How do you find the time for impressionist photography?

One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “How do you find the time for photography?” I must admit that, when life gets busy, photography will be one of the things I will neglect. Ironically, creating photographs is one of my favourite things to do. So, these days I grab every opportunity to capture images, as I always feel energised and happy after a photo shoot, even if is just a 20 minute one. The moment I look through the lens of the camera, I am instantly transported to a peaceful place, but it is a place that also challenges me, and this is a magical combination. Time with my camera is a form of meditation, a way to get to know myself and the world around me a little better.

Abstract and impressionist photography is a perfect style to record your life. Everything around you can be a perfect subject. Just become a looker and seeker. See your surroundings with new eyes. Discover the little and ordinary things that you see each day. There are so many metaphors and lessons in these moments, whether they are good or bad.

To get better at anything, you have to practise. The more time you spend on your photography the more evidence you will have that improvement is happening, and then you will be compelled to continue what you are doing and the practice can become addictive.

As you practise, your images will evolve and change, and you will reap the benefits, not only from the results but from the process itself.

If creating images feels like work or you are too caught up in feelings of insecurity, take a break and come back to it from a different perspective. Or, try another technique. The idea is that the time spent with your camera is a safe, positive, and relaxing way for you to get in touch with yourself and learn to express yourself visually.

Don’t be caught out with the idea that if I only have this camera, this lens or these accessories, my photography will improve.

I find that it is not the tools that make the art, but the vision—the ideas behind the created piece—and the process itself. So, don’t be caught out with the idea that if I only have this camera, this lens or these accessories, my photography will improve. You know deep down that this is not true. Of course, there are types of photography that require specialised lenses and camera functions, but you can learn with any equipment that you have and buy the necessary equipment as you progress. Finding what works best for you and your own artistic needs can be a fun exercise, and you should allow yourself the freedom to explore and try new things.

For most of us, our days tend to be repetitious, so it can be challenging to find not only time to photograph but also things to photograph. To overcome this problem I play a game; I simply open my eyes to new ways of seeing things, so it’s not so much what to photograph, but how to focus on a different item or moment each time. You get past the moments of sameness by challenging yourself to see them differently.

Each of your days might not be the most exciting, but when you capture a carefully chosen glimpse or the fleeting moment, then suddenly, that day is made memorable. An ordinary day is preserved on a single image or even a series of images.

You can try photographing colour, as it is a great way to express a mood. It can also trigger a memory. I have had blue days (calm and reflective), yellow days (happy), and black days when depression creeps in and everything looks dark and scary. I also have days when I am struck by how blue the ocean water is or the deep red of Japanese maple leaves.

Using certain colours can also change your state of mind. If you are having a hard day, instead of capturing greys and blacks, consider photographing bright red and orange to bring back your energy and optimism.

The weather can also alter the flow or mood of a day, so it’s a perfect visual element for a photoshoot. Rainy days have as much potential as sunny ones. You can photograph puddles and umbrellas, reflections on the wet surfaces and you can capture the world through the wet windows of your car.

If you are stuck at home at the moment, photograph boiling water as you make a cup of tea. If you like to photograph nature, a potted plant. Even an ordinary view from a window can be transformed using the right light and technique combination.

I hope you can see that photography can easily be entwined into your daily life with a bit of desire and organisation. Just open your eyes, and have your camera ready to record what you see.