Website Posting Number 500

As the publication of website posting number 500 on this photography blog drew ever near, the challenge became what I should write about as this is a bit of a milestone event. I decided to share some of my favourite images that I’ve captured over the past number of years, and tie them together with some philosophical musings.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 30-110 mm f/3.8-5.6 @ 66 mm, efov 178 mm, f/5.6, 1/30, ISO-3200, extension tube used

There is always much to examine in the world around us and we have the opportunity to learn something new every day. All we need do is be open to the lessons the Universe presents to us. Some things require close examination in order to recognize their beauty.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 60 mm, efov 162 mm, f/8, 1/80, ISO-160

Humankind continues to endure because we strive to adapt and overcome the challenges we face in life. Not to have suffered through some kind of pain and used our courage and creativity to overcome it, is not to have grown through adversity.

Nikon 1 V2 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/5000, ISO-1600

While we are different in terms of the talents and attributes bestowed upon us at birth, that need not dissuade us from finding our mission in life, and our place in the world. We may not be the biggest and the most powerful, but our lives still have value. Each of us has the opportunity to make a difference however small.

Nikon 1 V3 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/1250, ISO-400

When we are young we are full of inquisitiveness, playfulness and wonder. Whether we maintain those important qualities throughout our lives is our responsibility.

Nikon 1 V3 + Nikon 1 CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 254 mm, efov 686 mm, f/5.6, 1/1600, ISO-200

We share this planet with others. It is important to give each other room to pursue our mutual dreams, especially those that are closest to us. We can sometimes hold them back by trying to live our lives vicariously through them, or forcing our beliefs upon them.

Nikon 1 V2 + 1 Nikon CX 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 @ 300 mm, efov 810 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000, ISO-1400

While we may be touched deeply by nature, we do not own it. The environment is to be respected and cherished so its treasures can be experienced by future generations.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 32 mm f/1.2, efov 86.4 mm, f/1.2, 1/3200, ISO-160, extension tube used

There will be times when our courage to be understanding and show compassion towards others will be tested. May each of us find the strength within us to overcome our fears and self-doubt – emotions that can keep us hostage to our own most base impulses.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 10 mm, efov 27 mm, f/16, 1/2, ISO-160

Life can often feel like it is moving far too fast. Perhaps even passing us by. Comparing ourselves to others and holding anyone up as an icon to be emulated is fool’s play. The only competition worthy of our effort is that with our own best self.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 46 mm, efov 124 mm, f/5.6, 1/20, ISO-3200

Our potential remains locked when we attempt to go through life with the erroneous belief that the world owes us something. That life is supposed to be easy. Once we learn and truly accept that life is hard and always will be – that knowledge and deep understanding of it holds the key to making life easy.

Technical Note:
All photographs were captured hand-held using Nikon 1 gear as per the EXIF data. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard process of DxO OpticsPro or PhotoLab, CS6, and the Nik Collection.

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Article is Copyright 2018 Thomas Stirr. Images are Copyright 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018  Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use. Posting comments on offending web sites and calling out individuals who steal intellectual property is always appreciated!

6 thoughts on “Website Posting Number 500”

  1. Congratulations on your blog post milestone and thanks so much for sharing all your delightful photos with us! Your photos and writing is an inspiration to me and many others.

  2. Hi Tom,

    Congratulations on the 500th post milestone.
    And thank you for your wonderful images and philosophical musings, a sharing of truths some discovered from youth, others acquired on the journey of life.

    Oggie

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