Morning sunrise on a fogged up hotel window in Charlotte, NC. Samsung Galaxy S6. © Steve Payne 2015

Photography is one of the most engaging and creative pursuits the average person can do. There was a time not too very long ago when photography took a much greater commitment to really enjoy on a deeper level. Since the days of needing a darkroom and tons of equipment are gone forever, photography is pursued by people from all walks of life.

Now that one can edit directly on their phone or tablet, as well as laptops and desktop computers everyone has a darkroom or should I say lightroom, and it can be a terrific way to get away from it all without going anywhere. You can see something interesting almost anywhere, even at the dinner table (shame on me) and investigate these findings with your phone or other digital camera to see things in a way you have never seen them before.

A fire pit lights up a wine glass full of beer at a dinner party. I couldn't resist capturing it. Galaxy S6 © Steve Payne 2015

The cameras in recent smartphones are incredibly capable devices. There are limitations. Aren’t there always limitations? The trick is to understand the limitations and work within them. But, camera capabilities are not the point of this post.

The point is to find another world to investigate, if even for a short time. To get lost in what you see and take away some of the stress this world provides in all too ample amounts. Hopefully, not only seeing with your eyes but also with your heart. It’s been said that all the answers we need are found in nature and I totally agree with that statement. It is certainly a healing place for me. Beautiful sights can be right in front of you at any moment inside or out, so keep your “eyes” open. You never know what you might find in some time spent viewing the world through a slightly different perspective. Maybe just a little relaxation, and maybe more than you imagined. At any rate, don’t wait to have the “perfect camera”, or the perfect day, just keep your eyes open and take a look around. You never know what you might find!