REAL // BETH HYER

Beth Hyer is one of the most real people I know.

We met during the VERY beginning of my photographic endeavors. We all have a beginning, so many of you will understand. I hadn't the slightest idea of how to shoot on Manual, how light "worked", how to compose pictures. I would just do my best on my auto settings and edit my pictures to high-heaven on sites like Picnic and Picasa.

Then came Beth.

She kindly, yet honestly, told me that I had to learn to shoot on Manual... it wasn't an option, it was mandatory. She also went through my photos and dissected the editing--asking why I aligned the picture a certain way, why I amputated the subject's arm in the crop, why I colored my photos in such an awful yellow ["vintage"] tone. She taught me so much of what I know about photography this day. Her dose of honesty was just what I needed to open my eyes to the world of photography that I was missing.

.  .  .


Let me duplicate Beth's advice from over 2 years ago to some of you today:


1. If you are avoiding that part on your DSLR called "M", stop. Learn it. Google "Beginner's guide to shooting on Manual". Ask a professional photographer in your area.

2. Avoid over-editing. It's a bad habit, and a VERY hard habit to break. Try to get as MINIMAL as you can with your tone adjustments. Even if you're going for "that vintage look."

3. Pay attention when you're shooting. Slooowww dooowwwwnnn. Take less pictures and focus more on how you're composing the shot or where the light is best or how your subject is being flattered.

There's so much more to learn. I learn something every. single. day. So don't get overwhelmed.

But you have to start somewhere.

I believe in you. And I mean it.


.  .  .

Back to Beth. Not only is she real in conveying her photography opinions, she is a tried-and-true, dedicated believer. I would venture to say that I have never met anyone as passionate about God and His Word as she is, and it is continually inspiring to be around this girl. There have been so many conversations with Beth that I've walked away from utterly challenged and longing to be closer to the God we both love. Beth also blew my mind by deciding she was going to attend Bible College in Hungary. In the middle-of-nowhere in Hungary. And she did. Here I am on the brink of a move (possibly to Atlanta), FREAKING OUT, and she moved to Hungary. Surely God is able to sustain us through change. He sustained her. And showed her so much along the journey.

//

Beth,
I could really go on and on about you. We both pretty much know this. You've been a key part of my life over the past [almost three] years. This is perhaps the most ridiculously mushy thing I could say, but I have no idea where I would be today without you. I will forever and always attribute my success in photography to your willingness to be honest in our friendship. Furthermore, I can't even recall all of the conversations we've had that have kept my faith alive. You are a light, Beth. I mean it. Don't give up on this thing God is doing in your heart. You're inspiring those around you... no doubt about it. I hope these pictures make you happy. You're awesome.

//

Enjoy, friends.