For me, photography has been an essential part of my life. It has been my hobby, my creative outlet, my joy, my key to balance, and my business. I met some truly amazing and talented people, some of whom became such wonderful friends along the way. Models, make-up artists, stylists, and other photographers and artists all contributed to my creative vision. I never imagined anything would, or could, get in between me and my photography.
Then a series of accidents brought me to a standstill. I’m not here to detail each of the events, but I will say the most frustrating injury to overcome has been my concussion. I suffered, and still suffer, with post-concussion syndrome. Some of the attributes I long considered strengths of mine were suddenly lost. Although I could imagine in my head creative ideas, my ability to translate these ideas into a photo, or even words, was no longer there.
I remember the first time I tried to take photos after that accident. I was excited! I got everything I would normally need for a photo session. I had a great light source to work with, an accommodating family (I knew them well), the props we discussed, and the outfits ready. Then I stood with my camera almost to my eye, and I froze. My mind went blank. What was I supposed to do? What angle should I use? How should they pose? What aperture should I be set at? Shutter speed? ISO?
I shook my head and closed my eyes. I saw the image in my head. I’ve done this thousands of times. Yet, this time, that image in my head had no way of translating itself to what was in front of me. I took photos, but I was dreadfully disappointed in the results of that session. I lost photography.
It wasn’t until two and a half years after that day that I would try another photo session. It took me that long to relearn how to bring an idea from my head to my camera. I had to adapt. I learned new ways to do things. My confidence is no longer just in my creative vision. It’s also in my ability to adapt on the fly. I learned that there are many paths within our minds that connect the abstract thoughts and ideas with the more tangible and actionable processes. I learned to navigate those detours, and let me tell you, that ability has unlocked so much for me.
Even on the difficult days when my PCS is particularly bad, I try to remember that all of life’s challenges bring blessings as well…if we’re willing to look for them.