Oh, something new!
Enter - 'Photography'
A few serendipitous things happened here on Substack recently, and in order they were:
Entered a photo for
‘s challenge of ‘vibrant’Wrote my more/less list that included my desire to do more photography
Read
‘s post about hobbies, so thought a lot more about photography
Entered a photo challenge
Every other week, Patrik posts a photo challenge with a specific theme. An overall winner is announced followed by runner-ups, as well as honourable mentions. Patrik also provides links to all of those who entered, which is an inspiring and generous way to learn more about other creative work by the entrants.
I have been following these challenges for a few months; drawn to viewing the variety of entries, interpretation of the theme, and each week experiencing a creative urge to submit something myself.
Week three’s theme was: vibrant.
Something sparked inside me and then a thought - I have a picture for this.
Here was my entry:
I took this photo at a neon exhibition with my iPhone (12 mini).
It is a cross-section of a display of neon tubes, and to the naked eye (and likely with a better camera), you could see the gas in the tubes.
The quality of the entries for this theme were fantastic, and I enjoyed spending a few days exploring the newsletters/websites for everyone that entered. However, I was a little surprised (and thrilled) when my entry was chosen as one of Patrik’s featured photos.
I was glowing, much like one of those neon tubes!
If you haven’t come across Patrik’s newsletter yet, aside from the challenges, he also interviews other photographers/artists who share insights into their craft. And being a gamer myself, I particularly enjoy his approach to photography in computer games - although it is not necessary to be gamer to enjoy this series.
Wrote my more/less list
I have always been drawn to the medium of photography and BC (before COVID), I was a casual member of a photography group.
Once a month on a Sunday, I joined a group of amateur photographers where we would meet and spend an afternoon wandering around a particular neighbourhood. Sometimes there would be a theme (similar to Patrik’s), or the idea was to photograph whatever you fancied.
Unfortunately, the group was wound down during COVID, and I haven’t joined a group since, or taken that many photos beyond using my iPhone.
But I have missed setting time aside for photography, hence why I added this to my more list.
Read about hobbies
Therefore, it felt like funny timing when Leyla posted about hobbies in the same week as my desire to do more photography!
Leyla also wrote about how we can experience a flow state when we participate in certain activities - when you are so immersed in something that you can lose track of time and even a sense of self. I know that I have reached this flow state with creative pursuits like photography and writing.
And if you’re interested, there’s some fascinating research exploring the area of flow states, including examining changes in neuro-cognitive activity patterns using brain scanning technology1.
So, what next?
Well, I am excited to share with you that there’s a new page on my newsletter - Photography.
I want to follow the ebb and flow of my creative energy with this page, and with photography generally, so posts related to/about photography, and other photographers work will not be set in stone (i.e., there won’t be one post a month or anything like that).
In the meantime, while I get some new photography together for a future post, I wanted to share some photos with you from one of my favourite places in the world - Vietnam.
I took these while on a trip to the northern part of the country in 2016.
I wish this last photo was less blurry! But by the time I managed to get the girl’s attention (I was on a boat), I was worried that she would look away, so I took a couple of quick snaps. She posed for a few moments while chewing on her top and then walked away. I did leave wondering if she was used to the countless tourists taking pictures of her.
This newsletter is evolving and it feels like a significant part of this is related to being involved in the Substack community, and feeling inspired by the creative work going on. So thank you for being here, and supporting this newsletter. And any feedback is welcome, so if you enjoyed this post, then please consider liking it by giving the heart a squeeze or sharing this post ❤️
Thank you!
Sarah xx
I love this, Sarah! Great that you're following your passion and it's always good when serendipitous events happen to help guide you! Your photo from the neon exhibition is so vibrant, I'm not surprised it was featured - congratulations! x
Aww thank you for the mention Sarah! Also I love that pic!!