Yes, I’ve been one of those who needed ‘retail therapy’ from time to time. Those mindless moments where you escape deadlines and stress factors at work. My need for ‘retail’ therapy whether in a mall or online has forever been replaced.
What has taken its place? Photography Therapy!
This is probably not a new phrase, and I’m sure other photographers feel the same way. Picture this, (no pun intended). A prolonged week of meetings continues with direct reports assisting in presentations, proposals and personnel discussions. Then, there’s one more Friday afternoon conference call at 4:00 p.m. Many discussions are held in conference rooms, Skype calls from home or an office with a view of other concrete buildings.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my career. However, I believe in working to live. Part of living is not thinking about work when you’re not working. That can be a bit difficult for many of us, particularly if we do not find and pursue our own interests and passions.
Photography therapy launches me into the outdoors and mother nature’s emotional whim. Spending time with with azure waters, gazing at sunrise landscapes and wildlife in the woods soothes the soul. Essence of time becomes lost while capturing flowers with hues, shades and textures that make Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore Paints wince with envy.
How can you find photography therapy?
How can you find your photography therapy? What do you like to do with your spare time?
Do you enjoy cars, travel, your kids’ sports, pets, fashion, cooking, gardening, baseball cards, fishing, or collecting? If you answered yes to any of these and have considered ‘photography’ as something to do, you may have picked the place to get started.
Borrow, rent or purchase a camera and start here. Take many, many images looking up, down and straight on with your identified subject. Download to your computer and see what you’ve created.
Your therapy may have just begun. And for those who still hunger for a bit of retail therapy. No problem. There are plenty of cameras (Nikon, Canon, Sony), bags (Tenba, Tamrac), lenses (Sigma Lenses, Nikon lenses, Tamron), tools (Lightroom , DXO Photolab), and how-to books available to shop for online (Amazon) and in local camera retail stores.
