For those of you who follow me on Instagram or FaceBook, you will be sure to know how much I lurve taking photos.
It’s my new thang.
Prior to joining up Fat Mum Slim’s Photo a Day challenge, I played it predictably safe with the odd happy snap here and there of the twinlets. Scenery and landscapes came a far second.
The daily themes of the challenge have prompted me to make some experimental risks but beyond that, there’s been some take-away learnings.
Stuff that relates to life because well, doesn’t everything point back that way ?
Seize the moment…
Our neighbours had – what I thought – a beautiful tall thin tree. In the early morning light, its tiny leaves would dart and dance with the gentle rays of sunlight. It’s unassuming existence could make a dreary chore like hanging laundry a pleasant experience. I would always tell myself that I needed to take a photo.
“Tomorrow. I’ll snap it tomorrow,” said the procrastinator in me .
But, with no word or warning, the tree vanished.
I kicked myself with regret but it became the innate reminder to never hesitate again.
Being honest with myself…
These days, I keep a better check on my mood and emotions. Because when I’m crabby or dog-tired exhausted, the inspiration well runs dry. At that point, it’s futile to try and create something I actually don’t see. Time to step away from the camera and recharge the creative battery instead. After an absence, that first photo I take rarely lets me down.
When in doubt, post it !
Fearing rejection, I was reluctant to post certain photos. What if no one is as captivated by it as me ? But I eventually discovered that IG is an amazing community of people who are actually interested in seeing the world through my eyes…in all its beauty and flaws. The photos where I had the most apprehension have been the ones best received.
Watching for the pitfalls…
On the flipside, I’ve discovered that life in photography is not always through rose coloured in-built iPhone cameras. In trying to capture a moment, there is the danger of not being a part of it.
A little while ago, we had a family outing to the park. As I was busily snapping away at the scenery, Mr Surfer was taking photos of the boys. He came up with some real gems. When it came to downloading them on our big computer, I saw a handful of photos of me in the background. My head was buried in my iPhone, oblivious to the happy on-goings of my own family.
It made my heart sink.
A friend once told me, if it’s worth remembering, you won’t need a camera.
Partially agree.
I think it’s a delicate balance of facing a circumstance and deciding what to do with it.
Are you big on taking photos ? Or do you prefer to savour the moment ?
Linking up with the lovely Jess at Diary of a SAHM and the ever awesome Team IBOT…
