There is something about photographing that is very contemplative. I found photography quite recently – mostly by accident – and soon realized that it is something about it that makes me relax and focus (both figuratively and literally) in a special way. I mislaid the charger to the camera battery and it was gone for almost ten days. I still had a some battery time left, so I could take some occasional pen photos, but I didn’t want to – it is a lousy battery – go for a real excursion. It didn’t take more than a few days until I realized what a mental catalyst the photography has become.

It felt somewhat absurd being more and more frustrated by not being able to go out for a photography session. And – finally – a few days ago – the charger turned up (I have already ordered an extra battery and an extra charger…) and I was happy as a child! I do go out on walks without my camera, but it is a different thing. The camera makes me see, concentrate and use the non-verbal part of my brain in a way that works like magic when I’m wound up (or just bored or happy or…)  Sometimes I think “should I really bother? I am tired, moody, overworked, etc etc” and every time when I decide not to give a toss about if I am too tired and go anyway – just for a few minutes – the magic works. If I am rather pissed off or uninspired,  it usually takes a bit longer, but it always works! Since I began taking loads of photos I also notice more things and details in my surroundings.

Another bonus is that a camera works a little like having a dog. People get curious and start to talk and I have had many interesting conversations during my excursions. Fascinating, actually. The photos in this post was taken during my excursions today and yesterday. This winter has – according to the weather institute here – been the coldest since 1987 here in the mid-southern part of Sweden. The temperature has not been above zero (zero degrees Celsius – freezing point) since mid December. Some might think that it must be a pain, but I prefer dry, beautiful snow to wet, melting, brownish snow anyday. It is even better to drive when the temperature is stable and well below the freezing point than drive in mud/snow that melts and freezes. I confess. I love cold, snowy winters.