Through the Lens of Emotion: How photography transformed my life.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for me, it’s worth a lifetime of emotions. In the world of landscape and wildlife photography, each image is not just a frozen moment in time; it’s a multitude of feelings, a journey through the senses, and a testament to the transformative power of creativity and art, explains photographer Diane Armstrong.

ARTICLE FROM November 3rd 2023 “FLYING SOLO” Kochie’s business builders.

A new lens on life

Awakening to beauty

Three and a half years ago, I embarked on a journey that would change my life. At the time, I was consumed by fear of the unknown.  To survive, my life was now engulfed with urgency, an underlying torment between flight and fight.

My journey was about to become one of rediscovery, fuelled by gratitude for a second chance and a newfound awareness of the world’s wonders. The lens became my guide, and through it, I witnessed the world’s beauty unfold in ways I had never imagined possible.  My life, and my hashtag became “A Fortunate Lens”.

Capturing emotions in pixels

Photography is not just about visuals, it’s a conduit for emotions. Every outing becomes a snapshot of slow motion, a breath of fresh air, a new perspective.  As I aim my lens at the landscapes and formidable wildlife, the composure of my equipment, usually two cameras at a time, becomes a moment of slow motion: feel into the land, feel into the emotion, a sensory celebration almost. I strive to capture the essence of the moment – the whispers of the wind, the grandiose presence of formidable wildlife, the scent of the environment. These senses bare emotions that cannot be undone. These emotions become an integral part of my images, etching soul into each pixel.

I invite you to join me on a journey through my lens, where we’ll explore how photography has transformed my life by allowing me to experience the world with heightened senses. From the ethereal sights of polar bears in the Arctic to the regal presence of lions in the African plains, home in Australia from the serene coastal coolness to the far reaches of the scorching outback, we’ll traverse the globe and uncover the emotions hidden within each frame.

Beyond the lens

As I venture further into photography, its power extends far beyond the stunning images I capture. The smallest thought in my mind of capturing an image breathes life into my existence, infusing each day with new opportunities and gratitude. Photography became a lens through which I saw the world not as a place of fear and uncertainty, but as a fine art canvas of endless possibilities.

Rediscovering everyday wonders

The art of photography teaches you to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. It reminds you that even on the most mundane days, there is incredible beauty waiting to be uncovered. I noticedfound myself not only noticing, but also embraced every sunrise as a new start, an opportunity to explore and appreciate whatever came my way.

Life’s too short: A catch-phrase to live by

Photography has a way of grounding you in the present moment. It compels you to let go of negative emotions and focus on the positive. Past regrets and future anxieties are replaced by the click of a shutter, freezing a moment in time that can only be re-lived by the memory you create at that time.

In the craziness of modern life, capturing images has become a form of meditation. With a camera in my hand, I enter a state of complete mindfulness, fully present in the here and now. My happy place now exudes a sense of calm and connectedness.

From photography to philanthropy

As my lifelong passion for photography evolves, so does my mission. I seek to inspire others and create a desire to seek out and achieve their vision. Through my lens, I share the message that life is a gift. From a place of adversity, fear, pain and challenges, my life is continually being moulded into a work of art.  I want to take people on a visual and emotional journey through some of the most awe-inspiring moments I’ve experienced during my travels: the thrill of photographing rare wildlife and the serenity of landscapes from a different perspective.