Photography Untethered:
Beyond the Lens – Life, Longevity, and Creative Freedom
Welcome to Photography Untethered: Your Journey to Creative Freedom
Hello and welcome! I’m thrilled you’ve found your way to Photography Untethered, a space born from a lifelong passion for nature, the art of photography, and a deep appreciation for history.
This website is more than just a collection of articles; it’s an invitation to embark on your own unique creative journey, free from external pressures and self-imposed limitations. As the renowned photographer Ansel Adams wisely stated, “No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Photography Untethered: do your own thing, let photography be a path of self-discovery, and allow it to truly enhance your life.
Beyond the lens, you’ll also discover the LifeStyle Untethered blog, where I share insights from my personal quest for optimal well-being and a life filled with contentment. And for those who share my love for the stunning landscapes of the UK, the Lake District Photography Walks blog offers a dedicated resource, a natural evolution from its humble beginnings as a Facebook page.
My Story: A Life Untethered by Nature and Photography
My journey began in the North East of England in the 1960s. Today, I call the beautiful outskirts of the Lake District National Park home, a place that deeply resonates with my “outdoorsy” nature. My earliest memories are steeped in the freedom of the outdoors – holidays to the Lake District and camping adventures in the seventies. Even though holidays were rare, I found solace and inspiration exploring local woodlands for hours on end. This deep connection to nature has been a constant thread throughout my life, shaping my perspective and fueling my creative endeavours.
Photography entered my life around the age of nine or ten, a Christmas gift from my youngest sister. While it wasn’t serious at first, the seed was planted. I’ve always been captivated by images, whether in books or photographs. I vividly recall sitting with my Uncle Jack, a keen photographer, as he projected holiday slides onto a large portable screen with his Kodak projector. The magic of those beamed images left a lasting impression.
My first Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) camera came from my uncle, but it wasn’t until around 2003 that I truly began to learn the craft. I invested in a 35mm SLR and experimented with slide film, eventually progressing to medium format cameras like the Mamiya 645, Mamiya 7II, and Pentax 67 II.
The transition to digital photography in 2010 brought numerous benefits, offering unparalleled flexibility and immediate feedback. I still, however, hold a special place in my heart for the unique aesthetic of film. Looking back at old transparencies, I often feel that film possesses a certain “look” that digital photography, for all its advantages and convenience, cannot replicate.
The current resurgence in popularity and prices of medium-format film cameras suggests I’m not alone in this sentiment.
Nature, Photography, and the Pursuit of Contentment
My love for nature is profound. There’s something truly enchanting about wandering through woodlands, along serene riverbanks, and exploring the rugged beauty of moorlands and mountains. Each step I take in these natural settings fills me with a sense of peace and ignites my inspiration, allowing me to connect with the world in a profound way.
There’s a meditative quality to the still, early dawns on the water as my kayak glides silently, the gentle sound of water dripping from the paddle back into the lake. Nature has become my sanctuary, and photography is a powerful tool to capture and share the beauty I encounter. Over the years, both have evolved into a deep-seated passion, leading me to become, in essence, a full-time landscape photographer.
The concept of “untethered” extends beyond photography to encompass a broader philosophy of life. Freedom, defined as the ability to act or change without constraint, is central to my LifeStyle Untethered. This blog explores how to break free from external pressures and self-imposed limitations, drawing from my experiences in pursuing physical and mental longevity, and ultimately, a life of contentment.
I emphasise contentment over happiness because, much like the weather, happiness is fleeting and constantly in flux. The popular notion, often fueled by social media and 24/7 marketing, that happiness is the ultimate goal can lead to a perpetual chase, as depicted in the film “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Contentment, in my view, is a more realistic and tangible aspiration. It’s about finding satisfaction and peace with where you are, rather than constantly striving for an elusive state. While I experience frequent bouts of “happyness,” my core aim is contentment.
Training for Longevity: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
A crucial aspect of living a LifeStyle Untethered is prioritising longevity in health and fitness. Life is precious, and the more we can enjoy it in optimal health, the richer our experiences will be. Born in the 1960s, I’m proud to say I remain in good physical shape, often looking younger than many of my peers. The reality is that our physical prime is a relatively short period. Therefore, unless your goal is high-level athletic competition, focusing on training for longevity is a far more beneficial approach.
As the saying goes, “Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow.”The challenge with health and fitness advice is that the true efficacy of training methods often only becomes apparent in our 50s and beyond. This is why I advocate for caution when considering advice from younger individuals or marketing campaigns, as their long-term results are yet to be seen. Few people consistently train for decades, making long-term perspectives invaluable.
While I don’t claim to have all the answers – I am, after all, constantly learning – I have established a framework that works for me, and I believe it’s worth sharing. The LifeStyle Untethered Blog serves as a platform to articulate these ideas, offering insights to anyone interested in cultivating a life of freedom, well-being, and creative fulfilment.
Dedication: This website is dedicated to my son, who we laid to rest at “Rubha Liam,” Inveruglas, many years ago.
This website is self-funded, and all my work is freely available. Any profits generated from product links on the site are proudly donated to SightSavers, an organisation dedicated to preventing avoidable blindness. If you’ve found value in any aspect of this site, please consider making a donation to support their vital work. Every contribution helps save someone’s sight.