Some of my favourite photos from 2024
A return to 'On actually doing things'
Hi,
Soon after last week’s post was published, I had a thought: “What have you been doing kayak-style recently?”
I had a think and a few areas came to mind. Over the past few months, I have been trying to find time to write more; both for here and on other projects, and making slow and steady attempts to get back into strength training (long story - bunch of chest infections and my gym closed 😭). Both of these things calm my chattering brain.
But then something else came to mind: photography.
I am no professional, and nor do I believe that I have a particularly good eye for what makes a good photo, but I do enjoy the medium. Similar to writing and exercise, photography helps me feel both calm and alive.
Yet despite this, I have often felt that I was required to have certain things in place before I could call myself a photographer. I mean, having some basic equipment helps here like a camera, but for some reason I also believed that you needed to have lessons, lots of specialist equipment, and spend hours learning about photography before getting started. All a bit ridiculous really.
So, one of my kayak-like intentions is to try and embrace a) doing more photography in little and short bursts, and b) not overthinking what I am doing.
And while I am talking ‘again’ about actually doing things, here are some of my favourite photos from last year:
And a much older photo, but just to show that kayaking is not just for the mind, here is me in a kayak (although I had to check that it wasn’t a canoe):
Thank you for reading this newsletter from TBOI, and see you next time!
Sarah
Sounds like a good plan! Sometimes I get intimidated doing photos with my husband (who's an artist), but I've actually learned some tricks from him and sometimes 'steal' his photos. It's much better to have fun with it anyway. And these are great - accidents (like out of focus) can often end up to be the best pictures!
I remember the neon! This reminds me of how so many of us hesitate to call ourselves writers. As long as you're meeting the craft on your terms, "professional" or not, photography, writing, or whatever else are here for everyone. Personally, I really enjoy your photos and also think that blurry Christmas one is lovely.