It’s just gone 11:30 in the evening when I take this shot. It’s all part of a decision I made to be intentional about my self care. My mum thinks I’m crazy as I tell her I’m popping out to take a photo with no further information, but I’m desperate to get started.
I’ve been wanting to do the photography challenges you see on Pinterest for a while as a way to spark my creativity. But I was particularly inspired by a client of mine who is an avid photographer with an incredible body of work.
On a recent business trip, he asked me to take photos. I thought it was a setup: who sends photos to a photographer, please? But he said it’s not about the quality but the experience of seeing what people thought was important to capture.
I made up my mind I wasn’t going to do it. The trip had me unsettled and anxious, but just before I left, I let go and took a few photos and realised I was disappointed I hadn’t been in the spirit to take more.
So, as part of my self care, I’m doing a 30-day challenge. The great thing is I can combine it with my love of writing as I explain what the shots mean to me.
What I’ve realised already though is:
- I miss having an iPhone. The Galaxy Fold camera is sorely lacking.
- I miss my digital SLR – nothing like a proper camera to really explore shots.
- Everything looks better in Black and White. Straight Facts.
Today’s photo challenge: City Skyline
This photo only makes it because I can greyscale it (It’snot the crisp, cityscape shot I saw in my mind disappointingly), but it captures one of my favourite things: being able to stand at the top of my road and see 1 Canary Wharf.
It’s one of those things that makes me gasp and makes me thrilled to be a Londoner. One of those buildings you can see from multiple angles across South and East London, the Canary Wharf Tower always makes me catch my breath when I actually become present and take a moment to acknowledge it.
I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s because it’s the business district. Maybe it’s because the multitude of buildings subliminally represents major cities full of excitement and possibilities or success…
Despite hating the state and condition of the UK, my love for London doesn’t diminish.
