Today I will be shooting a really special boudoir session. My client has had a boudoir session on her bucket list for a while – and tragically she now knows that she has limited time to make sure all the things on her list happen. How many of us have such a list – and how intent are we on actually ticking off the experiences? And this brought something else to mind – that as we reach the end of our life, recent research in the UK shows that the number one regret we have, is that we don’t live a life which is true to ourselves, and more than half of our dreams are unaccomplished. When I decided to pursue a career as a photographer, I’d just come out of teaching. For years I had worked to other people’s stipulations – that a subject be taught in a particular way, that admin and data was more important than the individual student’s learning needs… and I had no idea how unhappy I had become in that environment until I left it. I am often asked if I want to return – and the short answer is ‘no’. I have maybe a third of my working life left to me – and I am determined to spend that time doing something I am passionate about. I love working with people, I love communicating, I love being creative, I really enjoy travelling to different places. Being a photographer fulfills all those needs and more. And today, I get to fulfill someone else’s dream – maybe not their biggest dream or wish or hope – but one of them – and that is the point of life to me – that in some small way, we can each make life a little happier for others.
At the weekend I visited cousins of Simon. They’re bringing their four beautiful daughters up in a Napoleonic tower on the coast – and I was struck by the simplicity of their lifestyle and the almost story book idyll of their growing up environment. They wanted to paddle through green algae, chase the dog up the long empty stretch of beach, catch the chicken which escaped through the garden gate and squish freshly picked blackberries and raspberries into their mouths. After lunch we walked through the dunes, then returned for tea in the kitchen which sits right on top of the tower – where you feel like you’re part of the clouds and the sky. And I thought – these are experiences, simple ones. Enjoying company, being with children, eating fresh produce, admiring the sky, using legs to walk. And it’s experiences like that which I’ll not regret when my turn comes to review my life. What’s on your bucket list? What have you accomplished on there and what is there still to do? What regrets may you have, which you still have time to swipe away? Do let me know!
Enjoy the pics of that simple day at the beach and the tower and at the end of the pictures, remember to link to sweet Colleen!
Somehow your post now makes me anxious to just run away with my family to a desert island… It's a beautiful reminder, I do have a bucket list, and not much have been crossed off the list yet…
I feel the same as Isabelle, Boo. Beautifully said and I pray that when my time is up that I will have no regrets whatsoever. Thank you for making us think and for making us appreciative today.
Oh BOO……you have touched such a nerve in me …I welled up xxx beautiful post and images
Lovely words and images x
What a set of beautiful girls! Your photos tell a great story, they are stunning. Being a big 'buildings' fan I am in awe of that kitchen too.
My friend passed away a year ago. Getting married came to the top of our list, which we did six months ago. The list has now started to evolve into 'places to visit' 'happiness at work' 'experiences' and so on.
sometimes, when I become a bit complacent I feel s if my friend gives me a little reminder to live life to the full.
Mx
Wonderful post!!!!!! I have such a huge bucket list and talk about it all the time…I don't want to live life with regrets…time to start checking off the list…loved the post, the powerful message and the beautiful photographs!!! And I adore you…
It is true that the simple things in life are often the most cherished. I have quite a bucket list and I really haven't spent much time trying to cross things off…but I should! I really need to evaluate which things I really want to do and go and do them. Thanks so much for motivating me.♥
What a great post, Boo! I was thinking about my bucket list recently as well. My husband and I went to Charleston, SC, and we visited a plantation. For some reason, maybe because I grew up in the South, Plantation tours are on my bucket list. I'm glad we visited the South this summer, and we really hope to get to Louisiana next. Thanks for your post, and the reminder, and your images are so uplifting and inspiring!
boo, so well said!I was only thinking about this today. Life is short and its better to enjoy it now than to put things off until later when they may never happen. I think a lot of us are brought up to do the things we think we should rather than the things we want, that will make us truly happy. You've give me a lot to think on. I always enjoy your posts and photos xx
I don't have a bucket list but will begin working on one right now! Your photos are just inspiring. What an incredible place to live!
Beautiful post Boo. I don't have a bucket list but I do have a list of places to either return to or visit for the first time. I love your images and what a great place to grow up.
Beautiful Captures Boo, I'm glad you know your calling now and you are doing what you love xx