the sweet light » Film photography and natural light.

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a new direction

If you were joining me for tea, I’d have a great deal to share with you.  I’d offer you one of my favorite mugs, because if you are here, you are definitely a close friend.  I’d want to be as open and honest as possible, because my heart is open to share.  Here goes….

Photography is my love, my passion, my craft.  It is how I express myself creatively.  I started my old blog almost two years ago, and sharing my photography was simply my  goal.  I grew as a photographer a great deal in that space – I found my style of photography, and connected with so many readers.

With the birth of my second daughter and a family move to Pennsylvania , my life has definitely changed, as I knew it would.  My photography has changed as well.  At my core, I want to get back to photographing my everyday, my simple moments, my life.  I don’t want to take myself so seriously!  Over there, I felt that every post had to be polished, perfect.  That’s a lot of pressure!

And then, my worst fear became reality.   Blogging had become a chore because of my self imposed perfectionism!  One that I began to dread, and that’s not what I wanted.  My photography blog was not supposed to be a place that I avoided, but a place that I would want to grow and share my vulnerabilities as well as my strengths, essentially – my journey of photography.  That’s when it hit me, and I realized that it was time to let it go.  To move on and start fresh, start new.  To be true to me and my love of photography.

And there you have it – The Sweet Light, named for my constant search of sweet, natural light with my camera – was born.  My new phase, my new diggs, my space not to take myself so seriously, but to grow and stretch my wings as a photographer.

Thanks so much for following me to this new space (and for sharing tea with a listening ear).  You’ll  find me here from now on.  I hope that you make yourself at home, as I have.  I plan to make this space more collaborative, more inviting, and a wonderful place to share.

I’m excited – I love the feeling of having a fresh, blank canvas.  A new space and look, and a new direction are ahead – thanks for joining me!

  • Jackie - December 2, 2010 - 7:21 pm

    You know my English isn’t good enough to write beautiful comments or share my feelings but I’d like tell you that I agree with this post in every word.
    Beautiful blog ♥ReplyCancel

  • Katyha - December 2, 2010 - 7:24 pm

    Something new is always good and I hope this move inspires you a great deal more. Congratulations on the move!ReplyCancel

  • Lucent Imagery - December 2, 2010 - 7:24 pm

    Oh I’m so glad that you have not left completely. I respect your honesty and desire to break free from self-imposed perfectionism. I am very excited to see what you share in this lovely new blog home. Thank you for inviting us to follow you here. I absolutely adore your photography and I look forward to finding more aspects to adore. All the best.ReplyCancel

  • geraldine - December 2, 2010 - 8:08 pm

    It’s a blessing, to be able to share the journey of your photography.. : )ReplyCancel

  • Nori - December 2, 2010 - 8:16 pm

    You have a wonderful blog =)

    Best of luck on this new space!ReplyCancel

  • beth - December 2, 2010 - 8:55 pm

    congratulations%20on%20your%20new%20space…it’s%20beautiful%20!ReplyCancel

  • Sharon - December 2, 2010 - 9:19 pm

    Gabrielle,

    You have put into words exactly how I’ve been feeling, only I didn’t want to admit it to myself. Some days my blog feels like such a burden but at this point how do I go backwards in time? I actually did start a new blog (which you can find under my profile) called The Sweetest of Days. It was going to be my place to let go and only post a picture or two, along with my romantic side. Then I felt the pull to come back to A New England Life because people expect me there. Who knows what the future holds.

    I wish you all the best and I truly hope you feel invigorated with a new beginning.

    SharonReplyCancel

  • Miss Giny / Au Pays des Merveilles - December 3, 2010 - 12:23 am

    Congrats with this new blog !
    As Jackie, my English isn’t good enough to write beautiful comments but I assure you that I’ll continue to follow you !

