Through my ongoing journey with photography, I’ve learned a lot about photography and life in general. Photography has taught me to appreciate the beauty in the world around me and to see things in a new light. Every picture tells a story, and the way we frame a shot, the angles we choose, and the moments we capture all contribute to the narrative. Besides taking a technically perfect picture, photography involves capturing the essence of the subject and conveying a message through the image.
One of my biggest lessons in photography has been the importance of patience. Photography requires a great deal of patience, whether waiting for the perfect lighting or waiting for the perfect moment to capture the shot. While I have a long way to go, this development of patience is already translating into other areas of my life. I’ve learned (and I’m still learning) to be more patient with myself and with others, to take my time and appreciate the process instead of rushing to the finish line.
Photography has not only refined my skills behind the camera but has also taught me to be more observant. As a photographer, I have learned to pay attention to even the tiniest details in the world around me – the way the sunlight illuminates a building, the shapes and forms of the clouds in the sky, and the subtle expressions on people’s faces. This heightened sense of awareness has become second nature to me, and I find myself naturally analysing objects or places that catch my attention.
Whether I have a camera in hand or not, my observation skills have been honed, and I am more attuned to the beauty and intricacies of my environment. This heightened awareness has helped me to be more present in the moment and to appreciate the beauty around me.
I’ve also learned the importance of risk-taking and stepping outside my comfort zone. Sometimes the best shots come from trying something new or taking a chance on an idea that may seem unconventional. I am applying this mindset to other aspects of my life too. I’m able to step out of my comfort zone and take bold actions, even when feeling uneasy or uncertain, which is quite often.
A photo is a simple but powerful medium that has the ability to capture a moment in time and tell a story that transcends words. It’s fascinating to witness how a photograph can freeze a moment and present it in a unique perspective. Photography has the ability to reveal the world through a unique lens, capturing moments that might go unnoticed otherwise. This leads to my next point.
Perhaps the most important lesson that I have discovered is the power of storytelling. Every picture tells a story and photographers have the opportunity to shape that story and convey a message through our images. Whether capturing the beauty of nature, the struggles of everyday life, or the joy of human connection, photography has the power to inspire, to educate, and move people in a way that few other mediums can.
As I delve deeper into photography, I am finding that images have the power to not only captivate the eye with their beauty but also to convey compelling stories. A single image can convey a powerful message or evoke strong emotions. The photos we create can create empathy, inspire change, and connect people across cultures and languages.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, I encourage you to embrace the lessons that photography can teach and to use your camera as a tool for personal growth and self-expression. Through my lens, I aim to capture meaningful stories that resonate with people and leave a lasting impact.
2 Comments
Hi Sam, I really enjoyed the blog and just want to touch upon two major points that you have made within it this week. Patience is and probably will always be a very underrated virtue of people who have had to constantly practise it within their employment, their raising of their families and the care of those they love young or aged. Life is busy, time is precious but patience is always the best way to navigate many tricky or confronting situations that we will encounter. If handled with patience the better outcome is always a possibility as in the photography that you have found has moved both yourself and others. It lends itself to endurance and resilience in life as well.
The second area that I wished to comment on is the ability of your photography to invoke so many individual and varied reactions and stories from a single frame. This is a reason why your work is being commented upon and displayed in such numerous places. From one photograph can come a myriad of stories, Memories that are so unique because photography does not tell you how to feel, it lets you feel and your feelings are unique and special as are all of ours who view them. No two stories will be the same and this is a special gift for story telling. Sincere congratulations on your inclusion at Ballarat, you truly deserve this accolade and continue to tell us the reality/beauty and what we don’t really want to see through your gift. All the very best Julie xx
I appreciate your kind words. Thanks so much. x