The week of Thanksgiving is always a great time to pause and practice gratitude for the many blessings in our lives, but so is any other time of the year. Things may not be perfect, but there’s still a lot of good to be grateful for if we choose to focus on it. Here are 6 ways you can infuse gratitude into your nature photography practice over the next 6 days.
Day 1/6
Before you take your next shot, take 3 deep breaths, and say aloud one thing you are grateful for in that moment. Then click the shutter.
Day 2/6
A gratitude practice can start as simply as expressing appreciation for clear weather to photograph (or rain, snow or fog). Be grateful for the weather that is.
Day 3/6
Learning photography can be overwhelming, but you can enjoy the journey much more if you show gratitude each time you learn something new.
Day 4/6
Do you admire the work of a particular photographer? Are you inspired by a certain photographer’s IG feed? Take a moment to let them know how grateful you are for the work they put into the world. Leave a comment on their website or social media page, email them, call or visit them. Your gratitude just might make their day!
Day 5/6
There is something special about putting pen to paper and when you’re writing down things you are grateful for….the experience becomes magical. Keeping a gratitude journal can be as simple as making a list and jotting down one thing you are thankful – such as your morning coffee/tea, waking up in time to see the sun rise, or getting lost in a good book. You can add to your journal daily or once a week – whatever fits into your life. Flip through your gratitude journal often to be reminded of all the good you’ve experienced.
Day 6/6
Take a “gratitude walk” with your camera. Walk slowly and mindfully around your yard, your neighborhood, a public park or take a hike in the woods. Let the fresh air fill your lungs while you look at the trees, flowers, wildlife, sky, dirt, grass or snow. Fill your frame with the beauty and wonder of nature.
