Just get outside

This one is less of a blog, and more of a friendly reminder. Many of you, like myself take your camera most places you go. It will be the first thing you pack if you’re going for the day out, as you feel like you have to get a banging photo on every outing you go on. Wrong.

I recently spent a few days away in the Norfolk Broads, where I didn’t take my camera (mainly as I am going to Costa Rica tomorrow and I didn’t want to risk breaking it). We visited Strumpshaw Fen – an amazing and absolutely HUGE RSPB reserve on the first day and then we had a lovely walk around Horsey on the second day where we saw a large colony of grey seals.

At first, I was disappointed that I didn’t have my camera with me, soaring marsh harriers in the distance and basking grey seals would have made for lovely shots. But then I realised, the main reason of coming out into nature is to soak it up, get away from the hustle and bustle of cities, and to relax, not to walk around with a camera stuck to your face.

I did take a few phone shots (mainly record shots of lizards and butterflies) so I wasn’t completely without a camera, but hey, I am gradually getting there. But I couldn’t recommend it more to people, every once in a while, leave your camera at home and just enjoy nature, you won’t regret it. Also, try not to get too disheartened if you get an amazing wildlife sighting without your camera, just take a second and appreciate it with your eyes for what it is. Amazing.

I am setting off to Costa Rica tomorrow, and I am so excited, but even with new species in every direction, I am going to make a conscious effort to be present and make sure I see some spectacular things with my naked eye, as that is often the most rewarding way to see it. I may be quiet for the next couple of weeks as I am not taking my laptop – humidity and power surges and what have you, but I will be posting a fair bit on my Instagram stories, so if you don’t follow me already, be sure to check me out - @samkitephoto.

Thanks for reading,

Sam.