Reset. Restore. Revitalize.

Reset. Restored. Revitalized. This is how I always feel after a photography outing. I am always amazed at what I get back from photography. I do get more from it than I give to it. It never ceases to amaze me how the simple act of going out to create my art always leaves me feeling restored.  I could set out in the worst mood, certain that there would be no good images to be had, that there was little point to going out in the first place. I am always wrong. Even if the images are not “portfolio” pieces, or for that matter, any good at all, the act of being out is the most valuable thing that I could get. I have never regretted going out and at least trying to create photographs. But I have certainly regretted not going.

It is that moment when I set off into the woods, or down the rocky shoreline of a lake, or when I witness the mountains rising from the desert floor. A moment when I feel insignificant and inspired. The thought of all that needs to happen for the scene before me to exist. Entire continents have to shift, and Enormous icebergs have to travel thousands of miles, carrying enormous boulders,  just to melt. A tiny seed grows into the mightiest of trees, and lives and contributes to the surrounding woods for hundreds of years. These thoughts inspire me. The moment when my troubles seem so small, and I take a moment to be grateful for how lucky I am to be able to witness the beauty before me, no matter how big or how small. It is in these places that I can reset and appreciate my opportunity.

With a newly revitalized outlook and admiration, I set off with hope and appreciation. I am lucky to be able to get out and create my images. I am fortunate to be able to share them with the world. And I am grateful that photography allows me to reset, restore, and revitalize myself, and my perspective each time I set out to create my images.