In a world where change is constant, where challenges often loom large, and where perfection seems to be the ultimate goal, how can we find solace? How can we navigate through life's ups and downs and still find joy in the simplest of things?
Embracing Imperfections
Photography has always been a journey shared through my lens—a lens that has strived to capture both the beauty and at times the chaos of life. As a photographer, I have learned that perfection is not the essence of a captivating image. It's the imperfections, the raw emotions, the unscripted moments that truly tell a story. There is beauty and solace to be found in even the most unlikely of places, such as with the image below. Taken in the Wetlands at North Arm near Port Adelaide. An area full of heavy industry, the last place one would seek out a composition like this. But there it was! A series of wetland ponds interconnected using old windmills to move water from pond to pond. Throw in some moody clouds and a reflection and the composition just jumped out at me.
'Industrial Beauty' - DJI Mavic Mini 2
A Lens of Resilience
During difficult times, it can be challenging to see the light amidst the darkness. But through the lens of a camera, I have found resilience. Even when I haven't felt creative or motivated, photography is always there. Just getting out and putting myself in the way of beauty is always energizing. It doesn't always result in image I am happy with, but it doesn't have to! The simple act of getting out and exploring new places, or even familiar places, gets me out of my head and into the moment. It's an incredibly therapeutic process. Photography has been my anchor, regularly my solace during stormy weather. It has taught me to embrace change, to adapt to new circumstances, and to search for beauty even in the most unexpected places. It doesn't always need to be perfect!
Keeping Relevance
In a world that is constantly evolving & increasingly busy, how do we keep our passions relevant? Photography, like life, is about adaptation. It's about exploring new techniques, experimenting with different styles, and pushing the boundaries of creativity. By staying curious and open-minded, we can keep our art alive and thriving, even during challenging times. It's easy to get stuck in a creative rut. It's easy to feel like it's all a bit hard, why bother? The perfections of social media are a constant challenge for artists. Forever bombarded with thousands of perfectly crafted images and artwork, it can feel like you are miles off the pace. But then I remind myself why I started taking photos in the first place. I started for me, why should that ever change? If you keep doing something for the right reasons, it will always remain true and genuine.
Finding Joy in the Everyday
Life is not a perfectly curated Instagram feed. It's messy, it's unpredictable, and it's beautifully imperfect. Instead of striving for an unattainable standard of perfection, why not revel in life's imperfections? Find joy in the everyday moments—the laughter of a loved one, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the simplicity of a shared meal. If you can harness this way of thinking through your lens, you will capture candid moments in time that are genuine and that others feel and resonate with.
Capture the Moment
As a photographer, my greatest joy comes from capturing moments in their purest form. Life is not a series of perfectly posed portraits; it's a collection of candid snapshots, each telling its own unique story. So, the next time you pick up a camera, don't aim for perfection. Instead, aim to capture life in all its messy, chaotic, beautiful glory.
This image was captured on a day out with my children and my great friend Chris. A walk through the forest, watching the kids explore this magical place with my camera at the ready. In the past I would've taken this trip on my own to get myself in the right head space for creativity. I much prefer sharing this experience now. This image wasn't planned, curated or manipulated. Instead, it was just a moment in time captured for what it was. My youngest daughter walking through this amazing place, towering tree's making her look so small. The sun made a brief appearance through the clouds, this was my moment - shared.
In Conclusion
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. Embracing change through the lens of my camera has taught me that imperfections are what make life truly remarkable. Creativity can flourish in times of darkness; it doesn't have to wait for clear skies.
So, I've let go of the need for perfection, embraced the beauty of the imperfect, and found joy & comfort in the everyday moments that make life worth living.
Remember, life's imperfections are what make it unique & beautiful!
This blog was inspired by a Facebook post I came across a few weeks ago. I guess it's my view and opinion on what photography is and does for me and many others. A photographer whom I follow found himself feeling the need to defend his work online. A few keyboard warriors had made some negative comments about his work and editing style. It made me reflect on my own photography journey, especially this year when things haven't always been perfect for me. I embrace the imperfect, the genuine, and the things that feel right when it comes to my artwork. My philosophy for photography is this: 'Make your artwork your own, for you, not the masses.'
Here are a few images I have captured over the last few weeks; it's been a slow period for me getting out and taking photos, yet looking through my catalog I've still managed to find a few keepers with limited opportunity.
'A Shallow Grave' - North Arm - Captured with my DJI Mavic 2 Pro
'A splash of Orange' - Largs Beach - Captured with my Canon EOS R & 16-35 f4L
'Land & Sea' - Sellecks Beack - taken with my DJI Mavic 2 Pro
To finish off this blog I'd like to share with you all the cover design for my 2025 Photographic Calendar which is currently in development. The 2025 edition will be an A4 portrait orientation calendar, due for pre-order in September. The cover features the amazing Aurora Australis as seen from Grange Beach earlier this year.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers
Keith
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