Photography as a part of life

For 10 years ago I decided that I should take photos everyday. My prime goal was to become a better amateur; I didn't have a clue that it should change my life in a positive way.
How can a camera change a good life to an even better life? It's all a question Read more...

Photography as a part of life

For 10 years ago I decided that I should take photos everyday. My prime goal was to become a better amateur; I didn't have a clue that it should change my life in a positive way.
How can a camera change a good life to an even better life? It's all a question about focus - not focus on motif, light, aperture, shutter and so on - but a focus on attitude. For me it's become a question about how to live everyday in a creative mood and sharpen all senses to experience life even more fully. With photography it has become a slowly, every going process. Using the camera on an everyday basis has given me not only a stronger awareness of the outer world, but also my inner life and especially my values. Have my values changed being an eager amateur photographer? No, but I try to let them shine through the photos I take. Sometimes the focus is on respect, dignity and love. Other times the focus is on the yearning to heal or get inspired by being close to nature. Other times again I take a photo just for the fun of it. Or for the pure joy to see the first butterfly in the season that looks like a million other photos of butterflies. Many times it is to document life and events. To share my love for Oslo and the people living here.

I guess one doesn't need a camera to make positive changes in one's life. Yoga or meditation would probably give me the same effect. The problem is that yoga and meditation makes me so sleepy and I have never been able to follow it up regularly. In fact the only thing I have been able to do every day besides brushing me teeth, eat and sleep is to photograph. It is my joy, my balsam, my inspiration, my exercise and my daily challenge.

There is of course one major reason why taking photos every day has become a part of my life. I became a Blipper.  A friend in Oslo Camera Club told me about the website. I quickly discovered that this community is not only a bunch of passionate amateurs and professional photographers all over the world that are generous with comments on other members photos. It is a community that shows compassion and support on daily life issues.

All your comments makes me not giving up blipping. I spend time watching your journals and have great joy of seeing so many fantastic photos. I'm so impressed of all the creativity, techniques, images, views and action. In Blipland I see things I never have seen before, so thanks for sharing!

So I can sum all my words with the conclusion that blipping has given me a richer life. But have I become a better amateur? Did I reach my goal after 10 years? I think so. I learn from all the amazing amateurs and professionals on Blipfoto. I dare more, I experiment more, I fail more and I have found my personal style.

Sometimes I will use Flickr to complete a write up. I use my full name there. Ingunn Eriksen.

Thanks for stopping by.