The Battle with Time

The Battle with Time: How Freedom Can Make Staying Focused a Challenge

Freedom is a gift, but it can also be the greatest distraction.

Having an open schedule, a blank slate to fill with anything I want is both exhilarating and daunting. There’s this illusion that with all the time in the world, I’ll get everything done – work, hobbies, exploration, you name it. But somehow, the hours slip through my fingers like sand. I go from one day to the next, telling myself there’s always tomorrow, always more time, only to realize I’ve done much less than I planned. Maybe that’s why, lately, I’ve been toying with the idea of structure, alarms, and perhaps even a board to keep me on track. Because while freedom is a beautiful thing, it’s also a double-edged sword that can cut into productivity.

Part 1: The Double-Edged Sword of Freedom

Too much freedom can become its own kind of trap. With no set schedule, I can do anything – but that often leads to doing nothing at all. The day starts full of potential, and before I know it, I’m caught up in minor distractions or drifting from one task to another without ever finishing anything. It’s a strange contradiction: I crave this freedom, yet it seems to hold me back. Without deadlines or accountability, it’s easy to let hours slip away, leaving me with this gnawing feeling that I’m wasting something precious.

Part 2: Finding the Happy Medium

So here I am, stuck between wanting to maximize every moment and finding myself unable to keep pace with my expectations. There has to be a middle ground, a balance between discipline and flexibility. Maybe it’s a matter of setting small goals or creating some structure within my days – something as simple as an alarm or a checklist to keep me accountable. A happy medium where I can still savor the freedom but with enough structure to make sure I’m moving forward. I think it’s all about setting up those small reminders that time is precious, even on the slow days.

Part 3: Time Slips Away, So Make It Count

I know I have more years behind me than ahead, and maybe that’s why I feel this urgency. There’s so much to see, do, experience – yet it’s easy to lose sight of that in the day-to-day. Some days, I’m trying to do it all; others, I’m content doing nothing. But if there’s one thing I’m realizing, time will pass no matter what. So it’s up to me to use it wisely. All this to say, life’s short – get out there and enjoy it however that looks for you. Set your goals and find your rhythm, but don’t forget to live in the moment. It’s a balancing act, and I’m still learning, but that’s the beauty of it. These are just some thoughts tonight. I hope they resonate with anyone else on this journey of chasing time and meaning.

Peace,

John

Not every day has to be ‘the day,’ ...

When the Zone Doesn’t Happen: Learning to Walk Away and Just Be

Not every day has to be ‘the day,’ and that’s okay.

There are those days when the drive to capture something extraordinary just isn’t there. Today was one of those days. I hadn’t planned to go out and shoot – I had an errand downtown, so I thought, *Why not? Let’s see if something catches my eye.* Camera in hand, an extra lens in my bag, I set off, ready to dive into the city. But as I walked around, looking for that spark, that invisible thread to pull me into the moment… nothing happened. And while I know I do this because I *choose* to, because it brings me joy, I can’t deny that little voice in the back of my mind: *Will today be the day?* Will I capture the image that changes everything? Will I meet the person who changes the trajectory of my work?

Part 1: The Pressure We Put on Ourselves

It’s strange, really. There’s no deadline, no client breathing down my neck, yet there’s a quiet pressure I sometimes feel when I go out to shoot. It’s the weight of potential – the possibility that the next shot could be *the* shot. The one that captures the magic I’m constantly searching for. But what if today isn’t that day? And even more, what if there’s no such thing as “the shot” at all? It’s a mental game I play, balancing the joy of just wandering with the expectation of discovery. Today, though, nothing felt quite right. The scenes felt flat, the light felt off, and I knew deep down that I wasn’t in the zone.

Part 2: Knowing When to Step Back

As I walked, I realized there’s no shame in stepping back. There are days when inspiration doesn’t strike, and forcing it only drains the joy out of it. When I let go of the pressure to create, I remember why I’m here in the first place: to explore, to see, to just *be.* I reminded myself that photography isn’t my only creative outlet. If the camera doesn’t spark some days, maybe a sketch will. Or perhaps I’ll dive into my zine work, play around with design, or get lost in a good book. Having multiple outlets helps me shift gears and keeps the creativity flowing without the pressure of a perfect result.

Part 3: The Value of Multiple Outlets

I think any creative person must have more than one outlet. Photography is my primary language, yes, but there’s something liberating about letting go of the camera and pouring that energy into something else. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t always need to be channeled into one thing. Walking away from a slow photography day doesn’t mean I’m walking away from creativity – it just means redirecting it. And who knows? Stepping back often brings clarity, which might lead me to something even more meaningful the next time I pick up my camera.

