Cherish the Simple Things

We live in a very busy, hustle-and-bustle type of society, participating in this never ending rat race, for some reason it seems, in an attempt to feel more ahead or fulfilled. Sometimes we forget the most basic and fulfilling things in life are the ones we often take for granted. The simplest of the simplest things like a morning stroll in the park or doing something kind for someone. We can sometimes forget the practices that make us feel more human and connected and replace them with habits that make us feel isolated. 

Take nature for example, John brings us with him on a wild flower walk at McAlpine Creek Park. He displays for us exuberant wildflowers thriving amongst a deep sea of green. His Canon rf 100mm macro lens closely captures insects beautifully perched on some of the flowers.

It’s truly amazing the ability of a macro lens! For those who don’t know what it is, it's a lens designed to capture close-up images a distance from the subject and remain perfectly sharp. They are usually prime lenses (not zoom; uses a fixed focal length), and provide that smooth, blurry background (Bokeh).

The camera body was a Canon r6 III and his exposure settings amongst using the outdoor natural lighting were aperture f9, 1/500th sec shutter speed, and auto ISO. With it being an overcast type of day, John was able to find a spot for his photos but ultimately had to go back a different day to get the kind of lighting he was happy with.

John reminds us to slow down and take a beat. To notice your surroundings and appreciate what God, or whatever spiritual being you believe in, has created for us to appreciate and take advantage of for our mental and spiritual well-being.

One thing readers should take away; “Pay attention to your surroundings. There's so much we just walk by but if we all took a step back and slowed down once in a while we would realize we are surrounded by so much beauty.” - John (Instagram: @j.h.l.photography)

Written by: Carmen Cummings (@naturalescenes)