Unpacking my Brain

My brain recently exploded. I could feel the electrical currents zapping between synapses. I’m convinced my brain was scrambling to keep up, with long under-used neurons finally getting connected. I imagine that a functional MRI of my brain would have been a fireworks show.

A few days have passed and I now have a bit of time for my brain to relax. I can now do an internal audit of my four-day nature and conservation photography deep dive with Summit Workshops. I’ve never taken a photography class, let alone a four day intensive. In the coming weeks I’m going to

** review my lecture notes to refresh my memory of the insights and recommendations offered by the stellar faculty. (I’m using the word “stellar” deliberately. The faculty weren’t just stars in their own right, but thoughtful, encouraging, and gracious educators who met me where I was and helped me explore the possibilities of photography.)

** look through my photos — the nice and the not so great (a disproportion ratio leaning to the latter group) — to record what worked and what didn’t. I need to start internalizing these practical lessons so I can be more successful in the field.

** reflect on the experience. There were so many golden nuggets during the four days (and evenings and nights).

** send up gratitude. This workshop was a gift to me from my family. I managed to get into this year’s session when there was a last minute cancellation and, being local, it was easy for me to fill the spot. That being said, on the first morning of the workshop, I called two friends to talk me off the ledge. I was so nervous I nearly vomited and bailed. Thank heavens I didn’t do either. I can’t express how much I loved, Loved, LOVED the immersion into photography. Yes, in moments of stillness I was a bit tired after a few straight days of 5:30AM departures and 11:00PM bedtimes. But I jumped up each morning absolutely excited to get started.

I want my brain to explode again.

Alone on the Shore

What You Carry