Seventh Inning stretch
Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that we can’t make some amazing images outdoors. But if you don’t want to get outdoors, that’s okay, too; we can shoot indoors as well.
I—and don’t get too freaked out at me here—I like winter.
Not in one of those “I wish it was winter all the time” sort of ways. (I mean, I’m not crazy, ha ha.) But somewhere along the way I decided if I was going to live in a place where half the year was winter, I wanted to make the best of it. So instead of sitting inside, cursing the weather outdoors, I would enjoy it. Get out and go skiing, or snowshoeing, or just walking the dogs along a path through the woods after dark, lit by a full moon….
Winter actually has a lot to offer. While the days are shorter, the nights are longer, and it is far easier to see northern lights.
And I can go outside and not have to put on bug spray because there’s no mosquitos or any creepy crawly creatures.
Yes, I’ve worked hard to convince myself that winter is not something to be despised. And I’ve done pretty well with it, except for one thing.
These six weeks between New Years and Valentine’s day? I still haven’t quite learned to love them. Accept them? Sure. But if I was able to, I’d probably go spend the month of January someplace tropical. (And next year, I might start offering Beach Boudoir sessions…keep your eyes on this space.)
There’s something bleak and lonely about those six weeks. Sure, in November and December the days are getting shorter, but they’re leading up to Christmas and New Years, and packed with things to do and people to see. And yes, I know a lot of people don’t like the holidays, but I’ve decided to enjoy the good parts and ignore the stressful parts. And I love all the Christmas lights to shoot with.
But February is here, and it’s only a few more days until Valentine’s day. That means that we are through the 12 weeks of the least amount of sunlight, and in no time, I’m going to have to shut the curtain on my bedroom because the sun will start getting up before I do.
We sometimes aren’t aware of how our relationship with nature affects how we act and behave. We get depressed in winter, and even though there’s an entire line of research that tells us “you need more sun”, we still mope around the house wondering why we feel so crappy.
Indeed, one of my favourite memes that has made the rounds recently reminds the reader that they need to drink water and get some sunlight, then opines that “humans are basically houseplants with more complicated emotions.”
So, as we are moving into March, and then into April, and the days get longer and the air stops hurting your face, take a moment to get outside. Close your eyes. Breathe. Enjoy the sunlight on your skin, even if it is only your face.
My goal for this year is to shoot a number of epic outdoor sessions, which can happen in the winter, in the spring, and especially in the summer. Be watching for information on my annual rain chamber shoot (this year without a chamber! (Last year, my first up blew into the river and broke, so I’m going to go for an “outdoor rain” look, I think.)) But also hoping to take clients to the top of mountains, to dance at the base of waterfalls, to create epic art in the outdoors.
If you were at the wedding show, you would have also have seen information about some #epic outdoor trips that you could join me on, perfect for small groups, like bridal parties or just a get-away with the girls. (If you weren’t at the bridal show and want to know more, just send me an email.)
Yes, this year has just begun and is full of promises and potential. So get out there and slay! Dance like no one is watching! Have fun. Live life.