Five Frames

Clarity Without Words

I spent a long while sitting on that boulder to the left, just thinking. The sound of the water moving past, the stillness in the air, the smell of the rock and trees being warmed by the sun… it grounded me in a way that’s hard to describe.

Did I come up with any big revelations while I was sitting there? Not really. But I’ve learned that clarity doesn’t always arrive in words. It can be a feeling, a quiet shift. A loosening. A sense of ease that comes from simply being in a place like this. I think that’s part of what draws me to nature photography. It’s less about capturing answers and more about noticing the moments when everything feels just a little more still, a little more aligned.

And honestly? That kind of stillness tends to bring back my creativity, not with big ideas or bold plans, but with a quiet sense of curiosity that makes me want to pick up my camera again.

Questions for You to Think About

Is there a place you go, not for answers, but just to feel a little more grounded?

What helps you clear the mental clutter when everything feels noisy?

You Can't Fit In and Stand Out at the Same Time

I read Creative Calling by Chase Jarvis in January, and one message has stuck with me more than anything else: You can't fit in and stand out at the same time. He doesn’t say it in those exact words, but that’s the core of what I walked away with. The book is packed with insights about creativity, purpose, and building a life that feels true to who you are, but this idea really hit home. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately.

So often, we’re taught to play by the rules, blend in, and follow what’s already proven. But creativity doesn’t live in the expected. It lives in the edges and in the parts of us that don’t quite fit. Jarvis emphasizes that our uniqueness isn’t something to hide; it’s our biggest strength. The more we try to conform, the more we mute the very qualities that help us stand out and make meaningful work.

Reading Creative Calling reminded me that the most impactful path isn’t always the safest one, it’s the one where we stop waiting for permission and start showing up as we are. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

Two Quotes That Have Me Thinking

“Fitting in is a short-term strategy; standing out pays off in the long run.” - Chase Jarvis

“Trying to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” - Kurt Cobain

Positive Impact Through Photography

This article struck a chord with me. Nature’s Best Photography has been around for 30 years, and it’s so much more than a photo competition. It’s completely reshaped how we see and connect with the natural world. The images they feature don’t just showcase beauty. They spark conversations, fuel conservation efforts, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the world we share. A powerful reminder of how your photography can make a real difference. 

Read the article

I’d love to hear from you! Have a question, suggestion, or want to explore a collaboration? Get in touch!

 Help spread Five Frames. Share it with other photographers, artists, writers, and creatives.

If you were forwarded this message, sign up here to receive it each week. It’s free!