Photography makes me happy

Looking through the lens of a camera is something magical for me (or, nowadays, looking at the LCD screen on the back of a camera). Framing a scene transforms it. With a camera in my hand I tend to look for beauty and "good" in the world around me. Even in a barren land, in the pouring rain, or in the midst of destruction there is a spectacular loveliness. It emerges as I point the lens intentionally. For the world cannot be captured as a whole in a photograph, the photographer must select a point of focus. Must make a choice of what to hone in on. I generally like to take photographs that I will enjoy looking at later, so I choose to photograph beautiful things (or capture the scene in an appealing way). The amazing thing is that after a photography walk I am more apt to search for the beautiful in overall life as well. And I usually find it.

Many times in life (and for SURE in the past few weeks) I haven't focused on the good, on the beautiful, on the lovely. I feel anxiety rising and turn to see darkness and scary things all around. Forgetting that the darkness is only part of the picture. Forgetting that the good is still out there. So the anxious thoughts become worse. And worse. And my world shrinks as I bow toward the ugly choking darkness.

Until I can turn and re-focus. On the good, the beautiful, the hopeful, and the loving parts of life. A camera helps me do that; helps me become more intentional with what I focus on. I think I should just keep a camera in hand at all times until I learn the lesson fully!!

I might not be able to get every day in, but I've started trying to take at least one photo a day. Thanks to my great friend Stephanie (thanks Stephanie!) I found a group of people who are doing the same thing. Well, we are all looking for the same theme each day together (right now we're doing the alphabet one letter at a time) but it works in my mind. Looking for beauty in the world around us each day. And I bet we will find it.

What helps you find the good in life when you are stuck seeing dark? Please share! I can use all the reminders and aids I can get right now.

It was a dark and stormy day in Montenegro . . . and oh so beautiful!!