Photography as an escape from 9 to 5
Monday morning. 6 am. You know how Monday mornings are…
But mine are a bit different.
Fact, I was up reading late last night, could’ve slept another half hour. The weather’s finally nice, and ahead of me - another day at the office until at least 4:30 p.m.
First, a shower - the only right cure for the slight headache after a humid night. A glass of boiled water. A slow walk with the dog around the neighbourhood.
Then breakfast. Always the same - two crackers with peanut butter and jam, three with hummus and tomato. Oat milk coffee.
I eat on the balcony - that’s my daily ritual. Phone aside. Fresh air.
Summer break has started, it’s even quieter than usual.
After breakfast, I sit for a bit longer. Just a moment for doing nothing.
I pack my camera in my lunch bag.
Hop on my bike - and instead of heading toward work, I ride in the opposite direction.
This happens fairly often. Before or after work, I try to carve out at least half an hour to take a few photos in the neighborhood.
I stop in the supermarket parking lot. I take a few pictures that were already in my head last night when I got into the car with groceries - but had no camera with me.
I’ve got a thing with shopping carts lately. One of them, abandoned, stands by the building wall. I think - how is that possible - it wasn’t there yesterday. I checked, I’m sure.
I walk my bike toward the main street. On the way, I snap a few more shots.
Nothing special. But that’s not really the point.
The camera is often just an excuse to start the day differently.
I get to work a little late, but with the feeling that the day already has some meaning.
That before I drown in emails, meetings, and putting out fires, I’ve done something just for myself. Something no one can take away, no matter how hard or stressful the day is going to be.
The culture of social media often creates a narrative that demonizes the traditional 9-to-5 job, portraying it as a trap or a lack of ambition, or living a life which doesn’t belongs to you.
However, for many people, stability is exactly what they need. A steady income can provide the freedom to pursue hobbies and passions without the pressure of turning them into a source of income. Which is a luxury, many would die for.
Think about it.
Also, 9-to-5 job isn’t necessarily the end of the road, but can be a transitional phase - a stepping stone toward realizing bigger dreams and long-term plans.
If you’re like me - making your hours on a payroll, but dreaming bigger: I have a good news. Your time between work and home life can still be rich with creativity, rest, and fulfillment - if used smart and with intention.
I don’t always manage to get out in the evenings, and even on weekends, a proper photo walk doesn’t always fit in. These four days a week when I work a full-time job are packed with professional and home responsibilities.
But those 30 - or sometimes just 15 minutes a day are enough to reclaim a bit of control over my life, especially on days when I know that the rest of my morning belongs to someone else.
My brain thanks me - and rewards me with peace for the rest of the day.
I created a free guide (well, a mini-course is a better word), which will help you make more compelling, clean pictures.
It includes a little bit of theory, example images and practical tips/exercises.
Do you want to start making minimalistic, clean images that stand out? That guide is for you.