So here’s my final thought: some days, the inspiration won’t come, and that’s okay. Walking away doesn’t mean giving up; it means creating room for something new.

Peace

John

Leica & the Red Dot Community

Leica and the Red Dot Community: More Than Just a Camera

It all started with two words: “Nice camera.”

There’s something special about spotting a Leica in the wild – that little red dot, inconspicuous yet powerful, seems to pull people together. As I wandered the city today, I noticed a man with a Leica M around his neck. I couldn’t help myself and tossed him a casual, “Nice camera.” That was all it took. He smiled, nodded, and introduced himself as David. From there, we fell into a conversation that wasn’t just about gear but about shared experiences, community, and why Leicas are more than just cameras.

Part 1: The Leica Choice

David told me he’d spent nearly an hour on the phone with a Leica store ambassador, trying to decide which camera was the right fit. “I wanted something I could grow with,” he explained, “and the ambassador took the time to understand what I was looking for” or something to that effect. We talked about his M model and what led him to it, but the conversation quickly went deeper. For David, the Leica wasn’t just a purchase; it was a commitment to the craft and the community surrounding these cameras. Leica users often share stories like David’s – stories that go beyond specs and features and focus on the journey each camera owner embarks upon.

It’s a journey I knew all too well. I’d held other cameras before, but none had sparked conversations like a Leica. There’s an unspoken bond, a camaraderie that comes with carrying one of these cameras, as if we’re all part of the same club, sharing moments and memories through our lenses.

Part 2: The Leica Fellowship

As our conversation continued, David and I found ourselves diving into the details of the Leica Society and the gatherings that bring photographers together. I mentioned classes, events, and local meet-ups where Leica owners share their work and learn from one another. He said, “People are just as interested in helping you learn as they are in talking about what they’ve captured.”

We crossed paths two more times today, and the encounter felt less like a chance meeting and more like reconnecting with an old friend. Something remarkable about it is that a Leica in hand creates an invisible bond between strangers, breaking down barriers that might exist with any other camera. Leica users, it turns out, aren’t just operators of a high-end piece of equipment; they’re part of a fellowship that appreciates the story behind each shot and values the unique perspective every photographer brings.

Part 3: Final Thoughts – The Power of the Red Dot

By the end of the day, I told David I’d see you at the next Leica event, I am sure, and all because of that little red dot. Leicas are more than just cameras; they’re conversation starters, community builders, and connectors of like-minded souls. I’ve used other cameras, but nothing else has led to conversations about classes, community events, or friendships. There’s something almost magical about meeting another Leica photographer—a feeling of shared purpose and mutual respect.

As I walked away from our last encounter, I realized that a Leica camera doesn’t just capture moments; it creates them. It brings people together and builds bridges. For those who know the weight and wonder of carrying one, the red dot isn’t just a logo – it’s a symbol of connection, community, and the endless stories we’ll capture and share.

This, of course, is just my thoughts, but they seem to be a shared theme throughout.

Peace,

John

The Journey: Chasing the Next Shot

Every photographer knows the thrill: waking up, camera in hand, wondering what stories today will reveal.

There’s an endless pursuit in photography, a journey about much more than just snapping a great picture. It’s about searching for that next frame, sometimes endlessly, that moment that might eclipse everything that came before it. I once read a quote that’s always stayed with me: "My best shot is my next shot." (comment below if you remember who said it) The idea that the most powerful image is the one you haven’t yet captured is both exciting and humbling. Every morning, I feel it deep in my bones – the possibility that today could hold that “next shot.”

Part 1: The Itch to Create

It all starts with the itch that needs to capture something new, something unseen. Each time I step out with my camera, it feels like I’m on a treasure hunt. But instead of gold or jewels, I’m searching for fleeting fragments of time. Photography is unique in that way – it’s all about capturing a moment that only happens once. A specific ray of light, a certain expression, a movement that, when still, tells a story in a way no words could. And that’s the thrill: knowing that if I let my guard down, I might miss it.

I think every photographer has this constant awareness, like radar, scanning for something they can’t even describe until it’s in the frame. It’s a relentless drive, an insatiable hunger, and the more we shoot, the hungrier we get. Some might call it obsession, but for me, it’s closer to purpose.

Part 2: Chasing the Shot

As a photographer, you learn quickly that not every shot will be *the* shot. You spend days chasing light and shadow, watching the way people interact in the streets, listening to the rhythm of the world around you, hoping it’ll align with your vision. There’s beauty in the hustle – in catching a shot on the fly or spending hours waiting for the perfect frame to unfold at the same location. This journey isn’t about capturing perfection; it’s about immersing yourself in life’s details and catching them as they happen.

