Nature-Love Letter - Fall Equinox 2021

Dear nature lovers,

In this nature-love letter you'll find Summer's lessons to consider for Fall. Both will be focused on nourishing your life and photo practice through:

• doing less
• accepting what is
• expressing emotions

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Emotional Expression

Summer challenged my ability to hope for the future this year. Droughts, floods, wild fires, extreme heat, etc. ramped up my anxiety. And the things I typically do to maintain a sense of wellness did not provide much comfort. Because of the stress, I didn't ask myself deep questions about photography, I didn't write blogs, I didn't post on Instagram, and I didn't pick up my DSLR... not even once!

I also didn't try to talk myself out of feeling the way I did, even though there was a lot of sadness. Instead, I opened myself up to the feelings, I held my battered heart with fierce tenderness, I rested as much as I needed, and I sought out extra support.

In all honesty, photography only brought me joy on one occasion this summer, which I am sharing here as a visual portrayal of my emotions. These images were made with a pocket-sized Lumix DCZS80. I am extremely thankful for the ease and weightlessness of this tiny camera. If my nature photography practice taught me anything this summer, it's that sometimes what I need is a lighter load. 

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On the topic of rest, the crucial work being done by The Nap Ministry comes to mind. More than napping, their movement is rooted in a "framework of liberation, Afro futurism, somatics, cultural trauma of Jim Crow survivors, community organizing and radical self care." Their work offers a future outside of white supremacy and capitalism. You can find articles, blogs, events, and podcast episodes through their Instagram page. 

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Reflections for Fall:
​What can you do to lighten your load?
How do you use imagery to communicate emotions?

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Enjoy the contents of this letter in whichever way best nourishes your life and photo practice and
be on the lookout for your Winter Solstice nature-love letter, which will be delivered to your inbox December 21st, 2021.
​Until then, hope you have a beauty-filled Fall!​
💚 Kristin