Embracing Curiosity Through Photography: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Rediscovering Myself Through the Lens

I still remember the day I decided to focus on photography. It was about ten years ago, and I was knee-deep in motherhood, managing a household, nurturing my marriage, and juggling my job. My days were a whirlwind of responsibilities, and I often felt trapped in my roles. I lost all sense of my identity outside of them. How could I be what everyone needed me to be while staying connected to myself? I didn’t know it was possible to hold on to my essence and my loved ones simultaneously. Life had taught me that keeping relationships often meant abandoning myself. So, I lost touch with my inner being to stay connected with those I loved.

Then one day, my husband suggested I pick up my camera and try taking some photos. He remembered how I had talked about photography in college but never pursued it. I craved something just for me, and photography seemed like the perfect outlet. I dusted off my camera and snapped a few photos. Let me tell you, they were not good—far from it! But something about looking through that viewfinder changed me. As my camera shutter clicked, something clicked within me as well. When I looked at the photo I had taken, I was introduced to possibly the most important aspect of any creative act: curiosity.

The Power of Curiosity

You see, that first photo was pretty bad. In fact, the first several were bad. But each time I took a photo, I chose curiosity over judgment. Instead of criticizing my work, I asked myself what I didn’t like about it and what could make it better. I pondered what I needed to do differently and tried again. I shifted my position, moved things around, got closer or farther away, and adjusted my settings. Over time, my photos improved, little by little.

Every time I embraced curiosity about a photo, I taught myself to step out of judgment and lean into learning. I could have easily looked at those photos, told myself I wasn’t any good, and given up. Especially since it took months before I captured images I was truly proud of. But I didn’t give up. Perhaps it was because I was so tired of being seen only through my roles. Viewing the world through my camera lens helped me see myself, too, and I wasn’t ready to walk away from that newfound perspective.

Growing Through the Lens

So, I kept trying. I kept nurturing my curiosity instead of allowing judgment to creep in. Over time, my photography skills improved, and I deepened my connection to myself. I began to apply the questions I asked about my photos to my life and relationships. What do I think of this? Is it what I was aiming for? What might make it better? What could I do differently to achieve a different result?

The beauty of being a photographer is that no one else can do what you can do. No one else can capture that specific image. No one else can see what you see. I can’t take someone else’s photo; I can only focus on my own creative vision and do my best to capture it. When I first got into photography, I viewed everything through everyone else’s eyes. I never prioritized my own perspective. But with a camera in my hands, I could only see through my lens. I had to stay in my lane and get curious about what I saw and what I could control.

Staying True to My Vision

Eventually, this lesson transferred to other areas of my life. I realized that no one else could see what I could see without a camera. It wasn’t my job to see through anyone else’s eyes. My job was to embrace my perspective, trust my own vision, and stay true to it.

It’s a lesson I’m still learning every time I pick up my camera. Each click of the shutter is a reminder to be curious, to ask questions, and to embrace my unique viewpoint. Photography has become a metaphor for life itself—a journey of exploration, growth, and self-discovery.

The Journey Continues

As I reflect on this journey, I realize that photography is more than just a hobby for me. It’s a pathway to understanding myself and the world around me. Each photo I take is a piece of my story, a glimpse into my perspective. It reminds me that curiosity is a powerful tool, one that can lead to personal growth and deeper connections with others.

So, if you find yourself feeling lost or overwhelmed, I encourage you to pick up a camera or explore a creative outlet that speaks to you. Embrace curiosity and allow it to guide you. You might just discover a new facet of yourself along the way.

In the end, it’s about more than just capturing beautiful images; it’s about capturing the essence of who we are and the journey we’re on. Let’s celebrate our unique perspectives and the beauty of our individual stories. After all, life is a canvas, and we are the artists.

And remember, it’s okay to be vulnerable and reflect on your journey. We’re all in this together, navigating the complexities of life while striving for intentional living. So, let’s pick up our cameras, our pens, or whatever tools we have, and start creating our stories.

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