co-ordination.
Photography is like a moment, an instant. You need a half second to get the photo. So it’s good to capture people when they are themselves.
Patrick Demarchelier
I’ve had some interesting thoughts on photography lately and not just about subject matter but how everything pulls together to capture that image.
I’ve had some opportunities lately to photograph some more environmentally themed portraits. People photography is not something that I usually gravitate towards but capturing people engaged in something that brings the light from with-in outwards has been extremely satisfying for me.
I find myself enjoying crafting how I want that image to come out and at the same time getting some exposure to new things like the speed bag.
I don’t want to be one of those photographers who can’t carry their own gear and can only shoot from a standing position because my body can’t move, so for me that means continuing to incorporate more, and more varied, physical training into my life.
I have never tried punching a speed bag before and wasn’t sure that I would even be able to do it having been told by my eye doctor that I don’t track objects coming towards me with any degree of accuracy.
What I found though was somewhere along the way, all this daily shooting has bridged that gap and my focus and timing has improved. It only took one session to realize that this is perfect conditioning for a photographer. Not only does it build and tone muscle in your arms but it greatly improves the hand/eye co-ordination so valuable to the photographer. You’ll also see improvements in cardio by doing timed sets of 3-5 minutes followed by a minute break.
If that’s not enough there’s the rhythmic sound of the bag striking the platform…almost as seductive as the click of a shutter.
it's (almost always) about the water... 
It is encouraging to have you confirm that one can always learn something new.
But I think from seeing your accomplishments that you already knew that!
My friend Christy was fighting cancer and after her chemo was done and she was feeling better we went cross country skiing. She made a comment that has always stuck with me. She said “If someone has never skied they do not know the sound of your skis shushing through the snow, I am so lucky to know that sound.” Since that day I pay attention to the sound of my bike tires on pavement, my hiking boots on dirt, the ski lift sound going up, the plane taking off every time I get to fly somewhere, the sound of a heartbeat under my stethoscope. Just all of it. I want to take it all in and really experience and remember those sounds and be grateful for the experience. So I understand. Maybe I need to punch a bag next? Thanks for the picture!
Beautifully said, thank you Jane. And yes, speed bag next!
You delight. As always.