Just like a weightlifter or fitness professional must constantly exercise, every photographer, that is passionate about their art and photography, needs to have personal projects to exercise creativity.  This is to fine tune, keep fresh, motivate and excel in our craft. I do this as often as I can when I have an idea or theme. Â
Over 22 years ago, while at a photographers convention in Eureka springs, I asked the daughter of another photographer friend if we could do portraits early in the morning; barefoot, in a white dress in a local creek ... OH, this was also in February and freezing.  We got some great images, one was used in photographic competition.  That young lady was Ashley May, daughter of Dori Arnold.
I haven't seen Ashley in 20 years because of life events (not because i made her get in freezing cold water). She's now prettier and photogenic than ever. I asked to come to Claremore OK to photograph her, she picked out the outfits and locations, she wanted a few "Beth Dutton" photos too. We had planned on doing some in a creek, for old times sake, but the water was too high. She has a friend with property that had several great options. Again, Ashley was a trooper and never complained in, this time, the heat and humidity,we were both sweating before the first photo was even taken, even the camera lens took several minutes to defog. After three hours of modeling for me, she was done... and it was dark. But we had some INCREDIBLE IMAGES!! Not to mention, I got to catch up with her and had a great photo excursion that boosted my photographic motivation.