inle princess, myanmar
On February 17, 2009 – five years ago today, my very first blog post was entered. Who knew five years later…the posts would still be coming…still going strong. Many would never believe it, including myself sometimes. My inside voice…a passing phase…after a few months she’ll be moving on to something new. But you know…I really enjoy blogging. It’s my diary. Being able to look back and being reminded of a particular event, not only by photos, but my words.
But it’s so much more than documenting my life, it’s sharing with those who are not as fortunate as I am to travel this world. It’s sharing cultures, climates, the daily lives of people in so many places whether home or abroad. To be able to inspire others to create similar experiences for themselves…well that would be so wonderful.
I recently came across this manifesto from David duChemin – a photographer whose work and philosophy I greatly admire. It’s as if he wrote it just for me.
I am a photographer. I make photographs. I do not take them, shoot them, capture them or snap them. I do what I do to see the world differently and to show others what I see and feel. And yes, it really did look like that when seen through my eyes, mind and heart. The tools of my craft are a camera and lens, but the tools of my art are my passion and vision. Film or digital, it’s not how we make our photographs that matters, but that we make them. I want deeper photographs, honest photographs that are alive, not merely really big or really sharp. I hope the legacy I create with my work will be judged not by how many photographs I made in this lifetime, but what those few magic frames do in the hearts and minds of others. I believe photography can change the world because they have done so for me. I believe photography opens my eyes to a deeper life, one that recognizes moments and lives them deeper for being present in them.
Thanks to all of you who have given me such encouragement over the years with your words…I so hope to photograph and share for a long, long time. xo
Oh YES, Frissy… that is exactly what your photographs do for me… They let me see, through your eyes, places that I most likely will never visit. They open up the world to me through your travels, and with your words, you help me understand the beautiful photos you share… I am so thankful for your blog, and that you share your life through your photography with us… XoXo
Thank you my sweet! You have always been my biggest supporter and for that I thank you so much! xoxo
5 years down and now 5 to go…and then another 5 after that! It’s a wonderful world, blogging, and being able to keep an account of what happens to us, Robin. You know how it’s important to me, too.
You’ll love that in Dutch they MAKE photos. They don’t take them. Maybe duChemin knew that and liked how that sounded because it really does make it sound different, doesn’t it.
Congratulations on your milestone! I just checked and next January will be my 10th year. How is that possible???!
How cool! I didn’t know that about the Dutch! No wonder they’re so special! 🙂 TEN YEARS? Omg! What an inspiration you are! Thanks always for your comments…mean so much!
Five years? Wow, congratulations. And a big THANK YOU for sharing so many stories and photos with us. You know, I’m a fan.
You do make such wonderful photographs and I want to thank you for taking me on some most amazing travels … I’m so blessed that our paths have crossed.
I can’t believe it has been 5 years. Thanks for continuing to share your gifts with us. Beautiful photo of inle Princess.
Happy Anniversary:)
Congratulations on this big achievement. I took time to look at your first posts. You made this blog into a journey of your life. The important things. You made yourself a diary to remember. THAT is not-replaceable. Thank you for letting us travel with you on these journeys, we never are able to make. That is what I like of the internet. Having a cup of coffee and travel the world.
In Dutch we say; ik maak foto’s, I make photos…… yes YOU make photos too. you make memories to keep. You show us a world that is real, pure. Thanks Robin, I feel honored that we met and that we became friends. I wish you many many years to come and share your journey on this blog. I will follow you….. 🙂
Congratulations, Beautiful Lady!
Not too long ago, I, like Astrid, looked back at your first photos and blog. Astrid expressed it perfectly, it evolved to a diary of your life which is not replaceble.
You not only touch so many of our lives by allowing us to see the world through your soul, but you made tangible photos and stories that are legendary. You are leaving such an incredible mark in this world and in so many of our lives.
You have taught us so much about the world we did not know, captured beautiful visions we would not see in our lifetime, see beautiful people living their daily lives in ways we have never thought about. We see the beauty, the joy, the struggles, the love, the joy in the faces of friends we will never meet. You’ve allowed us to dream. For some of us, like me, dream once again, make bucket lists, spark creation of our own, appreciate and respect humanity. You so generously share your self, your feelings, thoughts.
Robin, you truly are a gift. You are humble, which makes you even more beautiful and loving but I don’t think you realize just how much of an impact you have and how honored I am to know you.
I knew when I met you and had such brief encounters with you in “the other life”, that you were special. I treasured your Christmas cards throughout the years thereafter, seeing your son and doggies and the updates on your new business endeavors. I was always so proud of you and shared in your excitement.
It is such a pleasure and honor to get to know you on a deeper level. I appreciate you sharing not only your journeys, your desert and your and “my” city, but your family life. I think that touches me more deeply than anything. Geez, enough for me to wake up in the middle of the night and write a poem.
I just know there are so many more exciting accomplishments in your future. I just know a book is one of them, your capabilities are endless
Your true self, your lifes purpose is blossoming before our eyes and it is one of the most beautiful and honest event I have been blessed to be a part of witnessing.
I love you for who you are and your loving, generous heart.
Thank you, Dear Robin.
XOXO
I am so happy that Katrin made me to discover your blog and that I managed to meet you in person in New York. Your pictures always amaze me and every day I am looking forward to rush to my computer ( ok not while in Myanmar!) to have a look at your latest post.
Happy Anniversary, Robin! So happy we’ve met, if only via the internet and that I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy your amazing words and photographs! It’s always a pleasure visiting you here!