I watched the ladybug as she slowly climbed this leaf. It was almost a straight up climb. Did she know when she began her climb to the edge that it would be such a struggle? Was she worried? I’m sure she didn’t give this climb that much thought, after all if she starts to slide back down or fall, she can spread her wings and fly. She didn’t fall. She made it to the top edge and sat there in the sunlight. I think she was trying to dry the raindrops off her back.
As I watched her, I though about struggling and worrying. When I started seriously learning about photography, I had no idea it could be such a struggle. I guess I thought learning my camera would be enough, but it’s not. Good images have to come from the heart and lately that hasn’t been the case with me. I’m in a rut…a big rut. If you read my blog, you know that I’ve mentioned this a time or two recently! My camera just sits in it’s case. Taking pictures seems to be a waste of time. After all, I’ve pretty much been deleting about every picture I’ve taken, that does exclude family shots. I do keep those!
I’m like the ladybug, she's struggled to climb to the top of the leaf and I’m struggling to climb out of my rut. She wasn’t worried about falling back down the leaf and I’m not worried about climbing out of the rut I’m in. I know through patience, perseverance, and practice I’ll reach the top and find joy in photography again. Instead of being discouraged and frustrated, I’m spending this time pursuing other interest and creative projects.
Never know what you can learn from nature, do you?
I know we all go through this. I have found by taking a new class or using a different lens that has helped me though these times. Also try and do something else creative and let the camera be for a while.
ReplyDeleteCathy, sometimes the field needs to lie fallow for a time, and then it will produce abundantly again. I think your plan of exploring other avenues for a while is a good one, but I hope you'll still be blogging!
ReplyDeleteRest. We all need it.
ReplyDeleteWill you share with us the products of your other creative endeavors?
It's ok to take a break and pursue other creative avenues. Then you can come back with fresh eyes--or find another way to express yourself. I'm on a sabbatical from my local quilt guild this year. I can't believe the year is almost up. I've been enjoying photography so much, I haven't missed the stitching much at all. The important thing is to create--it could be cupcakes, for that matter!
ReplyDeleteI love the lesson you learnt from the ladybird! It's nice to take a break sometimes in the things we do, to take another path or two for a while and then come back renewed! I feel the same way about blogging and visiting other blogs, I take breaks quite regularly!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely an ebb and flow with photography. I spent much of the spring in the ebb but am very much in the flow right now. Enjoy your other creative ventures, you will return to the camera.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your feelings too. For me, creating something is the key and always leads me back to my camera so hang in there, I'm sure it will for you too.
ReplyDeleteFunny where we get our "a-ha's" from. From the wee lady bug. I like too, as I mentioned in my post that you're willing to own something that is not glowy or perfect. To own a struggle. I know the "rut". It's a hard place to be. I think maybe the honeymoon period is over with the camera and shooting images and now it's time to work at the relationship-at least that's how I feel. It's definitely hard work. I hope you will find a bump. Maybe taking a day trip out of the same ol' would help.
ReplyDeleteI think I shared before my photog teacher-she said when she's stuck, she takes a photo of anything that makes her turn her head for a longer look. Might help. I find too that those silly scavenger challenges and daily prompt groups help. Sometimes I shoot something I'd never thought of on my own.
I like your lady bug...and the quote you chose to accompany her.
A great lesson from Mother Nature. I think it is natural that there is an ebb and flow to our enthusiasms - although that doesn't make the "ebb" any less painful. I think you are right - once you reach a certain point in this photography practice, it does take more effort to reach the next level on the learning curve. But the rewards are also greater. I think you have the right approach - the joy will return.
ReplyDeleteI relate to that lesson, and like you I often find that it is the time to do somehting else for a while. You will get out and this is a gorgeous photo.
ReplyDeleteI think all of us who pick up the camera for long times go through fallow periods. Not to worry, not to worry. Maybe time for a quilt? Your eye is exquisite and the muse will come again. I deeply admire all that you see, in all ways.
ReplyDeleteYour ladybug teaches a valuable lesson. Life ebbs and flows - take some time to feel rejuvenated.
ReplyDeletePS We are our own worst critics.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post. It sounds like you are on a plateau with your photography, and something new and wonderful awaits. Maybe it's not even in photography! Pursuing other things you love in a creative down time is a great approach. Maybe that mini album you were talking about, in A Sense of Place? When the time is right, you will pick up your camera again with joy, I have no doubt. Thank you for sharing in the Photo-Heart Connection.
ReplyDeleteI´ve gone through this many times... but then -when less expected- I pick up my camera and the fun starts again. Sometimes, we only need a break. Wonderful post and image and an amazing photo-heart connection
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