Making Beauty Appear with Tracey Clark

Today, Tracy Clark discusses her motivation behind designing her new BPS class Picture Spring. 

As I prepared for Picture Spring, an amazing thing happened. I experienced exactly what I have set out to 'teach'. I found that by following my heart and by focusing on the everyday details of my life I found more peace, gratitude and great satisfaction than I had had before I began. Although I have already bore witness that turning my lens onto my own life has changed it dramatically, by distilling 30 prompts that will help other people do the same slowed me down, kept me in the moment and gave me the deepest appreciation for my life I have ever known.

30 simple yet creative prompts of perspective and daily celebration of spring is all it took. Leo Tolstoy said, "True life is lived when tiny changes occur.” I don’t know how it happens like that. It just does. I guess it’s just the kind of transformation that comes with any daily practice or meditation when you approach it with willingness and an open heart. I am giddy to be able to encourage other women to join me in a photographic process that can be so transformative.

When I find an unexpected display of love in my daily life, it’s pure bliss. When the undeniable determination of a blooming bud catches my lens and I can honor that beautiful strength, it makes me happy. When my daily routine looks as pretty as any spring bouquet ever could, it reminds me that I am exactly where I should be.

It’s easy to get down in the face of daily chores and responsibilities but when you have something to focus on that offers a refreshing perspective, things can look a whole lot better and much more hopeful. I know that for me, taking some deep breaths, looking up at the sky, feeling my feet on the earth, lighting a candle, or using my camera can set my soul straight and fill me with hope.

A dear friend and an exceptional writer, Katherine Center recently shared, “looking for beauty makes it appear” and that’s exactly the kind of saving grace that I know we can all find through our lenses when we allow for it.

I am eager to begin the Picture Spring journey in a few weeks; to help make beauty appear for everyone who wants to look for it.  

Thank you for posting in our "Photos I Love" gallery.  Although the contest is over, we will leave up this gallery so can post pictures you love whenever you like.   Our winner for Picture Spring is Joa2307. 

Here is her beautiful photo:

Sing for your supper

This photo just makes me want to sing too!

Comments

[cialis online]

Great idee.. I was just wondering what to do with my aged and too dry to split and scrape pods. tim welsh

[generic cialis]

what a wonderful thing to say about Birdie. I know her personally, and I agree that she is 100% real.

[tara]

i'm so excited for the class in april and look forward to having my camera as an extension of my arm. i've missed it.

[traceyclark]

thanks again everyone!! can't wait to see you soon!

[Kim]

The winning photo is wonderful! I'm really looking forward to this class!

[TracyBzz]

I was just looking earlier today and decided that I would sign up for this class. I guess I'm off to do that now!

[Joanne]

Thank you, thank you, thank you - I am so amazed and thrilled to have won a spot in this class (and for Tracey to like my photo is - beyond amazing!). I wanted to do this class, but couldn't justify the funds at the moment (two kids off to uni this year!). I can't wait to meet everyone!

[traceyclark]

thank you gashuttergirl! so glad you're taking the class. : )

[gashuttergirl]

I so can't wait for this class. Tracey, you are so inspiring. Thank you for your wonderful words and images.

[traceyclark]

oh, i love that winning photo! what an amazing capture! and thanks for having me...i am honored to be here.