

Play Play Play

Get what you need, but don’t forget to play. Even during those seemingly boring shoots, you have a chance to snap out of it and simply create for the joy of it. Afterall, there is no harm in taking a few photos for yourself.

Will these practices help to retain the childlike wonder of a "Beginner's Mind?" I certainly hope so. There is surely no harm in aspiring.

In like a Lion out like a Lamb?

Looking back on the month that was March, it was a bit of a mixed bag. My calendar wasn’t jammed back with paying work (which, depending on the day, terrifies me), but it was filled with a few meaningful shoots, lots of behind-the-scenes work, and some fun adventures.

doing the good work

Every spring, I invite the YWCA Women of the Year nominees to my studio for headshots. And let me tell you that this year, as like every year, I was blown away by the incredible women in our community. Nearly 40 women strolled through my doors over two days, each as humble and remarkable as the next. We live in the coolest community with the coolest humans, y’all.

*SNAP! Session trial with Alicia. We were able to get SO MANY images in just 10 minutes.*

Feeling good about headshots

In early 2024, I focused on refining the style of headshots for this new BTP era, and by late February, I had introduced the new offerings to the world. Throughout March, I was dedicated to promoting these shiny new options and began the journey of connecting with the right clients. I was particularly thrilled to announce the return of SNAP! Headshots, with the first booked event scheduled for April (pssst… you should go book!)

Working on Brand Photography

I've been doing brand-style photography for businesses for quite a few years, but I've always felt a bit uncertain about my offerings. My pricing has felt scattered, and I've struggled to define exactly what I do and who I do it for. This month, I finally started a deep dive to sort this out. With the help of Mark from The Creative’s Flow, we've been working on clarifying what I want to offer, how to communicate it effectively to my clients, and developing a system to determine my pricing for each shoot. I'm thrilled to refine this process in April and officially launch my business offerings soon.

Skippin’ School & Sioux Falls with The GalPALs

My month was mostly spent at home either loving or hating the weather. But we did venture a bit from our usual. In early March, we pulled the kids out of school for a day and headed down to MSP for a midweek concert. One of my favorite musicians, Aimee Mann, was performing with one of kiddo’s (and my husband’s) favorite musicians, Jonathan Coulton, so we had to go. It was fun to be a little bit naughty, and the show was totally worth it.

The following weekend, I ventured down to Sioux Falls to meet up with some friends to have a glutinous and amazing weekend with zero responsibilities. “Wait, what? Sioux Falls?” You may say. Well, despite it being just souther Fargo, it’s also a great middle point for my friend group - and, they have an AMAZING tiki bar called The Hello Hi. A cocktail their alone is worth a trip to SF.

Five Fixations

Not that this post wasn’t long enough already, but I’m also going to add a new part to my monthly report. Yep, here I am introducing Five Fixations. I picked up this concept from the host of the podcast The Lazy Genius whose host, Kendra Adachi, periodically shares the things she can’t stop thinking about. It's such a fun concept, and I'm always thrilled to hear about her latest obsessions, so naturally, I couldn't resist adopting it myself.

Connie Converse

As a music snob, especially in the folk dept, I can’t believe it took me until March of 2024 to know Connie Converse. Earlier in March, I was listening to this episode of the podcast Criminal which details her life and mysterious disappearance. Boom! I was like Alice going down the Rabbit hole and spent half a day googling conspiracy theories and listening to every single song she ever recorded (on Spotify). Her melancholy and authenticity remind me so much of Nick Drake - one of my favorite musicians of all time. What a tragic life.

‘Succession’ - Mostly Kieran Culkin

February and early March were spent binge-watching the HBO series Succession. I’m now slightly obsessed with Kieran Culkin who somehow, even though heckuva jerk in the show, I find super attractive. Then again, I was the teenager who had a crush on Ed Norton. I guess I have a type.

In any case, super good show. It’s as if Arrested Development and the West Wing had a nepo-baby.

Rick Rubin’s ‘The Creative Act: A Way of Being’

Considering more than half of this post was dedicated to a single concept in this book, you could say I’ve been diggin’ it. I read it, listened to it on audiobook, and have been droppin’ the little wisdom nuggets learned like parade candy. The book is a collection of musings by music producer Rick Rubin that chronicles the creative experience. It’s an easy, yet meaningful read, that I’d recommend to anyone wanting to tap into their creative force.

The music video to ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’

I have my husband to thank(?) for this one. It’s pure nightmare fuel. Watch at your own peril.

3D Plant Prints by Forge Core

This Christmas we as a family gifted ourselves a 3D printer. And while my husband and kiddos have had a blast printing up mini figs and chip clips, I’ve been at a loss on what I’d like to print. And then, Instagram fed me an ad for these 3D Plant Prints and now I need all the green filament. From monstera coasters to a cactus toothpick dispenser, the designs are not only adorable but also modern and functional. I’m itchin’ to print my own.

Alrighty roo! A long one this time folks. Sorry (but not really). I’m crossing my fingers for green grass and tulips for April - and a bit more fruitful calendar. Until then, I’ll leave you with ten photos, work or otherwise, captured this March.

1: The Ladies of Hope Blooms 2: Headshot of Kara from Aldevron 3: The team at The Studio 4: Alicia Hauff Artist 5: Junk Market 6: Snap! Headshot of Allison 7: Candid imagery of Emily and her kiddos at her new office (Riverhaven Counseling) 8: YWCA Nominees Victoria, Gowri & Margie 9: Candid during an interoffice shoot at St. Benedict’s in Horace