be a bird

The Bigger Picture

This is another scenario where I read or watch something related to a recent notion that has been on my mind. I was reading and pondering recently about giving someone or something my whole attention rather than engaging in undue multitasking. I’m used to completing many activities at once, especially at work and in other settings, and I consider it to be productive. But there are moments when we need to slow down. I’ve been thinking a lot about paying entire attention to discussions and interactions since my child entered my life. We live in a world of distractions and two-minute attention spans. So Jordyn Dunseath’s intriguing video was an ace to the point. Keep an eye on it. (It just takes three minutes.)

She narrates”Be a bird. See from the bird’s eye view. See the big picture. Look, the earth is big and it’s beautiful. The details of life do matter, and yes, and it can get hard , but take a step back sometimes to find what you are grateful for. Drop the unnecessary responsibilites you put on yourself. Sometimes, when life feels so chaotic, the easiest change you can make is your perspective. Be reminded of the birds. Do not worry about your life, what you would eat, what you would drink, your body, what you’ll wear. Look at the birds in the air. They do not sew or reap or store away in barns, yet Almighty feeds them. Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? ”

Arriving on time, This was what I wanted to hear. As in the prophet’s stories, “If you trusted on Almighty as He should be relied on, He would make provision for you as He does for the birds.’ They leave hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.” I seek for the times when I can hold this mindset with me and see everything from a wider perspective. The sense of relaxation and clarity it provides is simply astonishing. Friends, may God bless you!
I appreciate you taking the time to read the post.

Serene Pastures

A montage of some indoor plants.

“No matter the state of the world, or how dark the shadow that has fallen on our city, I find it curiously comforting to know that if you plant a seed and give it sunlight and water, it will grow.”

“Serene Pastures”

― Sarah Jio, All the Flowers in Paris

Shadow Lights

A visual montage story from the Sharjah Light Festival in 2020. The Sharjah Light Festival invites internationally renowned artists to celebrate science, creativity, and heritage in a display of lights at beloved landmarks.

Invisible Strings!

Joy is like pure clear water; wherever it flows, wondrous blossoms grow. Sorrow is like a black flood; wherever it flows it wilts the blossoms. The universe is a complete unique entity. Everything and everyone is bound together with some invisible strings. Do not break anyone’s heart; do not look down on weaker than you. One’s sorrow at the other side of the world can make the entire world suffer; one’s happiness can make the entire world smile. Wherever you go, east, west, north or south, think of it as a journey into yourself! The one who travels into itself travels the world.” ― Shams Tabrizi

Picture in the brain.

Interesting conversation with Dave Howells, advertising photographer, and ex-photojournalist as he’d love to call himself. He explains how he creates his signature frames and his experiences photographing famous people in his clientele. It’s the passion of a person towards his craft like this that puts a quintal of inspiration into you. Thanks, Becki and Chris for hosting this.

Some stuff from the conversation that I felt entertaining:

  • The earlier you get in on a job, the more input you have – one of the earliest piece of advise that he received when he started pursuing photography.
  • Advertising – clients pay for ideas. Editorials – Client pay for filling space in the newspaper or magazine.
  • He walks through his decades of experience in photography in news and media. Technologies that used to be the thing at that time pop up occasionally during the conversation (high-speed flash, for instance). Very interesting.
  • He was asked who was his favorite among the famous people whom he had photographed and he responded that his favourites aren’t famous and that everyone has a story.
  • If I think your idea is crap, I’ll tell you it’s crap and I’ll be fairly blunt about it in a charming accent, but if it’s a brilliant idea, I’ll probably steal it“, he says.
  • It’s not about the gear, the picture should happen in your brain long before it’s got to your fingers
  • There’re a lot of photographers who photograph what people look like, but there’re only a few who take pictures of who they are!Wow.
  • The more you shoot, the better you get.
  • Ready, fire, aim