Hombody Photo Tip: Out of the Comfort Zone

     Exactly one year ago I started the “Homebody” photoblog on Kings Park Patch.  I’ve had a great time sharing photography information and my views on photography with you.  I hope I have persuaded you that “you don’t have to travel far to take great photos:  Kings Park (and close by) will do nicely.”

     I also hoped that I’ve encouraged beginning photographers to get out there, take photos, and not be afraid to experiment and even to fail.  Getting out of your comfort zone in photography is the sure way to improve it.  The more often you get out of your comfort zone, and the further out from it you get, the more you will learn and improve.

     I truly hope that I persuaded at least one beginner to take their camera off automatic mode, even if it was to only go to aperture priority mode!

     Starting the “Homebody” photoblog was a step out of my comfort zone.  A little scary at first, it soon became a lot of fun.  I looked forward to posting and even increased my posting frequency.  Indeed, sooner than I had ever anticipated, “Homebody” became a part of my comfort zone.

     The time has come for me to venture out of this comfort zone.  The time for scary feelings and more failure lies ahead.  Instead of dreading the prospect, I look forward to it.  I know that after I pay these new dues I may consistently create the kind of work I want to do.  In order to pay these dues I need to take a hiatus from “Homebody.”

     So as I leave the blogosphere for a while, I want to leave you with something to consider that is right on point.  It is a quote I encountered some time ago.  Every day since I’ve seen the truth in this observation, and have tried to live it:

     “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t you are right.”

                                                         --- Henry Ford

     Kings Park Photo Club:  The Club meets the third Thursday of every month at the Kings Park Library at 7 PM.  Our next meeting is Thursday April 17, 2014. Come join us.  Jeff Mantell will be making a presentation on lens perspective.  Check out our members’ work on display at the People’s Bank on Indian Head Road.  The Club will also be doing another display at Nissequogue River State Park starting May 10, 2014:  “Celebrating Public Access to Nature.”  Be sure to check it out for some amazing images. 

     Thanks for reading.