Today finishes the series of guest posts from Photo-Heart Connection participants. I invited them to write a post sharing what the Photo-Heart Connection meant to them this year. For the last few days I have been sharing these very special answers with all of you, celebrating the first year of the Photo-Heart Connection. I hope you have enjoyed these!
When Kat started the photo-heart connection, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this exercise and little did I know that going back to look at my photos each month would be such a deep personal experience. One that would have profound meaning for me in each of those connections. My participation in this process over the last year has influenced me in a way that has helped me continue to learn so many things about myself and my photography journey along the way. Some have been difficult, some have filled me with anticipation and some have reminded me that I’m on the right path.
In looking back I can see that before starting the photo-heart connection I was already beginning to feel a shift from being able to just document where I had been to documenting and saying this is how I feel about it, and the act of going back each month to find a connection with my heart has been instrumental in really recognizing that. In fact I can’t help but think that on some level it has helped play a role in it by evaluating how my own photographs make me feel.
I have learned that I need to take more risks because the only risk to taking more risk, is opportunity and growth, both as a person and a photographer. I have learned that when I am able to fully lose myself completely in a moment where the world falls away, and when I allow spontaneity and intuition to take over, I am able to just let my heart lead the way. And when my heart leads the way rather than getting tangled up in all the rules and technology of it, my images contain more emotion.
The photo-heart connection has made me realize that for me, the real magic happens when my photograph becomes secondary to my experience.
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Kim Stevens is a jewelry artist and photographer, both of which are inspired by her love of nature. She lives in Houston, Texas and blogs at Picking Poppies and Focusing on Life.
Thank you so much Kim for sharing your experience. I love what you have found in the Photo-Heart Connection!
And how about the rest of you… have you joined in the Photo-Heart Connection yet? If not, you can join in any month. There is no commitment, no prerequisite, no expectation. You just need to come with an open heart! The next Photo-Heart Connection link up opens in a couple of days, on January 1. There is no better way to start your year. I hope to see you!
Kim, thank you so much for allowing ME to go on this journey with you thru your photos. You are awe inspiring my friend 🙂
Thank you so much Kathy!!
Ahhh what a grand post KIM . You are always such a great inspiration with your lovely images and wisdom certainly beyond your years 😉
Hugs
Kat, I want to thank you again for this wonderful photo-heart connection – I have learned so much from reading others posts, and look forward to another year of connections!
So glad I saw your name in Kat’s newsletter and came over here to read your post. So beautifully said and illustrated by your wonderful photos. You make me want to sign up for another Photo Heart Connection!
No sign up necessary Terri! Come join us, any month.
Ahhh, your words and photos are always an inspiration to me. I know how much of your heart goes into your images and stories. I am blessed to know you, sweet dear Kim.
Kim is such a sweet soul. I so enjoy her words, but moreso her images.
I can relate to everything you’ve said here. I too began taking photos to document things but when I started PHC and looked back at my images to see which I felt a heart connection with its like a whole new world opened up. I loved that the photo heart connection was once a month . . . no pressure, yet gave the opportunity for so much growth. Kat is amazing as are so many of those who found themselves on this journey.
I am so honored by your comment, Kathryn! Thank you for being here and participating.
So beautiful and inspiring. It has been a great pleasure to share this journey with you.
Beautiful post Kim!
Your post really resonates with me too, Kim. Finding that emotional connection makes our photos more meaningful and leads us to a different level of communication. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I enjoy every photo you share, Kim…and just as importantly, I love what you have to say about what was happening when you were taking them. Thanks for sharing both your images and your words with the blog world. 🙂