But the chase also brings something deeper. It teaches patience, resilience, and respect for the process. Photography is raw; it pulls you into unexpected places and guides you through quiet moments and chaotic streets. It connects you with your surroundings in ways you can’t experience from the sidelines. And with each click, I’m reminded of that saying: “My best shot is my next shot.” There’s always room to grow, to see differently, to improve. And that’s what keeps the journey alive – that insatiable curiosity about what comes next.

Part 3: The Final Thought – A Never-Ending Journey

So, what does it mean to pursue the next shot? For me, it means there’s no end in sight. It’s a journey of seeing, not just with my eyes but with a sense of wonder. Every day offers a new perspective and a chance to see the world through a different lens.

When I think about my best shot being the one I haven’t taken yet, I’m reminded that photography isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about constantly moving forward. It’s about embracing the unknown, seeking moments that will never come again, and honoring them by capturing them. And in the end, that’s the journey: it’s endless, unpredictable, and undeniably fulfilling.

Tomorrow, I’ll wake up and wonder again – what will today reveal?

Peace,

John

6 months later…

Lessons learned so far this year.

So I stumbled across an article titled Disappear for 6 Months and Watch It Change Your Life - Here’s How. (link here:https://timdenning.com/disappear-for-6-months/)

The basic premise is to take a break from your routine and try new things or revisit old ones. I’ll touch on some of the key takeaways.

Attend live events. I have been pretty good about attending live events in the past, but mainly local events. This year, I made it a point to fly out to more events or gatherings. It probably started with attending the Leica Meat Packing District Grand Opening in NYC, which is still one of the funniest and most inspiring moments thus far.

This led to the next takeaway: directly messaging people as much as possible. Today, we have the ability to strike up conversations with people from all over the planet. These conversations have led to great ideas, opportunities, and inspiration.

I also want to touch on a point he makes on reading. More importantly, read types of books you don’t already have on your bookshelf, which he calls “unconventional books.” This one alone was super interesting; at first, I must admit I struggled to get through my first book, but I placed the blame more on setting a routine than the book itself. I love telling people about the books I am currently reading to see the look on their faces. Check out “Outwitting The Devil” (https://www.naphill.org/shop/books/hardcover/outwitting-the-devil-pb/ ) this one is out there.

So, even though I haven't been completely off the grid for the first part of the year, I have been trying to do things differently.

Quick recap from my lessons learned:

• Look for events outside your area and attend them

• Meet people in person, and get inspired

• Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you find interesting

• Pick up a book outside of your norm.

Remember always have fun.

Twenty23

Year in Review!

First, I need to thank everyone who came along for the ride. From the OG followers to the newest of the new, thank you for all the comments, likes, encouragement, and engagement; all of it is necessary to keep the machine moving.

It’s easy to get discouraged and lose sight of what exactly we are doing, especially at the very beginning when the audience is not very big and the return on investment seems nonexistent. But when you hear someone say they like your work or tag you as a means of motivation, it truly makes an impact.

I have been at my computer for a few weeks looking at what I have and what would make the cut. Of all the exciting things I learned along the way, I found it interesting that it came down to about one image a month, much more than I ever thought possible.

In that same breath, I realize the journey still has a long road ahead.

This is my first year in review, and I am taking this as year one for what I hope to be the starting point of my legacy in this world of photography.

I don't plan on going back into the archives and digging out any other images; I will leave those decades of images as practice and the stepping stones to where we are today and plan only to look forward.

Lots of fun stuff is planned for 2024; I hope you stick around.

Happy New Year!

John

Do you need to travel for good photos?

Where to begin? Can a city like San Antonio provide opportunities to create good work?

Being raised in New york city and having lived and traveled all around the world, a place like a san Antonio can be an easy excuse for why you can’t produce good work. Making you wonder if you need to travel more.

But in reality, it has proven that you must work harder and be more creative. That has forced me to step outside my comfort zone (a good thing), pushing my photographic eye to explore other possibilities. After posting this shot on my Instagram, I knew instantly that this would be the shoot to prove that the photographs are out there.

The fear is stepping outside your niche or what you are known for and coming up short. But too often have I heard that you must be willing to fail.

This image was taken yesterday here in San Antonio, and it is my best work so far, and I did not travel to another part of the world; I needed to look a little harder. So if you have ever heard the saying, “Don't be afraid to fail,” this might be what they were talking about.

Peace,

J