Where Did I Go? What Did I Do?
Reflecting on my time away from photography, I often wonder: Did stepping back make me a better photographer? Did I discover new ways to express myself in its absence?
The answer is an emphatic yes.
During the COVID-19 period, many people found themselves with disposable income, and I was fortunate to own a Canon 5D Mark IV, an exceptional camera. I had an array of lenses—everything I needed to capture stunning images. Yet, despite having all the necessary tools, I had somehow lost the joy of looking through the lens. Spending so much time at home, watching my camera collect dust, I decided to sell it. I reasoned that I could always pick up another hobby or return to photography when the time felt right. Either way, I wasn’t using it—I had lost a part of the love I once had for it.
As time passed, I still felt the urge to capture life’s fleeting moments, but my camera remained absent. Instead, I relied on my phone for photography. Along the way, I picked up drawing. While I’ll never be a Picasso or Michelangelo, I found immense satisfaction in using my hands to create something—whether a faithful representation or an abstract interpretation of my subject.
Some of my fondest memories of artistic exploration stem from the holidays when my mother would visit. She often brought small art kits—paint-by-number sets with tiny palettes of ink. I would spend hours immersed in them. I recall a trip to Cayman Kai, where I brought along paint sets and canvases, turning art into a family affair. Those moments ignited a creative spark that extended beyond photography.
During this time, I also started another business, where I rediscovered my passion for graphic design. Designing flyers daily for events reconnected me with a craft I had almost forgotten.
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.”
I often describe myself as a jack of all trades, and while the saying goes, “A jack of all trades is a master of none,” I prefer the complete version: “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.” I embrace the pursuit of multiple passions, not to master them all, but to continuously evolve as an individual. During my time away from photography, I developed a new appreciation for the arts. Studying colors in the sky, patterns in nature, and the way leading lines shaped compositions—these elements began calling to me once again, urging me to capture them through a lens.
After exploring different forms of art—drawing, painting, and graphic design—I returned to photography in 2023. I can’t say definitively that I’m better than before, nor that I would have progressed more had I never stepped away. However, I can say with certainty that my perspective has changed. My eye has sharpened, my vision refined, and with age and experience, I have grown as a photographer.
Even during my hiatus, photography never truly left me. I spent time digitizing and restoring old family photos, recoloring them, and breathing life into faded memories. Perhaps it was this process—realizing the significance of preserving both mundane and momentous moments—that drew me back. It reminded me that photography is more than just capturing an image; it’s about telling a story and preserving history. During this time, I also restructured my Instagram, but one thing remained unchanged: my bio, which still reads, “Out doing what I love.”
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that if a hobby starts feeling like an obligation—if you find yourself merely going through the motions without passion or emotional connection—taking a break can be the best thing you do. Burnout is real, and sometimes stepping away allows you to return with a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it makes you better or simply reaffirms your love for it, time away is never wasted.
“Out doing what I love.” @FoxSeales
Life is meant to be enjoyed, and hobbies should enrich that experience. If you choose to turn a passion into a full-time career, it’s essential to consider how that transition will impact your relationship with it. The shift from hobby to profession can either deepen your love or change it entirely. Whichever path you choose, pursue it fully, but never lose sight of the joy it brings you.
As for my photography today, I now shoot with a Sony A7C, primarily using a Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens. I also rotate with a 35mm F1.8 for paired with an adapter macro shots and generally to challenge myself creatively. I hope to add a long-range lens to my collection soon, but as many who know me would expect, I’ve also begun delving into videography and film. This, of course, means splitting my time, focus, and resources, but I embrace the challenge.
In a future post, I’ll share more about my film process and the various projects that help me balance my artistic passions—ensuring that photography always remains close to my heart.
“One Frame at a time“
Matt
Fox Seales Gallery 