In these busy times we always seem to be doing so much for everyone else....for our kids....our spouses.....our other commitments, but sometimes we forget how important it is to focus on ourselves. I take photos to capture memories, to showcase products, to commemorate events but most importantly I take photos for myself! Photography helps me to slow down and notice the details around me. It makes me think about what is important to me and how best to capture that. I can look at this photo years from now and remember a time when Dandelions were my 5 years old's favorite flowers. I spend so much of my time trying to rid my yard of these weeds and through my daughter's eyes they were a flower that deserved to be showcased.
So how about you? Why do you take photos? What is it about photography that feeds your soul? We would love to see the photos that fill you with joy and perhaps they are some of your favorite things. Don't forget about our In Focus feature!
19 comments:
Ahhh, yes! Indeed this is so true. Since taking up photography, I realized that I'm happier when I'm creative. While the end product is important, I think the real importance is what being creative does for my soul, my heart, the way I see the world, the way I relate to others. Being creative brings out the optimist in me, I believe the best about people and I have hope for life. To me it is part of my self-care program.
Love your images, Leigh, but the top one is exquisite! And children and dandelions ... now THERE'S optimism! :)
xxoo
Dotti
Ahhhhh. What you say, Leigh, and what Dotti says in her comments. I mean, at the end of the day, do my 53 shots of moss make the world a better place? Not really. No. Do they make MY world a better place? Oh my word, yes. Good medicine. It feeds my soul as well. Brings out the whimsy in me. Helps me express myself and work through emotions, the whole run of emotions. Great post, Leigh. And dandelions were also my mother's favourite flower. They come up and I can hear her voice in my heart echo from the years passed and her saying, "I know they're a weed but they are my favourite flower. You always picked them when you were little and brought in the bouquet for me." Love. That's what it's all about. At the end of the day, that is what it's all about. Giving and receiving. oxoxoxoxoxo
Love this post, as photography to me has been a Godsend since the death of my husband. I have always loved anything creative and photography was another avenue for that. I loved being able to take those images of my grandkids that not only I can remember "WHEN" but it will benifit my children and my grandchildren. I have always love flowers and that is the focus of my photography mostly. I worked and studied as a floral designer and got an International degree in it. It was a long process as was learning photography which is never ending and is good. I love my journey in photography and I love my life at the moment. Thank you for this post, I love hearing about everyone and what makes them have a passion.
I think you have struck a chord with a lot of us with this post, Leigh. I think the majority of us are passionate about photography, not for the end result, but for the process. It makes us happy. It feeds our soul. I know when times are toughest, I need to get out with my camera to see clearly again. Such a wonderful hobby to have for so many reasons. As different as your two photos are, they both tell the story of your love for your art and I think we can all relate to that.
Wonderful post and a great reminder to take a little "me" time each day! I am never more relaxed or content than when I'm behing a camera seeking a little beauty! Love your images! The water drops are incredible!!
As I said on fb, I have some "stepping" up to do, lol.
LOVE LOVE LOVE your sweet image with your daughter and the dandelion. Don't you think "dandy" is a great word for a weed? I do.
Thanks for sharing such lovely images with us today. Love your writing too : )
Love from Canada
Claudette
xoxoxoxo
Beautiful photo of your daughter. So soft...
And I enjoyed your words
I swore I posted to this -- then i looked and your FLICKR post is where i spoke of how much I loved the water reflection and the tack sharpness.
Photography has literally saved my life many times. It is definitely passion-- and something that brings immediate joy.
Hugs darlin -- nice job
Creativity is what fuels me and inspires me! And it's so wonderful to be joined with like minded people like you :)
See that is exactly what I mean Pam! Just the mention of dandelions took you back to a memory with your mother. I love that! And you are so right...giving and receiving is the essence of life.
Oh you hit the nail on the head with feeding your soul....Photography has fed my soul since I picked up my camera...it took me thru the dark days, and has opened my soul. Thank you!!
I'm so glad that photography found you Barbara! What a comfort it must be for you. And I"m sure that your children and grandchildren appreciate it so much. I have always been interested in floral design, but ended up a landscape designer instead. I just took a look at your blog and WOW! Such beautiful floral photography! Please be sure and post some in our Flickr group!
I totally get what you are saying Terri. Being outside with my camera totally brings things back into focus (excuse the pun!). It totally centers me and helps me to see things clearly like you said.
I am so happy to hear that photography is such an outlet for so many people!
Thank you Carol! That was a rare moment of quiet for Molly so I had to capture it so I could remember it. HA HA!
That's what I love about it too Claudia...instant gratification! I've always been a creative person and have literally a ton of half completed projects laying around the house from crocheted scarves to partially painted canvases. Photography is the one thing I can do everyday and complete that same day. Totally gives me a sense of satisfaction! So happy to hear that photography is such a savior for you!
Deanna, I can look at your photos and see the emotion that you pour into them. One that always sticks in my head is the beautiful shot of your husband's hands. You are creating lasting memories and i know that is so important for you. Did you know that Becky Sue's mom has alzheimers? She recently made these beautiful bracelets and sold them on her etsy site and the profit went to Alzheimer's research.
So sorry for my late comment! I typed a comment yesterday but then my computer decided to be all crazy and I guess it was never captured!
I feel just like you....photography feeds my soul! And it does it for two reasons...I can capture memories while I'm fueling my creative fire!
leigh...these photos are spectacular! as far as why i take photos...that's easy, because it brings me joy. it keeps me connected (to the bigger picture)... allows me to create. there are so many reasons!
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