Occasionally you feel the need to do something to break up what you are doing. A sanity break. I know people sit doing repetitive work all day without a fuss. However, when you are expected to perform creatively then keeping fresh is important. If you're looking for your sanity break, get out and do something different. In February 2020, here is what I did, and importantly, what I learnt from my experience.
After
a long run of studio time, I felt like I just needed to get out for
the day. I
did not want the constraints of time, theme, style, or whatever to
bother me. I just wanted a day whereby I went where ever it led me.
I
put a post up on Facebook asking
if anyone would be interested in street
shoot
to
see what would happen. I
had a few replies. I did not expect many for a mid-week daytime
shoot with slightly under 24 hours notice. However, one reply did
stick out as it was yep, no problem. We set up a mutual time and
place.
Next
day we met on time perfectly in the right location. Celeste
was a recent arrival from the Prairies to the City. Taking some time
to learn her way around and get settled in. We wandered around
ducking in and out of different locations to keep warm. Fortunately
in Toronto we can use the Path system also to get around the Downtown
without going outside.
Although it was very cold out, I mentioned it was February, there was
no snow on the ground. As Celeste was new to the city, it was
refreshing to hear her enthusiasm towards the city. We here all the
time about how everyone hates Toronto but it is really not true.
Strikingly,
the
first thing that I
noticed was
how
different the mood and conversations went. There was no need to
discuss plans as we did not have any. The conversation was just a
genuine chat without any requirement for mood, style, direction,
posing, lighting
etc. We were both just going with the flow of the moment. I
also realized that despite shooting in so many locations in North
America, I really have not shot in Toronto. I can only put this down
to separation. When you are working you go and get on with your work
where you need to be. When at home, I really do not think to get out
in the city and shoot. Not that I am a master at street photography
in any shape of form. I guess Celeste gave me the purpose to get out
in the city.
Anyways,
without going on and on. I enjoyed the experience and mostly enjoyed
the opportunity to meet with Celeste. Sadly the pandemic struck and
all this was really lost. It
was refreshing and I hope that this year this will be possible once
more. Here are my take home points. The
best method to ensure you end up relaxed
and
unwind is by considering these things:
-
Make
sure your schedule lets you forget about looking at your watch. If
it doesn't, you'll have trouble getting in the moment.
-
Ensure
your focus has less to do with the images and more to do with
connection so you can enjoy the day.
- Any good camera and lens should let you get some relaxed fun shots. This is important because you need to not be concerned about getting all technical and geeky.
While not necessary, some great bonus features are that you get some good portrait and character shots from the day and make a new friend.
Good luck
ig: @celestenic_
