This month, we are pleased to begin our guest blogger series, which we plan to continue throughout the year. We hope to bring valuable insights and information with each post, whether it be useful advice on how to prepare your art for shows, general do’s and don’ts of selling art, or simply different perspectives from great people who have experiences which might inspire you. All of us at Documounts feel fortunate to work with so many talented artists across the country, including this month’s guest blogger, Brady Kesner. We hope you enjoy his perspective and his amazing photography. -Chris Aman, Operations Manager

Celebrate Thy Work, Not Thyself! – by Brady Kesner, Photographer

“Artist.” The word still throws me even though I’ve been at this for more than five years now. Folks bestow such admiration on me the moment I hang the name tag around my neck at the art show:  “Brady Kesner, Artist,” it says. People seek me out and wait in line to talk to me.  They compliment my images and say things like, “You have such a great eye.”  “Your sense of composition is amazing.” “Wow, how did you get that shot?”

Lake Superior Shoreline at Grand Marais, Minnesota

The banks of Grand Marais, Minnesota looked like this during our visit on a blustery Summer afternoon. A cold front and storm came through the area and churned up Superior’s waves revealing the warm hues of the rock and turquoise hues of the clear lake. A colorful image that shows the power of this huge body of water.

I’d be lying to you if I told you the attention didn’t make me feel good.  It does. It gives me the confidence to continue with my photography.  But all along something inside me has always told me to step back and exercise some re-direction for the sake of the subject I’m trying to celebrate in the first place.  Being able to do this, to deflect attention from my skill, to the attention the subject deserves, has always been the motive – at least for me…

When I get the chance to talk with people in my booth, with images near, I do my very best to convey what it was like to be at the edge of that churning lake, camera in hand, feeling the coolness of the spray and the energy of the water.  I’ll tell them what was on my mind as I stood with my tripod in that over-grown farm field with the rustic barn, wondering to myself what it was like to work these fields, deal with the risks of farming and try to put food on the table for a family.  I’ll tell them how long I stood in the bitter cold watching that bald eagle just be the beautiful bald eagle that he is before he finally flew off to fish and I clicked the shutter so we would have a moment to share.

Bald Eagle with Fish

I waited patiently as this bald eagle was sitting in a cottonwood tree along the Great River Road near Elsah, IL. Finally, he leapt from his perch, and descended to the open river water below. He swooped to the water level, talons outstretched. In a blink, he had clutched a fish from the water and made his way back to the perch he just left.

Don’t get me wrong and please understand, you absolutely have to sell your skill and have confidence in your work.  But, I believe most people get put-off by the arrogant artist.  Remember this, especially if you are just starting out by selling your art publicly.

Rather, you’re seeking connections.  The connection is already made between you and the subject – that’s why you celebrated it in your work in the first place.  That’s the easy part.  The big connection is between the subject, you, and your viewer.  It’s your passion about your art that easily bridges that connection.  When those connections are made, your pieces go home with happy people who are proud to have your work in their home or office.

Indiana Barn in Morning

It’s not easy for me to get out of bed in the morning let alone have my wits about me to create a neat photograph, but somehow on this morning, I did O.K. This scene was shot just after sunrise in a little valley near Story, Indiana. The morning sunshine completely envelopes this scene and that’s why I think it’s so attractive. It’s a light thing!

It’s not really about being an artist and all the adulation it might bring.  It’s about creating artwork that instills joy in people’s hearts and minds in whatever way possible.  No matter what your medium is, if you celebrate something other than yourself, all the good things about being an artist will simply come naturally.  It’s just good karma and it has been working for me!

Ogle Lake, Brown County, Indiana

Early morning stillness, fog on the lake and Fall’s brilliant colors came together to create this beautiful Nature scene. No one else was around when I encountered this view and I will always remember the peace and stillness of that morning. It’s moments like this that connect you with God and certainly no camera is needed to do it…

All photos are the property of the artist  Brady Kesner.

About the artist

Brady Kesner, of Highland, Illinois, is a self-taught photographer specializing in Nature and Rural Photography. “A photograph is a celebration of the subject, so you better be passionate about what you shoot. Then, if your image is good, your audience will become passionate and interested in the subject, as well.”

Kesner’s photographs are simple in composition and reflect his belief in the power of Nature and the joy of living a simple life.

“My photographs are not my way of expressing myself as some artists might say. Instead, they are an appeal. I want folks to love and respect Nature and our planet. I believe comfort and healing can be found in Nature if we would only learn to experience and respect it as we should. That’s why I celebrate Nature in my photography.”

“Likewise, we live crazy lives with pressures, schedules and stresses that we create ourselves. We no longer understand the value of a simple, slower pace of life. But those folks who lived years ago did. Everything about their way of life should not be forgotten and should be considered as solutions to some of our problems today. That’s why I also celebrate rural images in my photography.”

Kesner’s portfolio, photo journal and lots of other cool stuff can be found at bradykesner.com.