Like many others, I have found many health benefits from my hobby of photographing nature.
There is the quiet solitude that affords one the opportunity to silence the incessant internal dialog that continually runs through the mind, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. If one wants to lower stress and blood pressure, there is no better way.
There is also the benefit of exercise. The degree of one’s workout depends on where one is hiking to, and the terrain that is traversed. Carrying the camera gear over just an easy mile hike will burn calories and strengthen muscles overall.
And last but not least, there is the activity to keep the brain sharp. While photographing nature, one is always alert to the surroundings, checking for patterns of light and shadow, seeking wildlife, and mentally evaluating the unfolding scenes for photographic opportunities.
So with all the benefits and enjoyment, go forth and shoot. The benefits are many.
There was an article in one of the photography newsletters that I get that described an exercise in which one reviews all photographs taken during the calendar year, and selects the Top Ten. I thought it might be a great way to force myself to critically evaluate all the photos, and it proved to be more of a challenge than I expected. Still, I was able to narrow them down from nearly two thousand to a mere 15! If forced me to look closely at each one I had previously given a high rating to, and evaluate every aspect. This process has caused me to try and evaluate more critically throughout the year, and to place those I believe worthy into a special collection in Lightroom for my Top Ten 2015. Should anyone out there not have a similar process, I highly recommend doing this. Takes time, and self critique, but worth the effort.
There are times when I am aware of my age more than others. One time I seem to be most aware is when dealing with technology. At one time I built and managed websites, writing all the codes from scratch. Not having kept up with all the changes however, has left me in the dark with the new methods, techniques, and languages. Is this what it means to be a dinosaur????
How do the changing seasons affect you? Since a young boy, Autumn has always had a quietening effect on me. It reminds me of the cycle of life, and how all living things must rest. And how all living things must die, to be recycled into the circle of life. I love the quiet mornings and evenings of Autumn the best, now that I am in the Winter of my life. Through the recycling process, I know that what is alive today will provide for new life tomorrow. Perhaps there will be more on a higher level, and my spirit will find some way to continue on as well. Whatever the future brings, I am so thankful that I have been able to witness the cycle of life, and enjoy the splendid beauty that the seasons bring.