Photography is more than just capturing images. It’s also about learning from experiences, adapting to challenges, and appreciating the moments in front of you. This approach intertwines photography with life lessons, offering insights that go beyond the technical aspects of the craft.
Coming to you from Pat Kay, this thoughtful video combines a year’s worth of photography with lessons learned along the way. Each month is represented by a single image, tying together personal experiences and valuable takeaways. For instance, January’s image reflects on the rewards of pushing through discomfort. Venturing out into the cold despite frozen hands led to a stunning shot in Chiba, reinforcing the importance of perseverance. Kay emphasizes that while nature doesn’t always cooperate, the effort to push past adversity often yields meaningful results.
February’s lesson centers on being present and letting go of perfectionism. Capturing plum blossoms during a social outing, Kay reflects on the missed opportunity to enhance the composition by waiting for a passing taxi or choosing a different lens. This moment underscores the value of appreciating what you can achieve in the moment rather than dwelling on what could have been.
The narrative shifts in March to highlight the importance of slowing down. Amid the excitement of cherry blossom season, Kay shares an image of a small bird framed by blooms. The lesson is clear: even during chaotic shoots, pausing to notice smaller details can lead to rewarding discoveries. This mindset applies beyond photography, serving as a reminder to appreciate quiet, meaningful moments amidst life’s busyness.
Other months explore themes of connection, self-reliance, and creative growth. In May, Kay reflects on the joy of sharing experiences with close friends during a trip, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships. September’s solo road trip becomes a testament to the value of being content with yourself, a quality that feeds creativity and shapes personal style. By working on your internal life, Kay suggests, you build a richer foundation for artistic expression.
October’s MotoGP adventure offers a lesson in perseverance. Years of building an online presence led to an unexpected opportunity for a VIP experience at the event, showing how consistent effort can unlock doors. Similarly, November reinforces the idea that the best camera is the one that inspires you to shoot.
Each lesson in this video intertwines photography with broader life insights. Kay’s reflections on adaptability, connection, and creative exploration remind us that photography is as much about the process as it is about the final image. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kay.
You have just shown the difference of a Pro and Hobbyist all rolled into one. I enjoyed both but never thought a Pro ever took a break for ones self and solitude and growth it brings. I am Hobbyist and older so income is limited because of more Taxes etc.. But as I go about and see pros of different things there is one genre I never see out with me and that is the wedding photographer. I hunt Astro Milky Way's up and down the east coast and west ward along the Gulf coast. But one place with dark sky anywhere around is Jekyll Island Ga. a wedding mega of many from Thursday to Saturday every week all year and at least 5 or more Wedding Photographer Vans + support people and gear for addition captures on the 5th romantic beach. But I never see them at night for the 5 days before and after a new moon or even during the few days of full moon rise, just after a sunset so easy!
What my eye sees is a long MW over the bride and groom, they up close using a wide angle even just a 16-35mm f/4 and no lights needed for the camera even for just 5 seconds will be bright as day but with stars above.
The fact is there are no others out at night with dark skies everywhere, all asleep. A little secrete for those with the latest and large MP camera with those very fast lenes is to just look at PhotoPills Spot Stars where you select your camera and lens MM and use Accurate for the fastest SS. and instead of the f/4 lens of the 20 to 30 secs. you get a 2 to 5 sec. SS with daylight bright with a long MW over head.
I mention all this for the Pro who could enjoy the stillness and just a camera/lens and no lights needed, AND in June and July you have from sunset to sunrise to capture a many couples that you can, smell $$$!
I see it and those like you also see it in your photo eye mind. Just point to it, frame (most mirrorless have bright monitoring) and before they finish saying cheese it is done then the next group just choose your lit foreground most right behind the hotel. One last helper Planit Pro as a section for tides as a sine wave in the hour section below and can be looked at for most all dates of a month. If during the first five days you will see a rising crescent moon and while it rises the tide will be going out so that night a clean with no foot prints beach just a couple all dressed up with this place to go.
My minds eye see's things all the time on a drive or walkabout in city or a trail can not turn it off!!!!