Stress comes in a wide range of forms, it can arise from just about any type of situation, and can be brought into our lives even when we least expect it. Everybody experiences stress in different ways which tells us that we all have to find the best method for ourselves. Today we will look at just one way to fight off this stress in a healthy manner. The time has come to begin the journey taken place within the stress-free world of photography.
Before we jump into the world of photography, let’s take a quick pause to look at the various options for taking pictures…
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Professional Camera (Nikon, Canon, etc.)
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Video Camera w/ photo capture abilities
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Travel-Size Camera (Can fit in your pocket)
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Camera on your phone
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Disposable Camera that still requires you to develop film
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Polaroid Camera
Photography has the ability to take our minds away from the common stressors of life and allows our focus to be directed towards everything around us that is often shoved into the background. Journeys of self-discovery are meant to begin in the world granted to us each and every day whether it be in the woods or on the beach. We can step away from all of our anxiety and pain as we run straight into the world in front of us with our eyes wide open. In order to improve our imagination and break away from what we think we know, we need to get out into nature and absorb the magic of just being in the present. Being outside is my go-to method of relaxation and a trip into the woods can always bring me clarity and peace. Getting outside and exploring brings more life into everything we do and helps us see the parts of ourselves that we do not always see when simply looking in the mirror. Our cameras allow us to capture these moments and appreciate the gifts we have been given.
We do not need to be the best at something to gain enjoyment from it and the same idea applies to photography. Picking up a camera should be exciting and a fun way to let your creativity shine! With this in mind, do not go out searching for the perfect picture. If this is your intention, the joy is taken away and you just create more stress for yourself. Let go of trying to take award winning photos and just enjoy the process. Let the inner you shine bright!
Don’t be afraid to take pictures of completely random items. These objects tell their own story and reflect upon the adventure you took to capture them. Don’t hesitate to take a picture. Just go for it! You never know what you will see and you might even find something you didn’t see initially when going back to look at them. We are like the formation of clouds in the sky; we will never be the same as we were today but we will always be as beautiful as we are right now. So take that shot no matter how silly it might look! Nature is beautiful and is almighty in many ways. I can almost guarantee that you will find amusement from every picture you take!
Photography gives our brains the wonderful gift of relaxation and the temporary ability to ignore everything else that we may be responsible for. Forget about the emails and the stacks of work on your desk. Get out into nature to be inspired and recognize that we are a gift to the world and the world is our gift each and every day.
To further combine the beauty of nature and the passion for photography, go for a nice slow walk in the woods or even in the local park. Doing this allows you to take in everything around you and see even the smallest moments as a monumental occasion worth remembering. The beauty lies within the tiniest of details. This provides us with the capability to get a new perspective on things and grants us the opportunity to see the good in the world. These positive emotions give us the tools and strength we need to face the stress in our lives.
There may come a time where you pick up your camera and draw a blank as to what you want to take pictures of. During these times, your mind may be rushing back and forth trying to complete a laundry list of tasks all at once. Multitasking can be great but when it becomes overwhelming, all focus seems to fly out the window. In moments like this, it is a great idea to refer back to a list of inspirations and choose something new to accomplish that will help you to regain focus and calm down. Pick one idea to focus on and nothing else. For example you could either take pictures of things that are only flowers, vehicles, animals, buildings, interesting trees, or in a specific location such as the parks you happen to pass during car rides! Being able to direct your attention to just one thing calms your mind and body down and at the end of the picture-taking trip, you will happily realize that you have now regained the confidence and the ability to get your work down.
Photography has so much more to offer than what I have shared here with you today so go have your own adventures and see what you find out there in the great big world! Go explore and soak in all that nature has to offer. Today is the day given to you today so go make it yours. Live in the moment and allow the art of photography to keep you there and provide peace.
My eyes are open to new adventures and the mountains full of hiking trails are calling my name! Now, you will have to excuse me as I embark on my trip into the woods to go take more pictures!