changed

Have you ever bore witness to something photographically that changed you?

Perhaps capturing the true miracle of a birth.

The struggle of poverty; in your town, in our world.

The enthusiasm of a race.

Activism.

Being there, fully present with your camera in hand, clicking away, acknowledging, honoring, seeing. Images can make a real shift in your heart and even inspire you to do things you never dreamed of. Perhaps planting a seed to a start a journey you had not even imagined for yourself until that very moment. Photography holds that power to move us in great and mysterious ways.

I know this feeling of change first hand. I live in a small new england town. Winters are cold. On New Years Day there is an event called The Lobster Dip. I had heard this mentioned in conversation, but never truly paid it much mind. I honestly assumed it was a few crazy guys on the beach on new years day that maybe had a little too much new years eve celebration (if you know what i mean) and they decided it would be fun to wander down to the cold Atlantic and take a dip. 'Crazy people', yes that is what I thought... I was so wrong. I woke on New Years Day 2010 wanting to do something different. Not knowing exactly why, I decided I was going to take myself and my camera to the beach to see this so called 'Lobster Dip'. It was snowing and windy. My first clue that this was not at all what I thought was the fact that I could not find a parking space anywhere near the beach. I parked rather far away, now worrying I would not be able to reach the designated spot in time, I began to run (ok jog), camera around my neck, in the sand, against that snowy wind and crowd in front of me. A huge wall of people were there all in winter gear surrounding this really large group of 'dippers' in swimming suits, lobster costumes, capes, and tutus. No wet suits, those were reserved for the fire and rescue guys out in the rough surf on surf boards waiting to pluck anyone out of the icy waves if in distress. I often feel like it is always a 'you had to be there' kind of story, and I guess that may be so. All i know is it changed me that very day. I witnessed this grand group of individuals all gathered together to take one crazy cold dip, all for a wonderful cause. The excitement and enthusiasm was infectious. I could feel my own face smiling so much it hurt. My heart pounded for them as the countdown began. I felt my heart race as they ran in, no fear, smiling faces, into that FREEZING water... All ages, all backgrounds, all for their own reasons. When it was over I returned to the refuge of my warm dry car completely energized by what i just witnessed. What a gift it was, and somehow the feeling felt even more special being new years day. I felt like anything was truly possible! I knew right in that moment I would do the dip next new years day 2011, and I did. It was as amazing as I thought it would be, and yes it was cold but worth every minute. That year I took many photos pre-dip and then handed my camera over to my husband who captured his crazy wife running into the water and returning all smiles. If you had told me 2 years ago that I would be doing this ever, I would have laughed really loud and told you you were crazy.  That me would have been wrong. New Years Day 2012 is fast approaching, with it another opportunity to honor that change in myself and give back to the world around me by dipping once more. Am I nervous? Yes! Will there be lots of pictures? Double yes! {this year I have convinced (twisted an arm or 2) of a certain someone to take the plunge with me... someone you all know... sister power! } I guess my whole reason for writing all of this is to simply say, if I had never gone down to the beach that day to take some pictures I would never have known what I was missing, and in turn I would never had been changed by it.

I encourage you to take your camera and witness something a little crazy, or odd, or inspiring near you in this new year ahead. Perhaps there is something out there just waiting to touch your heart and the heart of others through your vision and your lens.... Dream big!  Be crazy sometimes! Why not right?

Today, share an image or story that inspired you in any way, big or small. It is an infectious spirit those images and stories hold.

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If you feel moved to do so, you can make a donation to my 2012 Dip here. All monies raised go to The Special Olympics Organization of Maine. I thank you.

Comments

[The F Girl]

Haha, they do it here too. It's called the 'new years dip' and is a true tradition. Nothing with lobsters though, although I might have missed some crazy costumes. :)

I think you are very, very brave!

[Jess]

Photographing this, changed me: http://www.flickr.com/photos/theoldnicholsfarm/6027891589/

[Vanessa]

Oh definitely childbirth. I've done it 3 times, but the third time will always remain the most memorable.
Giving birth to a 10 pound 4 ounce baby without a single drug in my body remains the one thing I can really brag about.
My mama took this right after sweet Otto came out. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lochnessmommy/4625633852/

[Autumn]

Every year, my town has a Polar Bear Plunge, although I doubt I will ever have the guts to do it!

The photograph that always inspires me is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barntalkblog/6441961495/

[Cindy Brown | Atlanta Wedding Photojournalist]

I do know the power of photographer to change my life. Pulled me out of a severe depression once. Keeps me spirit filled now. Not sure it will ever lead me to take a dip in freezing waters, but certainly hope it will lead me to do equally miraculous things.

[Suki]

in 2010 I attended a talk at a workshop and the photographer who talked there showed his images he took of strangers in a cafe. He talked about it so wonderfully. How it helped him to gain more confidence.
And that really inspired me to try this myself.
To go out, find myself a cafe and take one image of a stranger per day.
Capture it on film, because it is way trickier.

[Kim Stevens]

Just a year ago I started my blog and would never have imagined my camera as a tool for teaching and showing me so many things about life.

Here is where I reflected about my journey this last year with my camera:
http://pickingpoppies.blogspot.com/2011/12/journey-that-started-one-year-ago-today.html

[Kim Stevens]

Oh, I almost forgot, good luck with your "dip"!

[Mae]

would it be trite to say that camp shutter sisters was a transformative experience? well, it was. everything about the approach and lead up to the event made me change my attitude and mindset. thank goodness for that because it made the experience so much more rewarding and inspiring. not quite sure what to do with all that's been stirred up from it, but jus the sight of the camp banners fills my heart with hope and makes me want to do *more*, in whatever shape or form that might take.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pmaelee/6251090681/

[L'Artiste]

Hi Shutter Sisters, I wanted to thank you - I got your book as a present and It has changed my view of photographing. My pictures are better than ever before thanks to your book "Expressive photography" Thanks!!

[Ana Eugenio]

were I live (Portugal) people do the same. thank you for this inspiring post. I might go there and witness it too. what a thrill it must be :)

[starrlife]

Oh we have a polar bear plunge for the Special Olympics in Burlington,VT too! A project dear to my heart since my daughter has Down syndrome. She is in Girls On the Run and here are some inspirational photos from last year in the pouring rain....
http://flic.kr/p/aZ8EwZ
http://flic.kr/p/aZ8EBD

[Holly {Soupatraveler}]

Fabulous post Kristin! I remember your shots from last year's dip! Thanks for the link-up and looking forward to this year's shots too! So glad you get to do the dip with a sister, definitely double fun!

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[Helios Binoculars]

thanks for posting this lovely blog.I do know the power of photographer to change my life. Pulled me out of a severe depression once. Keeps me spirit filled now. Not sure it will ever lead me to take a dip in freezing waters, but certainly hope it will lead me to do equally miraculous things.Just a year ago I started my blog and would never have imagined my camera as a tool for teaching and showing me so many things about life.well, it was. everything about the approach and lead up to the event made me change my attitude and mindset. thank goodness for that because it made the experience so much more rewarding and inspiring.