What place do you know the best? Your home town right? Or you should at least, you live there. But when was the last time you got in the car and went for a simple drive? Just an hour or two driving around to all your favorite haunts. Or even better yet, parking the car and walking the main street of your town and venturing off into a neighborhood or two. It is more likely one day when you are driving from work to a doctor appt. you see a new building and think, "when did they put that up?" Surprise, it has been there for two years already.
Too many of us sit inside the safety of our four walls and never even explore our own yard, let alone our neighborhood. Do you know the name of your neighbors three houses each way of yours? I don't.
I know the usual excuses. They are mine too... I'm busy. I'm tired. My _______ hurts?
The beginning of May was the first time I used my big camera since January. How did that happen? Didn't I just do a 365 day photography project last year? Yes I did! My excuse. I have been busy. I have been training a puppy almost non-stop since December. Trying to make sure I don't fail with this dog where I failed with previous dogs. No pulling on the leash when we walk, loving to ride in the car, not being anxious when we go new places. But I think it is time for him to see the inside of his crate a bit more, and I need to get out with my camera again. I have a feeling he might grow up to be an even better dog without my training him every second. He might actually have a chance to miss me, and they say absence makes the heart grow fonder.
In that spirit, I am going to do a Summer Photography Scavenger Hunt. I love summer projects and this one seems to be calling me this year. Random enough that I am not stuck in one technique or subject, but with a real opportunity for growth in my skills while having fun at the same time. I am also hopeful it will give me some material for blog posts because training your dog all the time really limits what you can write about.
I am also hopeful to meet some new people and strengthen my small talk skills while getting to know the people in my town, or the people that are visiting my town. I might even learn my neighbors' names in the process.
I want to contribute something to the world, and the only way to do that is to get out in it.
I am including the Scavenger Hunt I will be using this summer. I would love for you to join me. Take a picture with your phone, your big camera, just take a mental photo, whatever works for you. But also share it - if you use to write a blog - revive it - show and tell us about where you live. If you love Instagram share it there, or if Facebook is your thing share it there. I think the sharing is important. I know I am curious about you and where you live and others probably are too. You never know what connections can be made through the simple act of sharing.
It is worth noting, when you are out hunting, how the experience makes you feel. Do you feel excited, joyful, anxious? It might even be good to keep a small notebook with you so you can jot down some thoughts. I have mine tucked into my bag.
My plan is to start today, Sunday, June 2, and finish on Labor Day, September 2. I don't know about you, but, I work better with a deadline.
Instagram Hashtag will be #sharewhereyoulive2019
11 comments:
This is GREAT!
This is such a great idea!! I need a summer project that will be easy and not have daily pressures.
What a perfect summer project, and just my speed. I've always failed at photo projects that have a fixed deadline... my other commitments make them hard to achieve. But a scavenger hunt sounds like fun!
I will join in 💖
Cathy , this has your name all over it!
This sounds like fun - a good way to explore my “new” home and maybe even get back into the swing of things.
This sounds like a fun project. My big camera has been silent for a while. The last time I used it was to take pictures at the school's high school prom--nothing extremely creative, just snaps of the students in their finery! (I just love how well the students "clean up" for prom--tuxes, long gowns, fancy dresses, up-dos, make up, nails. . . . and then all the girls take off their shoes and dance barefooted!) I am also enrolled in Kim Manley Ort's class called Place. Each much we explore a particular aspect of the places we live. During the first month, it was the geological history; month 2 focused on the indigenous people; this month is all about the water. I can incorporate the scavenger hunt list with the class, I think!
This is just what I need at this time. Thanks, Sarah.
Everyone loves what you guys are up too. This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the terrific works guys I've included you guys to my blogroll.
BUY Womens Casual Shoes
This is a lovely summer project, Sarah, and I've already seen some of what you shared. I love that you concentrate on the place where you live. I might join in every now and then - I already have quite some projects for my summer and I don't want to pack too much into it - and I will make sure to have the list handy. Beautiful atmospheric photos - I really love #4.
So glad you are back! I missed your photos and thoughtful, inspiring words!! Thanks for sharing!
Post a Comment