MY PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY runs deep. Like my love of words. Together they comprise this blog. Take away one and balance vanishes. My photos illustrate my words and my words my images.
But this summer, after slipping on rain-slicked steps and breaking my left wrist in early June, I could no longer use my camera. It takes two hands to operate my DSLR—one to hold the camera and click the shutter button and the other to support and manipulate the lens.
I knew my blogging would be intermittent without the ability to gather new content with my camera. But I had no choice except to post less often and to snap the occasional passable photo with my smartphone.
Given my orthopedic doctor’s initial timetable for my recovery, I expected the camera ban to last until the end of September. But as healing and therapy progressed, he gave me an early out, freeing me from my splint in late August and approving photography—with the admonition not to do “anything silly.” Whatever that means.
Upon my return home after that medical appointment, I grabbed my camera and stepped into the backyard to try my hand at photography. These are my first images post bone break and implant surgery. I quickly learned that I could not manipulate my telephoto lens. I simply did not have the strength. I have since exchanged that long and heavy lens for a regular lens. That I can twist.
I’m easing back into photography, realizing that if I push my passion too much, I risk slowing my recovery. It feels great to have my hands back on my camera.
© Copyright 2018 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
So glad you have that camera back in your hands where it belongs. Keep clicking.
I was busy clicking away today…
Must feel so good to be taking photos again 🙂 Doing photography is like exercise and not sure if people are aware of that. My camera weighs about 12 pounds with the longer lens on. Then you are moving about and placing yourself in various positions while photographing. I wonder if we could be part of a study to see how many movements we do and how many calories we burn . . . be interesting to find that out. Happy Day – Enjoy!
I agree that photography is exercise. Until I’m a bit further along in my recovery, I won’t be positioning myself in quite as many ways.
I would think the telephoto lens would be put more of a strain on your left wrist – best to discover the world nearby. 🙂
Too late. I used the telephoto lens today. It was my therapy for the day.
You would never be able to tell that your accident caused you to loose your ability with taking pictures. Welcome back to your creative full capabilities.
Thank you kindly.
Fabulous photos Audrey! Good to see you getting into the swing of things again! As always, thank you for sharing.
It’s good to be back, Dawn. I thought of you today as we passed the turn-off to Aspelund from MN State Highway 60. I see the road is STILL under construction.
Poetry encapsulated by your lens. Thank you.
I appreciate your “poetry encapsulated by your lens” comment, Marilyn. Thank you.
I’m so glad you got out of your splint early! These are great shots. Perfect timing to get those fall photos!
I’m happy to be out and about shooting with my camera. And you’re right, just in time for fall.
Well you certainly have not lost your touch using the lens to capture details other might miss-I am happy for your new productive fall photography
Thank you. I’m delighted to have camera in hand.
Simply beautiful. Happy you’re back taking photos again.
Back going full steam with photography. And my wrist/arm/hand are feeling it in soreness. Yesterday while in Lanesboro I left my camera in the van. My limb needed a rest.
So happy for you to be able to take photos again.
Thank you. It’s been a long time getting there.
The color of that leaf is stunning! Love hearing about your healing progress
Those leaves are from a “tree” growing in pots. I can never remember the name of the “tree.” But I pot several every spring.
Beautiful photos! Welcome back!
Thank you, Penny.