Picking Up a Camera...Just for You

by Skip Cohen

​As usual, today's Sunday Morning Reflections isn't about marketing and business, but it's definitely about photography. I don't know how long it's been since I picked up a camera and just photographed for the fun of it.

A few months back, we headed off to Key West for a week and took the pups with us. I had just gotten a new iPhone 14 and decided not to even both with any other camera gear. While the new iPhone is amazing, nothing compares with a real camera. I got some fun shots, but I missed the thought process and feel of camera gear.

Months ago, in a phone call with Don Komarechka, we talked about some of his flower images, and he mentioned the fun of planting wildflowers. So, off I went to Amazon and purchased a bag of wildflower seeds, planted them, watered them, and waited.

This morning, before doing anything else, I grabbed my LUMIX G9, the 30mm macro lens, a couple of LumeCube 2.0s, and a whole setup of Platypod gear, including the new Handle, and headed off to the backyard. 

I write a lot about the importance of special projects, shooting for your most important client - YOU, and staying in touch with why you fell in love with imaging in the first place. Sadly, I don't always practice what I preach. 

But there I sat playing with my camera gear, and in the process, being amazed at the detail in each flower.  Shooting with a macro lens on Manual allows you to play with the point of focus. I'd forgotten how much fun it was to see the detail in each flower. We view everything in broad visions, rarely paying attention to the intricate world around us.

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​I had a blast this morning; it was all about relaxing and playing. I was out there for an hour, and time just flew by. It couldn't have been more relaxing and the perfect way to start a lazy Sunday. Even Lucy and Belle got into it as they watched me from the backdoor.

And here's my point - take the time to pick up a camera and shoot just for yourself - no client, no deadline, no restrictions. The focus is just as much on your own enjoyment as it is on whatever subject you've chosen. The point of focus is really on your heart, not whatever's in the viewfinder. 

Artist Peter Max wrote:

"Get into your own creativity. Sketch and paint with different mediums and follow your heart."

Today's post isn't meant to be earthshaking; I just wanted to make a point. I started my day doing something that challenged my creativity a little. I stepped out of my daily routine. You don't have to wait until you're running on empty to recharge!

Wishing everybody a day ahead that's loaded with time to kick back and play. Put business aside and take the time to literally smell the roses. Pay attention to the detail that makes so many things in your life special. As always, hit those eleven-second hugs with the most important person in your life. While you're in hug mode, think about all the little things that make this person special, which you probably take for granted.

Happy Sunday...or Monday on the other side of the world.

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