This blog is not dead. There – I just had to get it out right up front. I have however had a long hiatus from posting.
Everything is the same, but everything is changed
This year has been about starting over for me. About reflecting on what works, trying new things and finding a new path ahead. Some may say this year resembles a kind of midlife crisis. And I guess it is in some ways. I have needed to figure out what I want to spend my time doing, what matters and what brings me most joy.
I turned 40 in January. I’ve been working at the same place since the year I turned 30. Since becoming parents nine years ago we’ve lived in the same house. Almost all of our vacations look the same. A lot of the big things in life are the same as they have been for a great portion of my adult life. And still – life feels so different now.
Struggling with my photography
I’ve tried to figure out what photography looks like for me these days. I’m not there yet.
The other day I was looking through my Instagram feed with my mum, and I was filled with conflicting feelings. My images back then is a testament of how much more time I spent shooting. Not because they are all great, but because I see so much more variety and intention in them. I miss being able to shoot like that. Without so many restrictions. Not having to consider my limitations. I miss being able to get to every angle through climbing, crouching and stretching, just so that I can perfect my composition.
I think I’ve spent too much time missing what used to be, trying to get back at it. To get back to the roots became my focus this year. And not finding my way back made it more difficult to share posts on this blog.
Going forward I’m not sure getting back to my roots will be key. Or to be more precise; I’m sure I have to leave the past and find a new path. And this blog is not dead.
Rebuilding the webpage and my portfolio
When I spent my week at the cabin this fall I found myself thinking a lot about the difference between being a photographer and a content creator. I am a photographer first, no doubt. But I think sharing my images through content creation is very rewarding.
And I have loved making reels and videos this year. Seeing the response of my ExoQuad reels and videos has been a blast. But I can’t be all about the ExoQuad. I really want to keep making videos and reels about my photography outings. Putting photography first, but still sharing my somewhat different take on photo shoots.
And this blog is not dead. Over the next few weeks I will spend time rebuilding this webpage and my portfolio. I’m relaunching before I turn 41. I really want the page to represent the photographer, content creator and person I am now. Without looking too much to the past. And I hope you will stick with me.
All the best,
Tonje
