Creating in the Wild

This week, Rommy asks about things that thrill us creatively. The written word is my thing as some of you already know.

But another love I don’t talk much about that gives me great pleasure is photography, and to be precise nature and landscape photography.

Bird’s Eye

I must have been 12 years old, when I got my first camera. Remember those Polaroid instant print cameras. I cannot begin to describe the thrill I got from snapping (yes snap was the verb at the time) the great outdoors in the countryside. It was dizzying.

The Scent of Rain

I consider myself a hobbyist photographer because I pretty much taught myself how to take photos. And later on with the help of Scott Kelby’s books, I managed to improve some techniques. So, photography for me has never been about making money. I do for pleasure.

Chasing Sunsets

While I don’t consider my photos as art (because I like to keep them as original as possible, that is, I don’t do much editing) I always hope they tell a story.

Beyond the Fog

Photography also feeds a lot of poems I write. For instance, this photo inspired one of the poems “On Beautiful Roads” that appears in the Seasons Defined collection.

The Whispers of a Rose

So, you’ve guessed it. Wherever I go, I always carry my notebook, pencil and a camera in order to capture these special moments.

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

11 Comments

  1. I would love to see you combine more of your pictures with your written work. Maybe in the next book?

  2. We have this love in common, so I absolutely get it. There is something extra magical about capturing an images that tells stories to different people. And even better, to create a story for each captured image. One day, you should show us some of your first pictures. 🙂

  3. Hi Rommy! I’ve been toying with that idea for a while, and I hope I can put together a book like that. But not with the upcoming chapbook, perhaps afterwards.

  4. I know you get me, Maga. Sometimes I think we were separated at birth. 😀 Yeah, so much to write, so little time but the idea is there. Unfortunately I don’t have those dizzying pictures anymore. I’ve lost the count of how many times we moved, and the things we lost in the process…*sigh

  5. As you know my love is photography too. Putting verse to images is a wonderful combination. Keep up the good work. And yes, you can still co wider your photos art when you capture those stunning photos.

  6. Thank you so much, Phillip. Wish you all the fun with your photography as well.

  7. Khaya, sounds like you’re all set with your creative arts! Your photos always tell a story, drawing us in and revealing more with longer study. I feel the Whispers of the Rose is reaching out to me! Stunning! Beautiful compositions are a great companion to writing. Like another here, I also think it would be wonderful to see your poetry with accompanying images but appreciate this is not easy to achieve. One day, perhaps? Wishing you a lovely weekend, Khaya! hugs xx

  8. Many thanks Annika! Indeed, producing a book of poetry and photography is not easy to achieve. The biggest hindrance for me is the cost of printing such a book with colour images. Another issue is that I’m always concerned about the poem interpretation getting lost in the image and vice versa. I love them more as standalones. We’ll see. A lovely weekend to you, my friend. Hugs!

  9. Now that’s a grand idea; have my photos at an exhibit. 🙂 I consider myself a hobbyist photographer, but with your kind comment and encouragement…who knows! Thank you always for taking time to read.

  10. Sure, I think people would be interested in seeing your work at a gallery or museum or whatever you can find. I’m glad to have encouraged you.

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