Do you choose a word of the year? A word that guides you in your photography and/or life in general? I know many photographers who do this. This is something new for me just in the last couple of years.
I have chosen words that I felt applied to the way I wanted to approach both my photography and my life. In 2020, I chose the word “Internal” as my year started off with some challenges where I had to rely on my internal instincts even when they led me to some tough and uncomfortable decisions. 2020 proved to (obviously) be a challenging year and my word continued to guide me through making business decisions in the face of a pandemic as well as looking inwards with my own work.
Following the crazy of 2020, in 2021 I decided on the word ‘present’ as my word for the year. I chose this as my word because I wanted to spend the year embracing each day fully, being fully PRESENT in the moment, whether I was out exploring and photographing or spending time with my kids.
This year, I have chosen the word MINDFUL. More than ever, I feel like it is so important for me to make mindful choices in how I spend my time and where I put my energy. Just like last year, I want to be fully present in the moments I am in nature and home with my family. Quality over quantity when it comes to my imagery, photographing what makes me happy. And as I move forward with the business and education side of my photography, being mindful of choosing the projects and opportunities that bring me the most joy feels critical, especially with my kids’ childhood seeming like it is flashing before my eyes. Sometimes life can feel so busy and chaotic that my mind is distracted away from being fully present. Being mindful of choosing the right projects and not overcommitting myself feels critical to happiness at home and fostering full enjoyment of photography and the people I get to connect with through this art.
Being out in nature, photography is always a mindful activity for me, bringing me fully into the present moment. The longer I engage in this art, the more mindful and thoughtful it becomes as I slow down and let nature speak to me. I look forward to embracing this practice and approach in the coming year.
If you have chosen a word of the year, what is it and why did you choose it? I’d love to hear about it!
Kristen Ryan is an award winning and published landscape photographer and educator residing in the Midwest suburbs of Chicago. All images are available for purchase in the Fine Art Store or by request. Kristen leads ladies landscape photography retreats in the Tetons, Glacier NP, Hilton Head, Chicago, and the Canadian Rockies, offers private mentoring . New online educational materials are coming soon!
