I am genuinely appreciative of the many talented and kind and creative folks who send newsletters. So much of what I want to read rests behind the paywall, and I understand that writers and photographers and other creatives need to earn a living. I respect their work and pay when I can. But those that give of themselves and their work freely add a dimension of joy and wonder to my life that cannot be measured.
One newsletter that I especially adore is Still by Paul Sanders. I can’t figure out a way to share the newsletter by link, so I’m just going to post an excerpt here.
“I like to use gratitude as my guide in all aspects of my life but especially my photography.
Judgement usually yields disappointment, whereas gratitude often brings a surprise and joy or at least a sense of contentment.
If you view each trip out as a unique adventure, open in heart and mind to the multitude of experiences that await you, things never before seen or experienced by anyone ever - because each day is unique, everyday everything has changed, grown, died, moved - even a minuscule amount - everything has changed in someway.
Can you open yourself up to that type of photography, or do you think what I am talking about is just junk?
Creativity comes from an open mind, a willingness to accept that playing, experiment and making mistakes is the way forward, stumbling before you walk or run.
Does gratitude lead to award winning images? I'll be honest . . . I don't know, but is photography about winning awards, or gaining kudos? Personally I think photography is about a personal expression of a unique experience, that you have felt moved by to spend time being part of and enjoyed what it has offered enough to try and record the moment forever.
For those type of experiences I am truly grateful and they have yielded some of my most interesting and successful images.”