Listening for the Chimes

Over the last few months or so I've been taking way more photos. I guess really I've been looking for more opportunities to take photos. Well, maybe I'm focusing more on the world around me and trying to notice what sets of the chimes in my brain and trying to plug that feeling into the thought - "I should take a picture".

I started this process kinda because I've started painting (as you can see from my last few posts) and I was getting so bored with pinterest reference - especially as the amount of AI-generated reference is on the rise. I was getting sick of it. At some point, it just makes sense to go out and make my own! This also comes with some added advantages - I can work on my eye, and I've always enjoyed wondering about towns and cities for as long as I can remember.

There have been challenges. Managing my anxiety about taking up space in public. Learning to stop in the middle of the street and stand still to take a picture. Controlling my attention, too. At first, the "chimes" I mentioned were quiet and muffled, distant. Sometimes they still are, but they're getting louder, closer. More insistent.

It seems like the photographer has to structure their time around creating opportunity - manufacturing serendipity. Increasing the odds of that perfect moment by working smart and hard. And always keeping an ear out for the chimes.