Calm

March 24, 2020
by Michael Scandling
comments 41
California / Inspiration / Photo Log / Photography / Positivity / Seascapes

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March 22, 2020 — San Mateo County Coast, California

On Sunday, we took a ride along the coast. We were alone. The Pacific was calm…

We returned to California on February 2 when the virus situation was just brewing. In the next six weeks the world was plunged into turmoil.

These are uncertain times and as a general rule, people don’t deal with uncertainty very well. I’ve seen an entire spectrum of reactions and responses ranging from rolling with the punches to considerable emotional distress. A common feeling is one of being out of control — a carpet has been pulled out from under us, upsetting the balance of life. Confusion ensues.

Social distancing and a variety of degrees of restrictions of movement make life even more difficult and further take matters out of our hands. People deal with it in various ways, some better than others.

But there is one thing we each have complete control over: our ability to create. In the blog society that I’m a part of, many people are photographers. Others draw and paint. Still others craft words. There are musicians. Philosophers. Social commentators. Chefs. And more. All are extremely creative.

And we are all human beings. We create or lives, our relationships, our work, our friendships, our care of others, and more.

All of this is creativity and the act of creation. It all amounts to the expression and celebration of life in countless ways.

And that is completely under our control. We can create our way out of confusion and into peace of mind.

Be well. Do good. Create.

(Nikon D850, Nikon 24-120mm f/4G VR. RAW processing in DxO PhotoLab 3.2; Editing in Adobe Photoshop.)

The Author

California based fine-art photographer featuring abstract, impressionist, and minimalist seascapes — near and distant — and floral-based images. Fine-art photography can be seen at www.amagaphoto.com All original images on this blog are copyright 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Michael Scandling. All rights reserved. No images on this site may be copied, duplicated, reused, published, or re-purposed in any way without express permission from the copyright owner, Michael Scandling.

41 Comments

  2. Karen says

    As usual, (while being very far from usual) you’ve done it again. Outstanding photographic work and beautiful words of wisdom.

    Stay calm…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  3. Steve Schwartzman says

    Those among us who are nature photographers have an easier time of it than most. We can go out and do what we enjoy, and with almost no effort we dutifully keeping our distance from other people.

    Look at all that pale pink throughout your landscape.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
  6. Nuno França Photography says

    Amazing photo!
    Stay safe with all that’s happening in the World now.
    Regards from the Azores 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Carolle-Ann Mochernuk, says

    Dear Michael. – Love your photo, and your words of comfort and hopefulness. Our creativity in whatever form it takes is a gift to be shared with others. Your photography is such a gift, and blessing during this challenging time. Merci, mille fois!! Love, CA

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Mike Powell says

    Thanks, Michael, for both your wonderful image and the simple and powerful commission to us all–“Be well. Do good. Create.” The challenge for me is to remember those simple words amidst all of the loud, confusing, and contradictory messages that the world is screaming out to us.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Michael Scandling says

      Thank you, Mike. These are the words to fall back on when things get a little weird. You can always create and you are in complete personal control of what you create, when you create, how you create.

      Like

      Reply
  18. The Alchemist says

    A magical photo! I love the water and that sky! The lighting is magical.

    The act of creation is magical and we all need more magic at a time like this. I have been starting my seeds for the garden and watching them emerge from the soil brings me some hope.

    Liked by 1 person

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