Summary

The website content details a personal photography challenge undertaken by the author, showcasing a series of daily photos taken over two weeks to foster awareness and mindfulness during morning walks.

Abstract

The author of the web content has embarked on a personal photography challenge, capturing daily life through the lens of a cell phone camera during morning walks with their dog, Syau. The project, spanning weeks 4 and 5, emphasizes the importance of being present and appreciating the beauty of the natural world, rather than being absorbed by digital screens. Despite a one-week delay in publishing, the author has shared their collection of photos, each accompanied by a single-word description that encapsulates the essence of the moment captured. The challenge is not about technical photographic excellence but about enhancing personal awareness and the ability to savor the gift of each day. The author expresses gratitude for the beauty of their surroundings and encourages others to disconnect from their devices and engage with the richness of nature.

Opinions

The author values the practice of mindfulness and presence, believing that the photography challenge enhances these qualities.
There is a critique of the modern habit of being absorbed by phones and digital screens, suggesting it detracts from the experience of the natural world.
The author appreciates the beauty of their neighborhood and the state they live in, highlighting the presence of nature and wildlife.
The photography challenge is seen as a personal gift, a way to slow down and appreciate life's simple pleasures.
The author expresses a sense of community by acknowledging others who have joined the challenge, indicating a shared interest in photography and mindfulness.
The photos are intentionally simple, taken with a cell phone without special settings or lenses, reflecting an ethos of accessibility and spontaneity in photography.

A Double Shot — Week 4 & 5

a personal photography challenge

A day late and a dollar short? Or, a week late and a double-shot? Life got in the way of publishing Week 4 of my personal photography, so I’m getting caught up now.

This challenge is less about stellar photography than it is about awareness, being in the moment, paying attention.

All photos are taken with my cell phone — a Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ — without special settings or lens, chosen for convenience and easy access while walking an active dog. Simple photos captured on a morning walk. Not meant to be great works of photography but snippets of life. By giving each photo a one-word description, I am also allowing myself the time to appreciate and consider the snapshots after my walk. Which will I choose for today? What will be the one word that best fits the photo?

When my dog Syau and I walk, I often see others doing the same. Most are hurrying, even those walking dogs, nearly dragging their canines, not allowing them to stop and sniff and “read” the messages left by other animals. Some walk with phones open, reading, thumb-typing, seeing life on a screen rather than the life teeming around them. How sad.

Those hurriers and I live in a bountiful and beautiful state. Our neighborhood is graced with trees, flowers, man-made ponds, and natural lakes. Squirrels, ducks, a huge variety of birds, foxes, and deer are often out and about in the early morning hours. Why would you want to look at the screen of your phone when there is so much breathtaking and fascinating nature all around?

This challenge reminds me that each morning walk is a gift to be savored.

I am so pleased that Lisa Bolin, Anne Bonfert, and June Nguyen joined me in this challenge with these posts: