The view from Bean and Bear Lake hike - Minnesota’s North Shore

As we move into my favorite season, I ponder a bit about what’s out there and what does creativity and photography mean to me? In this day and age, what’s ahead isn’t entirely clear. Recently I came across a quote that really hit home for me.

“When the world is too scary, too loud, too much: Stop consuming and start creating. ”

— Art of Poets

Yeah, that one hit me hard. I am not hear to tell anyone what to think or what side of an argument to be on. I am simply sharing the things that resonate with me and help me get through the world. After all, aren’t we all just trying to do the best with what we have? But I’d be lying if I said what is going on around me and in this world wasn’t weighing on me. We each deal with things our own way. For me, I feel it. I feel it on my shoulders and in my body.

I have spent a lot of time thinking while hiking, riding, walking or sipping coffee in my chair. For me there at two things I need to calm me and work through the feeling(s); I need to move and I need to create.

Thankfully, this past month I’ve had a ton of opportunity to do that. In addition my fall is shaping up nicely with a North Shore hiking binge on the Superior Hiking Trail with my wife and lots of time riding. Honestly, for the first time in 2025, I feel like my health and fitness isn’t going backwards. In addition, I have a couple of upcoming trips that should prove to provide lots of fun, exploration and inspiration.

Deep down, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the idea of creating. For me, one of the things that often holds me back is seeking perfection. Seeking the perfect shot. Having the perfect light. Having the perfect experience. Yeah, it holds me back big time! Thankfully, at this later stage of my life, I notice this and am aware of my tendencies. I also like to rebel a little bit. When I seek perfection, I go to imperfection to find my inspiration.

Seeing perfection in the imperfection - Fujifilm X-Half

Modern day cameras are so capable and perfect. Too perfect unless you are being paid for content if you ask me. In times like this I go to old cameras. I like old film, old digital, and instant. I love them all. My old cameras come and go in my collection. Lots of trading, selling, and buying used. I simply love to mess and experiment with imperfection when I am in a place of frustration.

So what is out there for me with creativity and what does photography mean to me? Those are big questions and here’s my thinking.

Recently I sold some gear and purchased a new, hyper fun and terribly imperfect camera; a used Fujifilm X Half. It’s a tiny, creators camera. I sold a Pentax 17 film half frame film camera as I simply could not find the joy of film. I mean it’s amazing, but I don’t like the waiting period. I have shot one roll of film in a year. If I am not using it, it has to go….Enter the X Half. I’ve only have a short time with the camera and will write about it more in detail in the future. I am also planning a month of creativity for November. I plan to spend at least 30 minutes creating everyday; photography, writing, drawing, painting, sewing, printing, etc. November is creativity month for me and I promise you it won’t be perfect. In fact, as I seek what creativity and purpose in art for me, my focus is learning and finding a new viewpoint and perspective to build from.

So with that out of the way, one more fun photo from the Fujifilm X Half……If you can’t tell, I am smitten and having so dang much fun with this little gem.

What’s Out There?

Go. Ready. Set.