It’s so easy to chuck in a self directed challenge. I’m up to date 6 of my photography challenge on Instagram and I struggled a little this morning.
I thought I should be running instead of walking. I didn’t know what to take a photo of and I felt the need to get it over and done with as quickly as possible. I was beginning to mutter what is the point?
So I remembered why I began.
10-15 years ago, maybe even 20 now – I was obsessed with photography and bought some beautiful cameras and lenses during that time. Then the boys grew up and I lost my favourite subjects. Plus, iPhone cameras became pretty good. I always had one in my pocket. My DSLR’s and lenses were big and bulky. I stopped using them.
And they sat on a shelf in my office, gathering dust. I thought about selling them but couldn’t do it. Yet every time I looked at them I was annoyed by my laziness and their lack of use.
So last week I challenged myself to use them. Every day. And this week has been different. Different in a really good way.
Photography and walking around with a camera pulls me into the moment. When I’m head down running, I’m deep in my head. Which isn’t always a nice place as it cycles through worries and frustrations.
When I’m considering the landscape for potential photos I notice everything. This morning, not really knowing where to begin, I simply chose yellow.
There were so many yellow flowers and objects that in the end, I had to become super selective.
So the challenge continues. And will continue for as long as I can. It may get boring for others on Instagram but that doesn’t matter – it isn’t for them, it’s for me. Which is a good way to use and think about social media in general. We shouldn’t post anything artful whilst wondering how someone else will feel about it.
Art is for art itself. And the making of it changes us, in many beautiful ways.
Have a lovely day, from the inside out, and I hope you notice every bit of it.
Wise words and attitude. Xo
X
I like that, Kate; it isn’t for them, it’s for me; the best art is that which comes from oneself rather than imposed from outside ; I post what pleases me — though I am happy to receive comments 🙂
I love comments too John, because it’s lovely to chat with people from all over the world, but that’s more on here than Instagram. Insta is ..well it’s a scroll view and there’s always something more exciting below for people. I get that, but I like the accountability of the daily post and of course it gives me somewhere to put some photos otherwise what on earth will I do with them all? 😊
I used to go on Facebook a lot but I needed an outlet for my writing ; I was never much into photos though I use them for my posts from time to time which reminds me ……
Free art pieces everywhere John 😊 or that’s the way I like to think of photos
My daughter is a great photographer. With a phone. But she has the great camera, too, and tripod and all. I would imagine it does get you to focus around you, get you out of your head, appreciate the small things. Smell those roses and all. And you notice small things. Nice photos.
Thanks Lynn. It does keep me out of my head, I think that’s the thing I value most about photography, and then there is the art and science and fun of it. Good to hear from you, I hope you’re well.
I had a Pentax with different lenses and really liked to use it. But, like you, I started using my oh so convenient phone and eventually sold it. I don’t have the eye like you do, but I enjoy viewing. I took a photography class and was very mediocre, but at the end we had to do a 5 photo presentation. A girl named Jenna made me catch my breath with her photos. I still remember two of them. While I was taking pictures of my dog, she was telling stories through her lens. It’s a talent for sure. You should keep it up, your photos are lovely!
Thankyou Martha. I love photography for bringing me into the moment, even years later I can go back to a moment simply by looking at a photo. They are wonderful things that way.
We are hard on ourselves and our art, comparison is truly the thief of joy, perhaps you should try again, even with the iPhone – it’s a great camera, I just hate that it ends up replacing all my other cameras if I begin to use it too much. Creative challenges are fun. Tell a story as you said, with five pictures – they are great things to get blogging with too if a block has sprung up.
Gimme your insta handle. Mine is yassielass_99
Found you Yassy! Great I’m glad you are on Instagram too. Having fun with my photos there. I’m Kateduffwriter ❤️
Same here Kate. Since smartphones got so much better, I left my Nikon behind. I think you motivated me to pick it up again. Thank you 🙏 Have a great day
I’m so enjoying my cameras and figuring out how to use everything again Chris. Highly recommend you dust off your Nikon and begin taking it out again, join in with the photo a day on Instagram or here and let me know if you do.
I’ve never been on Instagram. I’ll think about it and let you know. I’m more into nature photography, that’s why I bought a wide angle lens for my Nikon. Sky pictures are my thing ✨
… I couldn’t agree more. But it’s also a great way of expressing yourself to other
Agreed 😊
I’m so glad you didn’t get rid of those cameras. Your photographs are the perfect reminder to step out and take notice of the things we often take for granted.
I’m so glad I didn’t either Michelle, the thought must have been a temporary madness surely! I am so enjoying getting back into photography.
Appreciate post especially – “We shouldn’t post anything artful whilst wondering how someone else will feel about it.”
Difficult to do in practice, but can be learned 😊
True
That is true
We so agree. In six and a half years of multi-family online presence over several sites, I have yet to check reader statistics on any individual posting even once. Art is what it is.
That’s “multi-daily” 👌
I used to rate data like statistics but once I realised we are all toys to the algorithm I stopped playing the game and now I truly enjoy all forms of creativity for the joy they bring me, and if they resonate with others then that is excellent. Thanks for reading Ana 😊
Very nicely put!