‘Our lives today are so busy. Time is spent rushing around between the school run, getting to work on time, after-school clubs, friends, family…life. How often do we stop – really stop – and take the time to appreciate the beauty that we are surrounded by?
I am lucky in that what I do gives me the opportunity to frequently drink in the beauty, the serenity, that nature has to offer. It’s a big part of why I love photography. Not only do I get to admire all these things, but I really study them. I have the time to drink in the perfection of each individual flower.
I know that not everyone is so lucky. I know that, life being what it is, it is often difficult even to remember to draw breath. But do we realise just what we are missing out on?
Not so long ago I was living a frantic life. Splitting my time between university, shifts at the hospital and that little thing called being a parent! I hardly had time to close my eyes at night. When my son was diagnosed with various disabilities, my life had to change completely. It was a hard adjustment.
Photography was my saving grace. It allowed me to appreciate the little things. Made me stop and realise that I still had a lot to be grateful for.
We can all get caught up in the whirlwind of life and forget about the little things. I urge you to take just five minutes today to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity that surrounds you each day. Five minutes to appreciate the delicate petals on the rose in your garden. Five minutes to watch the squirrel in the park gathering nuts for the winter. Five minutes to be at peace.
How often do we stop – really stop – and take the time to appreciate the beauty that we are surrounded by?
Trust me, you’ll feel better for it. I did.’
Visit week 2 Butterfly Photographs
©Text and Photographs Hannah Rachel Potter 2011
Hannah is a natural light photographer specialising in portraiture and fine art photography. Based in Sussex, England, Hannah combines freelance writing and photography with being parent and carer for her disabled son.
Hannah is our Photographer of the Month for October. Would you care to have your photography displayed for a month? We are filling next year now. Contact Jane
You can find Hannah here:
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Twitter @bubbleboo
Hannah,
Thank you for this simple thought. Every time I go shopping I stop to smell the carnations. My kids now know to do that first, too. Such beauty so easily passed by!
Thanks!
Betsy
Hannah – gorgeous photographs and very moving thoughts. I have just had my 5 minutes of bliss sitting with my girls as they go to sleep. So, so important to be in the present despite all the rushing – you are so right. Thanks for my bonus 5 minutes as I sat and pondered over your photos and words. Enjoy your photography and thank you for sharing with us all.
These are seriously beautiful photos, I can’t wait for the next one.
Beautiful photography!
I especially like the 3rd images with the water drops on the petals – great work Hannah.
Thank you so much ladies for your kind words. They mean so very much to me and I appreciate you all.
– Hannah xxx
Lovely photographs and words yes , taking time out to be quiet and look, and think, and be thankful are important, and very restorative.
Hi Hannah,
I hope everything is doing well with your son, I know how hard it is to work and at the same time perform your duties as a mom. I’m really glad to hear how photography affects your life. Flowers were never my subject in the past, but I now find it interesting and would probably try it soon.
Nikky, Hannah has a load in her life yet she blesses us with her images. Good luck with your flowers.