Photo: D. Paul Graham / ‘On Track’ – self portrait; Graham Archives 2021

Monday 5 Things….. What’s Your Lens of Choice? …..

Many of you know the passion that I have for photography. I particularly love the creativity that is inspired with a camera in my hand. Whether I am shooting lifestyle portraits, advertisements, traveling or finding myself at a racetrack chasing fast cars, I make no excuses for the unfettered joy I find from the people and places I have been privileged to meet and visit because of my camera and my wanderlust. Next to being able to visualize an image with my mind’s eye, the most important pieces of gear I carry are my lenses. Lenses gather and focus light. The quality of an image is predicated by the quality of a lens. Lenses create perspective and influence how we view things. The perspective provided by a lens can make things at a distance seem much larger than they really are; or can make things that are farther away appear much smaller than they really are. What do you focus on? How do you view the people in your life or the people that you meet? How do you handle conflict or peace? What lens shapes your world view? What will your perspective be today? This morning’s M5T looks through a number of lenses that we all carry.

1. Lens of Experience.

Experience is a lens that develops over time. It teaches us to know where to focus; when to look closely and when to step back and take a broader perspective. The lens of experience allows us to trust our instinct. We learn to handle stress and trauma through experience. It affords a healthy perspective on success and failure. It provides us the confidence to connect with others. Experience comes from being teachable, learning, and questioning. It proves. Experience adds to our lives and makes us well rounded.

2. Lens of Control.

The lens of control keeps focus on results while achieving goals. Control allows us to shape our circumstances, behavior and environment. It calms emotions and brings clarity to our mindset. Control provides checks and balances. It can set standards measures performance in our personal and business lives. In times of chaos and fear, the lens of control brings quiet, order and discipline.

3. Lens of Preparation.

The lens of preparation takes self-control and requires time to develop. Preparation clarifies purpose for our mission. It reduces fear and anxiety. Preparation allows for contingencies when a change of plan is needed. The lens of preparation is strategic, flexible, and resilient. It is needed for effective plans. Preparation is proactive and requires us to think. Preparation can reduce errors and increase confidence. The lens of preparation sharpens our focus and helps to manage problems and detours.

4. Lens of Originality.

The lens of originality allows us to innovate and communicate. It gives us a focus for our personality and to have pride in what we create. It allows us to be wowed, to love, to trust, to dream and to have the faith of a child. The lens of originality lets us move forward unashamed and unapologetic for who we are. Originality is a lens of creativity, critical thinking, and competitive advantage. It is a lens that challenges and provides enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment.

5. Lens of Perception.

The lens of perception is how we interpret and understand all that is around us. It is the ability to see, to hear or to become aware through senses. It is how we see ourselves and how we view others. It shapes our thoughts and beliefs; the way we think and the way we act in life. Perception keeps us connected. It gives meaning to our relationships, our environment, our behavior and our experiences.

Here’s to the lenses that you choose to use as you enter into this week.

© 2021 D. Paul Graham, all rights reserved.

D. Paul Graham is passionate about people, culture, photography and business. He has embraced his wanderlust with his travels around the globe and is at peace with his need for spirited drives in all things automotive.

You can find M5T each Monday here on www.southmag.com and by friending D. Paul Graham on Facebook. Paul is also a contributing photographer to South Magazine. His photographic work can be found on Instagram @dpgraham and at www.imageGRAHAM.com . Your feedback is always welcome. Email Paul at dpg@imagegraham.com