Focus.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to maintain focus, or rather figure out what it is that I should be focusing on. I’m trying to become a better photographer, editor, writer, traveler, business person and human being all at the same time. I think any one of these things could be the focal point of my life for years without the guarantee of any result. Sometime around the end of 2016, I found myself in a bit of a slump, creatively and personally. I’ve been having a bit of a hard time seeing exactly where it was that I was heading. Of course, I have a deep desire to make broad my understanding of the art that I make and the person that I am becoming. I also have a newer and less developed drive to find a place in my professional community, something that I feel like I’m walking into with thick blinders on.

Asking people to see me has never been one of my super strong points, in the past, I’ve only hoped that the things I’m doing will speak for themselves. I’ve come to the realization lately that I’ve really poured myself into adjusting to this life that I’ve chosen. But upon digging a little deeper I see that I’ve really just been concentrating on the process of adjustment. I’ve known for a long time that all I want to do with my life is be outdoors, take photographs and write about my experiences. Now that this is what I do, it’s time to figure out how to create sustainability and growth.

It takes so much energy for me to try to express what I’m feeling through my photos. I want my images to express the excitement and emotion that comes with the uncertainty that my life on the road guarantees. I push myself to be in the physical and mental position to capture the perfect image and on the rare occasion that I do it’s like a little gift reaffirming my decision to do so. I want my images to express that I’m proud of myself, my community and in some small indescribable way humanity.

I’m proud of myself for finding the strength to live my life outdoors, nothing has broadened my understanding of myself and my universe like two years of standing nest to a river in the woods. I’m incredibly proud of my conservation community, in my opinion, there is no greater threat to our lives and future than the threat to our wilderness. We face growing threats from anti-conservation/anti-science/pro-capitalism factions that see our wild lands as a place for profit or development. Access to the majestic beauty that this country offers is the birthright of every American, and to threaten the sanctity of our wilderness is treason. I for one, and ready and willing to dedicate my life to the cause of protecting what I consider to be America’s most precious asset.

Call me a dreamer, but I’m proud of humanity because I think that we are going to pull through this thing. I understand that we have been covered by shadow recently, but as the earth continues to turn the light will return. It is up to all of us to decide how we will spend our days.

 

And lastly, a couple of pictures of my sweet little house, looking beautiful. Onward and upward.

Please remember to reach out! I would love to hear from you. If there’s a spot you think I should check out, you’d like to spend an afternoon shooting photos or just want to chat, post a comment here or send me a message on Facebook. Oh, and please follow me on Twitter and Instagram @roadlyfe to stay in the loop! You can also email me at adam@roadlyfe.com.

Just wanted to note that every image I post on this blog is available for print under the same pricing guidelines as everything else in my store! Please just email me or leave a comment below if you have any questions!

All words and images © Adam Smith 2016.