    ♥♥♥ReplyCancel

  • Masha - December 3, 2010 - 3:49 am

    Beautifully said. That’s how I came to feel about my blog at one time and had to take a break for it and to re-evaluate why I’m actually doing it. Now it comes more effortlessly…ReplyCancel

  • Masha - December 3, 2010 - 3:49 am

    Beautifully%20said.%20That’s%20how%20I%20came%20to%20feel%20about%20my%20blog%20at%20one%20time%20and%20had%20to%20take%20a%20break%20for%20it%20and%20to%20re-evaluate%20why%20I’m%20actually%20doing%20it.%20Now%20it%20comes%20more%20effortlessly…ReplyCancel

  • Viola - Backbonestudio2 - December 3, 2010 - 7:45 am

    Doesn’t it feel good to finally accept the reality that it’s time to close one door and open another. And to discover that going through that new door is so refreshing – a moment to exhale and begin anew. I love your photography, it’s very serene and beautiful. Congratulations – your new blog will be fabulous!ReplyCancel

  • Cathy P - December 3, 2010 - 9:05 am

    good for you following your heart – I love your photos so I’ll follow you anywhere!ReplyCancel

  • Alice - December 3, 2010 - 9:28 am

    i hope you will find much happiness with this new blog!

    i adore the title :)ReplyCancel

  • Tabitha Blue - December 3, 2010 - 10:53 am

    Oh girl, I just love this… the look, the name, the sentiment! I’m with ya… at times posting can seem like a chore and then I take a step and take a break, for a day or two :) I LOVE your photography and your BEAUTIFUL baby girls. I look forward to seeing more of all of you here, in this lovely space.

    ~TabithaReplyCancel

  • Sharon Caillier - December 3, 2010 - 11:01 am

    Congratulations on your new blog. I love the nice clean look. I look forward to enjoying your beautiful work. TFS.ReplyCancel

  • kim kath - December 3, 2010 - 4:44 pm

    Oh this is lovely so pleased you are doing something new. I look forward to meeting you here.
    love and good wishes
    KimReplyCancel

  • darrah parker - December 3, 2010 - 11:52 pm

    The new space is just lovely! I totally understand what it feels like to get bogged down with the blogging. It’s so important to remember WHY we do what we do. I’m so glad you will continue to share your talented self with us in this new space.ReplyCancel

  • Samantha - December 4, 2010 - 2:16 am

    how fabulous! i’m one of your newest subscribers!! love the new name so much. :)ReplyCancel

  • mary - December 4, 2010 - 9:34 am

    I love the new direction you’re going to take and can’t wait to see your everyday shots! I know they will be amazing. :)ReplyCancel

  • christine - December 5, 2010 - 1:12 am

    ohhh… love the new look… I too am ready to make a change! I started my blog last year so commemorate my 60th bday. Although I’ve learned quite a bit about taking pics & have documented some of my “silver linings” I’ve been afraid of changing the look of my blog. Your changes have encouraged me to attempt a new look. Wish me luck!ReplyCancel

  • […] sincerely thank each and every one of you for all of your heartfelt words in the comments from my first post.  It is good to see so many familiar faces that have followed me here, and meet so many new […]ReplyCancel

  • Karleen - December 28, 2010 - 12:44 am

    I love this new direction of yours! It reminds me that I too need to take my blog less seriously and just enjoy it for what it is: to share my love of photography and of simple joys in life =)ReplyCancel

    • A. Jarrett - December 28, 2010 - 10:42 am

      Yes, Karleen – it feels so good not to take myself so seriously anymore and continue with my love of photography!ReplyCancel

  • Rachel Del Grosso - September 14, 2011 - 12:02 pm

    I definitely understand how you feel. Just a week ago I moved my blog over to a new platform, gave it a new design and I finally believe that I am getting out of it what I always wanted. I love where things are headed.ReplyCancel

  • […] been thinking so much about this space.  I started the sweet light with this post in 2010.  As I stated then, I wanted this blog to be  “a place that I would want to grow […]ReplyCancel