Staying In The Stream
I’ve adopted a philosophy likening my experiences to a fast-flowing river. As a photographer, this metaphor profoundly influences my approach to capturing moments.
Sometimes, life is about floating on our backs, eyes cast skyward, watching clouds drift lazily above. This represents those moments when we let life carry us, observing and absorbing the beauty around us with a sense of calm and wonder. This photograph of the tranquil pond at Highlands, with its reflective waters and vibrant greenery, embodies this state of peaceful observation. It invites viewers to pause and appreciate the quiet beauty, much like floating effortlessly in a river, taking in the serenity.
Other times, we navigate life in a different craft, whether it’s an old inner tube, a three-masted schooner, or a foam float board. Each vessel represents different stages and experiences. Just as the diverse flora and mirrored reflections in the Highlands photo offer varied textures and depths, our journeys are unique, shaped by the craft we choose, the course we take, and the people we share it with.
In this river we share, we travel differently, yet we are united by our common destination. We learn from observing others, the riverbanks that define our boundaries, and the enticing yet perilous eddies. These eddies, with their strong currents and thrilling allure, symbolize our distractions and challenges.
Avoiding these dangerous eddies requires situational awareness and constant observation of our location and direction. As photographers, we must be mindful of our surroundings and the subtle details that define our compositions, much like navigating a river with care.
The idea of life as a river encourages us to embrace our unique journeys, appreciate the shared beauty, and remain vigilant against potential dangers. As photographers, we capture these moments, creating visual narratives that reflect our collective and individual experiences.
PhotoCamp Daily is always free! But you can pledge support at any time.
Consider subscribing to The Westerville News and My Final Photo News. Also recommended is Into the Morning by Krista Steele.
My Final Photo News is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support photography and commentary, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.