I will admit that besides being a professional portrait photographer, I am a Pinterest addict. What better venue to feast my eyes than thousands of wonderful photographs? Every day I watch how light falls upon someone’s face, or admire an outfit that brings out someone’s personality or see a landscape I would love to be in. Pinterest offers me hundreds of choices. Perhaps some of my signs of addiction match yours.

1. FOLLOWERS: First thing upon waking every morning and that first cup of coffee is checking on the number of followers on my Pinterest site. I have no clue how or why I think that the hours I sleep will magically make new followers appear. I probably check for followers at least four other times during the day. I always love it when suddenly new people are “Following”. I feel a twinge of disappointment when the numbers stay the same.

2. PINNING: I set strict guidelines for making new pins. The photographs must be large, well lit, have good composition, be expressive and in focus. Even if I like an image but it doesn’t meet my criteria for one reason or another, I pass it by. When I pin it, I make sure the description makes sense and usually embellish when inspired. I am picky about what I pin.

3. TIME LIMITS: Whenever I find a few minutes free during the day or evening, I am on Pinterest. The time seems to fly by. In fact, if I am not careful I can sit at my computer for hours. My dog comes in and out repeatedly checking to see if her dinner is coming soon. I promise her ten more minutes, or just until I finish searching someone’s board I find exciting. She signs and curls up in her bed again. She is so patient with me.

4. NEW BOARDS: When ideas for new boards come to me throughout the day, I write them down. I always start them out as a secret board. When I search for other peoples similar boards I am amazed how many there are to choose from. I am methodical in my searching. I check every person’s board on the new subject. Eventually, I see similar images and realize I must go elsewhere in my search for bold evocative images. I enjoy learning about the subject as I go.

5. EDITING BOARDS: After adding new pins to any board, I check to make sure it is not a duplicate. I hate duplicates! Sometimes I change the board cover to give the board a new look. I may run through many images to find the right one. It must meet my standard of excellence with the cropping. I tend to go for lighter images, or photographs that are intriguing and might draw you into the board to see more. I’m always looking for beauty and balance.

6. WILD ABANDOMENT: At times I throw out all my rules of time limits; restricted searching on one topic and just see where clicking on an intriguing image will take me. I have found the most interesting boards, gotten new ideas, and learned about the history of people or places in the meantime. Occasionally, throw out all the rules and pin for pins sake!!

If you haven’t tried Pinterest, do!  It’s a way of traveling without leaving your seat. It’s fun, entertaining, educational and can be relaxing. I hope you enjoy it too!!