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laura davis's avatar

First, I love what you're doing. This challenge is a great idea. Second, I could not look at that photo for five minutes. I loved the image and it brought me back to my recent visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. I loved the composition, the sharp details and so much about the image and I remembered the feeling of scuba diving and started thinking about how much I'd love to go diving again....but I couldn't stick with it for five minutes. I even tried...set a timer and everything.

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Stephanie Bennett Vogt's avatar

I know 5 minutes can feel like an eternity! Here’s one more you can try, posted yesterday. I’d be curious to know if focusing on a different image changes things for you: https://stephaniebennettvogt.substack.com/p/take-five-photo-focus-002

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laura davis's avatar

It’s another gorgeous image, but I still can’t look at it for five minutes. It makes me realize how splintered and broken my attention is being so wedded to the online world.

Maybe I need to try again when I’ve just come back from a big tromp i the woods with my dog—or a long walk on the beach, instead of when I’m scrolling.

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Stephanie Bennett Vogt's avatar

Haha that sounds about right. I can relate. I tried doing a similar focus challenge that the New York Times offered: a 10 minute study of a captivating black and white image by Cartier-Bresson (with a lot going on). I was done at about 4 minutes. I was surprised to discover that I still had 6 more minutes to go! Wedded indeed.

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Confessions Of A Good Girl's avatar

I see a skilled worker cleaning a tank with an audience of fish which need the clean tank to flourish and be healthy . My house inner & outer needs to be cleaned of things that inhibit my flourishing. It also reminds me of scuba diving many years ago and the wonder I experienced.

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Stephanie Bennett Vogt's avatar

Ha, yes. An audience of fish. Imagine having an audience of others cheering us on as we clear the things that hold us back. Now that’s a thought to ponder. Thank you for sharing.

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Cindy's avatar

I loved the photo challenge. I found it peaceful and tranquil. And the man leaning reminded me of a silly quirky thing at Six Flags when I was a kid. Don Juan's Casa Magnetica- where the house was slanted and things rolled backwards. It was cool and dark in there a respite from summer heat. Brought back a sweet memory.

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Stephanie Bennett Vogt's avatar

Love it. Thank you for sharing your sweet memory with us, Cindy.

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