Five Frames

Nothing Arrived, and That Was OK

I came across this quiet scene on the trail and sat with it for a while. This is what came out of it:

The bench was empty,
but I sat anyway,
just in case.

The wind brushed past
like it almost remembered me.

I watched the trail,
every rustle a maybe,
every step a hope.

I didn’t come for silence.
I came
hoping something
might meet me in it.

Prompt of the Week: The Rule of Odds

Technique: Frame your shot using an odd number of elements - like 3 rocks, 5 trees, or 7 flowers.

Why it works: Odd-numbered groupings tend to feel more natural and visually balanced. Our eyes are drawn to the center of a trio or find rhythm in asymmetry, making the image feel more dynamic.

Try this: As you’re out shooting, look for natural groupings - clusters of leaves, stones, or birds on a wire - and see how the scene changes when you include 3 or 5 instead of 2 or 4. If you’re arranging a scene, try positioning objects to follow this rule and notice the difference in visual flow.

Creative Mythbuster

Myth: Creativity should feel effortless if you’re passionate.
Truth: Passion fuels you, but discipline carries you. Some of your best work might come from the messy, unmotivated middle.

It won’t always feel inspired. Sometimes it feels like nothing’s clicking. But showing up anyway, especially on the off days, separates the occasional spark from something lasting.

Creativity isn't just the burst of energy at the beginning. It's also the quiet, steady work of keeping the fire lit.

A Reminder

I came across this reflection on Substack and have been thinking about it:

When You're Bored, You're Being Shaped.
Boredom isn’t the absence of stimulation. It’s a test. Of what you reach for. Of what you default to.

Do you grab your phone? Or a pen? Do you scroll? Or sit with your thoughts? Do you numb? Or build?

Because what you do when you're bored becomes who you are when you're not.
Boredom is a doorway. To creativity. To clarity. To the things you keep avoiding.
Stop escaping it. - pathsofstoicism on Substack

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I instinctively reach for when things get quiet, how often I fill the space instead of sitting in it. But some of my best photos, clearest thoughts, and most honest writing have come from those in-between moments. The bored ones. The quiet ones. The ones that felt like nothing was happening.

What do you reach for when things go still?

Try This

If boredom is a doorway, here’s one simple way to walk through it:

Instead of reaching for your phone the next time you feel that restless itch,
try giving yourself 15 quiet minutes to daydream - no scrolling, no multitasking, no pressure to “use” the time.

Just let your mind drift. Stare out the window. Listen to the sounds around you. Notice what comes up.

Why it works: When you stop trying to fill the silence, interesting things start to surface. Ideas. Feelings. Creative sparks you didn’t know were waiting. It’s not about productivity, it’s about presence.

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

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