I haven’t taken a picture in two months.
That’s not exactly accurate. I’ve taken photos on my phone. Over the holidays, I framed family photos with a Fujifilm Instax.
My Sony SD card is empty. My lenses are collecting dust. My lenses are collecting dust.
Why? Maybe I was too busy with my new role in comms that I began in December. Perhaps I’ve been too busy with the new comms role I started in December.
We need to let go of the constant pressure to create, produce, and share as creatives. This article is all about stepping back to jump in.
PHOTOGRAPHY W/OUT PHOTOGRAPHING
I’ve kept in touch with photography even though my 5 am alarm hasn’t been required this summer – a welcome respite, to be sure.
- Writing articles: For Australian Photography Magazine, I wrote an advanced guide on compelling long exposures. Keep an eye on the April 2024 edition.
- Source inspiration: When I called a second-hand store, I asked about vintage Peter Dombrovskis calendars. The owner of the store was willing to sell 12 calendars in full color (dating from 1979) that were sitting in storage for $100. This may be the best purchase I make in 2024.
- Planning a trip: In March, I will be returning to the world-class NSW South Coast, and in April, I’ll be heading to Tassie to revisit some favorite locations. It’s time to dust off the lenses, I think.
- Printing Images: Recently, I printed a large 36″ x24 stretched canvas of Land of the Ents as well as a 30 “x20 print of The Last Light. The sight of your work in a home is always a pleasure.
OTHER PURSUITS (BUT Mostly READING)
In addition to photography, I have taken the time to improve my health. I am eating better, walking daily, and exercising more now than ever before.
Reading more widely (and deeply) has also helped me to nurture my mental well-being. Three books recently spoke to me:
- I was deeply moved on the left by Grace, a speech written by Cody Keenan for Barack Obama. He recounts a mass shooting that occurred in Charleston, after which the survivors chose forgiveness and not anger or resentment. The eulogy culminates with a powerful eulogy centered on the concept of Grace. Obama then leads the congregation to sing Amazing Grace.
- The Coddling of the American Mind is fascinating on the right. The book examines the rise in snap judgments, divisions between us and them, and offending others without meaning to. You may also find some aspects of this book challenging. Its premise is that a healthy society must be able to tolerate differences and navigate discomfort.
- What about something more local? Richard Flanagan’s Questions 7 is a book I highly recommend. Flanagan weaves together the seemingly disparate but essential chain of events that has led him to his present existence. I won’t reveal too much, but enjoy his rhetorical style while he asks important questions.
(Bonus pick? How To Know A Person: The Art Of Seeing Others and Being Seen Deeply By David Brooks.
Time to Leap Back in, Again?
In the last eight years, my passion for nature photography has ebbed and flowed. There are times of exhilaration, and then there is a gentle calm.
Right now, I am in a calm moment. My sails are set to catch that next wind of inspiration.
Even though I haven’t been taking pictures, I still see potential frames wherever I go. I’ve still been noticing likely frames, even if they haven’t been captured.
The west coast is awash with storm clouds, followed by the delirious sunsets of summer. On my morning walks, I noticed subtle botanical details: curled bark patterns and red gum leaves glowing in the light.
My passion for photography is like a pilot’s light. It takes favorable weather or an adventurous trip to ignite that spark.
