I recently came across an utterly inspiring article in the Outdoor Photographer magazine called The Joy of Sheer Existence.
The article was written by Dewitt Jones, one of the best photographers in the world today, by all accounts. What pulled a few strings in my heart when I read his piece, was when he shared his personal experiences while shooting trees in two different locations, first in 1968 and more recently in April 2010. He explained how when he just allowed himself to get completely lost in the beauty of what he was seeing through the lens, and he let go of the traditional rules that ask for drama or composition, it was then when he simply captured life, in that moment, in its sheer existence. Beauty in complete splendor. His article reminded me of just why it is that I love photography so much. It is a medium in which one can capture life as it unfolds. Photography literally allows us to hold on to our existence for a little bit longer. It leaves our footprints on photo paper. It gives us permission to see it loud and clear, that we exist. What a gift!
And while we are talking about Dewitt Jones, I really must share his ongoing project called "Celebrate What's Right with the World." His philosophy is extraordinary. I wholeheartly agree with him! If you haven't yet had a chance to listen to his words of inspiration on the issue of vision and possibilities, I recommend that you do. In this 22 minute video, he shares his philosophy, that I love. And it was exactly what my heart needed to tune into this week. I must share my favorite quote from it:
"By celebrating what's right, we find the energy to fix what's wrong." I feel like I want to stand up and break up in enthusiastic applause. Literally. In fact, hold on, I must do that right now.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
I feel like I need to print that quote in BIG letters and post it somewhere I can see it often. These words are insightful and so powerful, yet humbly accurate. Dewitt Jones, you are so right on! Thank you for your words. And your delightfully inspiring photography. Thank you for sharing, by example, the difference between success and significance.
