Change.......

Jul 21

Embracing change means accepting that you cant keep everything under control - well thats what Google says. However, I think it is more about accepting those changes and owning them. In this way they can be liberating and can be a form or personal growth. If things never change, there is a danger that everything we do both personally and professionally can stagnate become mundane and boring. Change can be a way of resetting our lives, setting new goals and possibly taking a different direction.

Sound scary?

Well yes it can be but I feel that whilst we can embrace this change, I feel to move forward it is best to stay in control so you can move in the right direction.

Generally speaking, any change freaks me out and I tend to prefer the status quo.

Change is an inevitable part of life. It challenges us to grow, evolve, and embrace new beginnings. It can be exciting and scary, taking us out of our comfort zones. Change transforms us, shaping our thoughts and aspirations. Each wave of change gives us the chance to let go of the past and embrace the unknown. Through change, we discover our strength to adapt and thrive. It may be unpredictable and overwhelming, but change also brings possibility and greatness.

So scary as it is I am now putting in place some changes in my life both personal and professional.

The most major change personally is that I am looking to move and relocate my business and family life. Due to housing and the cost of living crisis this may not happen this year, but hopefully next year. It is all very daunting after living here for 19 years. And thinking of all the stuff to sort out throws me into a cold sweat.

So why put myself through this you may ask??

After all I have a beautiful home and a garden which is now mature and settled.

The honest truth, I have fallen out of love where I live. It is quiet and peaceful, but living here you have to rely on a car to go anywhere and do anything and being a sleepy village, we now feel the time is right to be nearer ‘the action’. How nice it will be to stroll into town, sit outside and have a coffee and watch the world go by, or walk out in the evening for a cheeky tipple.

After many houses viewed we haven’t quite found the one. Seen some lovely houses, but not ones we can see ourselves living in - but I know it is out there somewhere.

The quest to find that perfect place, can be both exhilarating and challenging. It is a significant adventure, and a new chapter in our lives. We have dreams and aspirations, visualizations of what our ideal dwelling looks like.

The process of finding the perfect home is not merely about bricks and mortar. It is about weaving our hopes, dreams, and aspirations into the foundations of a space that will nurture and inspire us.
Finding a new home is not solely about the physical attributes; it is also about connectivity. We think of the parks, and amenities that surround the area. It is an opportunity to be part of something greater, to find our place within a thriving community.

So that is life changes on a personal level - what about on a professional level?

Currently I am working on a new project called ‘Moments’ A bit of a personal journey and project but one I hope to roll out to clients in the near future. The idea is to be less focused on posing and standing in front of a camera, but being more free, candid, moving, ‘being in the moment’…….To create a story or narrative and being able to connect with the viewer. A bit more than lifestyle, with no real structure. Counter intuitive for me as generally everything I do is planned in meticulous detail.

I am enjoying the freedom of ‘being in the moment’; with my camera; I can create stories, art and capture fleeting moments…..post processing, images are converted to mono with the emphasis being on high contrast, deep blacks and pure whites.

It is everything that goes against the norms and rules of photography, but I do feel that fashion magazines are now moving in this direction as well - there is far greater emphasis on stories, locations, light and shade and creating that all important connection with the viewer.

Whilst I engage with this new direction for my work, how would this relate to you the client……

‘Being in the Moment’ for you the client……

In a world that seems to constantly demand our attention and keeps us caught up in a whirlwind of obligations, being in the moment has become a rare and precious commodity. The relentless flow of tasks, notifications, and distractions can easily pull us away from the present, leaving us yearning for those moments of stillness and deep connection. Being in the moment is an art that requires letting go of worries about the future and regrets from the past. It is about cultivating a state of mindfulness, where our attention is entirely focused on the here and now.

One way to experience the beauty of being in the moment is through photography. As a photographer, I can capture fragments of time, freeze memories, and preserve emotions. One way I can do this is to be aware and in tune with the ever changing light and shade on location. The way sunlight filters through leaves, or the genuine smile on a loved one's face. Each moment holds its own unique beauty and story.

Photography can be a gateway to mindfulness, enabling me to fully immerse myself in the present moment. Behind the lens, I become more attuned to my surroundings, more patient, and more appreciative of the fleeting experiences that make up our lives. Beyond the confines of photography, being fully present ‘in the moment’ has a myriad of benefits. It allows one to truly connect with others, to listen with undivided attention to the world around you. Being in the moment fosters a deep sense of gratitude for the present. As a photographer, I have a valuable skill that enables you to share moments frozen in time.

So change is in the air and I will embrace it as change is good. It will allow me to grow more, in a new home with a better quality of life, I can be more inspired and be more creative. Professionally I can develop new skills and a new way of working.

Change is scary and it is far too easy to stay as we are but how boring and unchallenging would our lives be if we didnt just change things up a bit.