A new life begins in its own unique way. Celebrations ensue, and congratulations are heartily extended. The obligations we have are paramount. So too are the commitments to which we hold ourselves accountable.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.
We have an obligation to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
We have an obligation to encourage intellectual development and free-thinking. A new life suffers and is restricted when subjected to regimented thought and dogma.
We have an obligation to limit our personal impact on climate change so there is a sustainable future for youth to experience. Holding our governments accountable for effective climate change policies is part of our commitment.
We have an obligation to promote the acceptance of others. A new life is not born with hatred, racism and bigotry. Those things are learned from others.
We have an obligation to allow each new life to pursue its own journey. It should not be burdened with expectations thrust upon it by others. A new life is created by others, but it is not owned by them.
We have an obligation to encourage a new life to blossom through its individuality and unique spirit. Promoting group involvement makes a new life susceptible to peer pressure, and the limitations it creates.
We have an obligation to help a new life recognize the pointlessness of competition and comparisons with others. When a new life learns to compete with its own best self… it will flourish.
We have an obligation to help each new life understand that its potential is limitless. “Yes I can!” are more than three, simple words. They are a mantra for a life full of self-confidence, growth and personal accomplishment.
Technical Note:
Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were produced from RAW files using my standard process.
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Hi Tom,
What I’ve always liked about your site/blog is the utter lack of crass-ness and the thought-provoking posts such as this one. Photography is about telling stories, conveying ideas, shaping thinking through images, and that’s what you have always been sharing with us. In an age of regurgitation of click-bait content, trolling, camera-brand bashing, et al, Small Sensor Photography always comes across as a breath of fresh air. Please keep continuing to inspire us with words + images that celebrate life, living, and new beginnings.
Oggie
http://www.lagalog.com
Thank you so much for your most generous words Oggie… they are deeply appreciated!
Tom
Congratulations to the grandparents!
Thanks Glen… I will pass your best wishes on!
Tom
By the way, I love the delightful feeling of motion you captured in photo number seven, the surfing person with the wave.
Glad you enjoyed the image Joni!
When photographing surfers it is important to observe which ones appear to be the most skilled. I then hone in on those surfers and watch for the types of waves they like to ride, as well as the board movements they execute on the waves. I then wait for my moment to appear and capture my AF-C image run.
Tom
Thank you!!!! I think this is one of the most important articles you have written because these wise words when acted on can make such a HUGE difference to how a child learns and grows and even if they will even have a future, to begin with. I am always wondering why more people do not mention anything about climate change on their websites as it so very important if not to use old people but to all the youth looking and growing into the future.
What are some ways you as a photographer try to limit your effect on increase the effects of climate change? Maybe that one is a good subject for another article.
Thanks for considering the bigger picture!
You’re most welcome Joni… I’m glad the article resonated with you!
I’m not sure there are things that are specific to photographers in terms of reducing their carbon footprint.
Over the years we have replaced windows and doors, insulted the entire outside of the house and added a lot of insulation to the attic. When it came time to replace the furnace we went with the highest efficiency one we could find. All of those things had an impact and significantly reduced our heating costs and the amount of carbon we burn to heat our home.
Two months ago we needed to replace my wife’s car which was close to 20 years old. We replaced it with a plug-in hybrid which allows us to do the majority of our driving on electric power only. So far we’ve driven just over 3,300 kilometres and we’re averaging 2.0 litres/100 kilometres. This equals 117.6 miles per US gallon, or 141 miles per Imperial gallon (the previous Canadian measurement). Every litre of gasoline burned in an automobile or truck creates 5 pounds of CO2. In our first two months we have reduced our carbon footprint caused by our car by over 1,320 pounds!
Tom
A thought-provoking article.
Thanks for adding to the discussion Joel!
Tom