The Best Thing to do with Distractions

As I mention in the first blog on life lessons from photography, I was the queen of busy photos. The more I could cram into a frame the better. Forget 1000 words; I would cram a whole chapter into one 4×6 inch photograph.

Happily, I learned simplicity trumps busy. I now focus on isolating my subject, but there is another lesson I must learn.

Unexpected distractions will emerge from no where and divert your eye from the main attraction.

2. The best thing to do with distractions is eliminate them.

First, what are distractions? They are unwanted parts of other things or people that appear around the edges to draw your eye away from the main attraction.

Check this out.

Charlotte is performing like a veteran baby model. The apples are eaten, the peels discarded, and the Tupperware bowl is going somewhere when I catch this magic moment.

Great capture! But I keep shooting because it appears this bowl is destined to become a pea-green pillbox!

Sure enough!

Click! I’m so excited! I think I caught her eyes on me and a smile on her lips. I can hardly wait to load these frames on my computer and see the amazing results.

Pulling this photo up on the screen, my eyes move from left to right. I notice the creeping color blobs shouting from the left side of the frame. Annoying, yet they can be cropped. But…but…but what is that crystal candy dish flying through the air?

“No Samuel! Don’t put the crystal candy dish on your head!”

So here is the solution in landscape photography. Mount your camera on a tripod. Plan to stay in the moment a bit longer than to simply shoot and run. Methodically run your eye around the edges of the viewfinder and adjust the camera to eliminate all distractions.

Do you see the life application here? Pause. Firmly plant your feet and look at your life. Study your calendar. Observe your time wasters and focus stealers. Notice what pops up to divert your attention while you are focusing on your unique work in this world.

Then remember. The best thing to do with distractions is eliminate them!

Now how you apply this to toddlers and preschoolers sitting at your counter simply being cute, I have no idea!

Marlee Huber ~ For Your Flourishing Life!