surfer wisdom

The other day when I was at the beach, I overheard two surfers debating whether they should go surfing or not. "The waves aren't that great" said one of them. The other replied "but you know what they say: When in doubt, paddle out." Then they both laughed and went for it.

Their little conversation got me thinking about our photography and how we should also always choose to put ourselves out there to get the shots. When in doubt, take that walk, bring that camera, take that shot. I don't know how many times I was filled with regret for not bringing my camera and not believing there would be something worth shooting on my way to work or on a rainy day. There is always something happening and waiting to be captured. And there is always something to be learned from every click, every experience. When in doubt, shoot.

So today, how about sharing a shot from that day or moment you hesitated, but went for it anyway?

Genuineness

Genuineness (noun): the act of being true, unaffected, open, honest, forthright

One of the best ways to find real genuineness (yes, it's a real word!) is to go on vacation.  When you have the ability to escape your day-to-day life and get away from it all, genuineness will most definitely occur.  I just got back from a week-long, spring break vacation with 4 other families.  This is one of the best times that I love to photograph my friends and loved ones. Every single smile I capture is authentic and real.  No one is worried about their hair and make-up being just right and even those men who usually look so uncomfortable in photographs will pose willingly for me.  I don't worry about getting that 'great shot' or about composing the photo 'just right'.  Instead, I just take pictures for the sheer pleasure of taking pictures. 

When all was said and done, I came home with over 400 photos.  As I went through them all, one thing was evident: genuineness.  It was in the smiles, the expressions and in the laughter that I heard all week long.  I couldn't not share with everyone so I made a slideshow for them, letting them see the genuineness of it all, too.  As I state in my slideshow, whether or not it is clear to us, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. The evidence is plain to see.

How about you? Do you have a photo from something or somewhere or someone that shows true genuineness? Please share.  We'd love to see them.

Farewell Kiss

Oh that last kiss... just one more before he plopped the pacifer in the drawer and pushed it shut. A moment of pure bliss. No words required. Today, share with us a bit of pure visual bliss. Or perhaps a sweet kiss.

One Word Project: DREAM

 

Lots of little birds have told us how eager you are for the new word for March's One Word Project. Yay! Without further delay, the word of the month is DREAM. 

There's no time like spring to unearth our truest longings, take a new look at an old possibility or let yourself hope for something exciting and new.  Fill our OWP Flickr pool with what you're dreaming of this spring--let your eye fill the frame with whatever it is that's reminding you anything is possible.  Our one word sponsor is Mondo Beyondo, the online class about dreaming big.  Next class starts March 8!

Tell us what you're dreaming of in the comments below.

love note to myself.

It is that time of year, Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Love notes, hearts, words, glue, glitter aplenty.  As a mom of three, it is a fun time.  Picking the perfect valentines, cutting out paper hearts, helping my kindergartner spell all the names of his very first school friends as he carefully writes them on his cards.  A time of spreading love to special friends, family, and teachers, but when was the last time you wrote a love note to yourself?  Don't you deserve some love from you?  The great thing is you can write it anywhere you like, no glitter required.  Perhaps on your bathroom mirror (my little tip: dry erase markers work great on mirrors), on your own skin, or in your journal.  Maybe send yourself a memo, or cut yourself a paper heart of your very own, or simply scribble something down on a scrap of paper or a post it note.  Who knows, you may want to save your love note somewhere special and pull it out from time to time.

So in the spirit of love, write something nice to you today, take a photo of whatever it may be, then please share it here with us.   

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection."-Buddha