Above: Image by Gina Milicia
As more and more of us around the world are being asked to self-isolate, it feels like the world has given us a bucket of lemons to suck on and told us to sit in the corner for a while.
There are many frontline workers, nurses, doctors, cleaners, drivers who must continue to work so that we are safe and healthy. Much respect and gratitude to these amazing people.
“You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it.”
Many of the rest of us now have some extra time on our hands. We may not be able to control the current situation but we can control our attitude about it.
When the world gives you a bucket of lemons, it’s time to make:
- Lemon merangue pie
- Limoncello
- Lemon gelato
- And one of my faves, margaritas!
So if you find yourself in home isolation, use the time wisely to upgrade your skills. This situation will eventually be over, and when it is, you will come out with more skills and confidence than ever. It’s time to build version 2.0 of you!
Here are a few suggestions:
Mental health
- Stay connected. If you are feeling lonely join my Facebook group and share your images or just come over for a chat.
- Make some time to face time or call friends and family. Hearing someone’s voice can be almost as comforting as a hug.
- Support your local industries by buying a takeout meal or local produce. Find ways to say thanks to our frontline workers.
- There has never been a more important time to stay zen. Check out online yoga and meditation classes.
- Limit your social media feed to entertainment, catching up with friends and fun stuff. This is not the place to get your serious news.
- Find a reputable news service and don’t listen to Jan from accounts.
- Limit your news to 1hr per day.
- Go on a virtual gallery tour. Many of the worlds best galleries are offering free virtual tours.
Upgrade your photography presence online
- Rewrite your bio.
- Write and perfect your elevator pitch.
- Organise your website.
- Up your Instagram and LinkedIn game.
- Shoot that new headshot you’ve been meaning to do.
- Connect with businesses online and build authentic and meaningful relationships. Find ways to add value to these relationships by sharing useful and positive content.
- Start blogging, write about the stuff that is meaningful to you. Share your work – the world needs more joy right now.
Create a beautiful and inspiring workspace
- Print large mural-size images of your work to decorate the walls.
- Print out your favourite inspiring quotes and images that inspire you.
- Organise and beautify your workspace.
Improve your photography skills
- Learn Lightroom and Photoshop.
- Organise and back up your files
- Learn to master daylight
- Photograph the pets/kids/partners/Superheros
- Practice focus shifting
- Practice exposure
- Learn to shoot flash
- Shoot a quarantine project
- Shoot a day in your life project
- Create cinemagraphs
- Do self-portraits
- Challenge yourself by timing yourself to nail the correct exposure, focus, or set up a flash unit and modifier.
The plan is to build your reflexes and muscle memory so when life gets back to normal you’ll be match ready.
I have more great tips on how to do this in my latest podcasts.
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and feel free to reach out and share ways you are using this time to improve your skills and stay creative.
“Everybody goes through difficult times, but it is those who push through those difficult times who will eventually become successful in life. Don’t give up, because this too shall pass.”
