17 Comments
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Chris Spiegl's avatar

I am starting to pick up my camera for daily life again. It's turned into a work tool over the years and I was feeling dreadfull when picking it up. I started to simplify. Put on one lens (35mm) with a Black Mist filter. Now it feels a bit more easefull, smaller, lighter.

But I still struggle with the "uselessness" of most random life sots. Recognizing that a shot "just for me" can be enough. I feel it should be bigger, more meaningful, more unique.

But that's a journey I am willing to go on.

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Suzy's avatar

Ooh thank you for asking this question because it has made me think really deeply about how exactly photography could be used beyond just having kids, like every day stuff.. what journey exactly could that take someone on?

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Chris Spiegl's avatar

I think it's great to think about with children, but life itself is worth remembering and documenting (and that's what I am trying to develop more now). Seeing the mundane as special, finding the play with light and color, exploring new areas and looking with more awareness.

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Suzy's avatar

That’s one of my favorite ways to use photography - declaring the mundane and ordinary (and even the messy and hard stuff) as beautiful by taking a picture of it. Love.

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The Jensen Journal's avatar

This was great!

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Roseann Bath's avatar

Such a beautiful post, Suzy!! You are brimming with ideas. I love the concept of pulling out a camera to shift your mood when you feel bored/depressed/triggered and looking for moments of beauty and curiosity. I am definitely inspired to take more photos of my messy house!!

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Kym VdP's avatar

I love this so much. I love documenting our daily life and have so many photos that I absolutely cherish. I was going through old photos the other day from when my oldest was a baby and I just melted. Feels like a lifetime ago. I love the idea of getting the camera out when you feel angry, sad or frustrated! I can't believe you lost subscribers over this! I think it's absolutely wonderful 💛

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Antonina Pattiz's avatar

This really struck a chord! So beautifully written and well articulated. I'm currently navigating the minefield that is motherhood while trying to better understand my own childhood and this makes me want to pick up my camera even more. I'm definitely taking the camera with me on my next morning walk to remember the route - thanks for that suggestion!

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Sarah's avatar

I found this from your post in the motherhood anthology group and I am in tears! This is exactly what I needed to hear, and I feel so inspired to start doing this with my family!

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Samantha's avatar

"They would tell me how they cried tears of joy seeing themselves as a good parent for the first time through my eyes."

What a stunning article Suzy. I'm also a photographer and enjoy taking pictures of my daughters at home when I'm not working. I loved this article. What a great legacy you leave with your photography.

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Hanz's avatar

Some lovely and loving images. Cheers!

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Jen's avatar

this is so special suzy, thank you for sharing!! taking (and revisiting) photographs really is life-affirming 🥹

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Alexa Cepeda Scott's avatar

This is such a thorough reflection on all the ways we can turn to photography — I especially love the idea to photograph things that go awry, that is such a creative mindset shift!

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George Appletree's avatar

I think your life can’t be better. Congratulations

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Daniel's avatar

What a lovely post. I can particularly relate to picking up a camera to ease some feelings and depression. I am literally in the process of writing a new post for Substack on my own experiences with this.

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Suzy's avatar

Oh I cannot wait to read it!

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Daniel's avatar

Just posted it now!

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