Wasn’t it May Sarton who said that we have to dare to be ourselves? I’ve realized how much I have learned during this pandemic — about myself and about what I want in what’s left of my life. Since removing myself from Facebook and drastically stepping away from the other social media I’d been frequenting (Twitter), I’ve spent my time more wisely. I’ll admit that the photographer, Sean Tucker, has been instrumental in really awakening me to how I had allowed my life to stall. Just because there is a pandemic, life continues and we should be making the best of it. Sure there are new rules and guidelines to follow everywhere because of the pandemic and a whole lot of semi-isolation, but there is also a lot we can do.
“I had no thought of changing the world with these pictures. … I just wanted to capture and share the magic I was seeing in these natural forms. That was enough for me.”
Richard Misrach, photographer
During the pandemic: I’ve taught myself several new or different techniques with photography; I’ve been teaching myself to improvise on the piano; I’ve taken on photography challenges; I’ve left Facebook behind; I’ve begun a relationship with a brother I didn’t know I had; I write more letters; I’ve obtained a couple film cameras and have been learning all over how exciting & fulfilling it is to photograph with film; I’ve been exploring new hiking and walking trails; and there’s probably even more I’m forgetting at the moment.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
Viktor Frankl
And I’ve also learned that it’s perfectly fine to have — and to post — photos that aren’t ‘perfect’ to some eyes. Even blur or out of focus is okay. What is really important is how an image makes me feel or what it helps me remember. Sometimes I simply wish to share.
My wish for all of us is that we make the best use of what is in our own power and to simply take the rest as it comes along.
“…what’s left of my life.” This really resonates. I’ve been doing that same kind of thinking. And like you, I’ve used my pandemic time to explore new things. And would you believe one of them is jazz piano? After a zillion years of traditional note reading/playing, I’m trying my hand at jazz improv. I must confess that I stumbled across jazz lessons on Facebook. I keep talking about giving FB up, but I’m glad I didn’t before I found the lessons. Some strict discipline has seemed sufficient for now.
Oh…and your photos are inspiring!
A beautiful wise post, Diane. Thank you for it.
A splendid series of photos that highlight some of the little things. Your words remind me how I have been trying to see the beauty in the mundane. I love the photo with the dappled light on the “floor” of ferns. The highlights are beautiful.
an insightful collection of thoughts and accompanied nicely by your images. Heidi walking the tracks like you’ve captured her could only be accomplished in certain parts of the world. i was used to capturing trains as they were coming toward me until we moved to an east coast state for a temporary job. an Amtrak nearly overtook me on approach.
i must admit, i whispered, “oh, wow” on your shapes, withered photo
Enjoying your work so much! And thanks for sending me to Sean Tucker. I’m deep into this – finding my way to accepting that there is so much I cannot control.