The Power of the Sun: Fueling Life, Photography, and Connection

I find that sunlight is the ultimate source of power—maybe our bodies are like batteries, and the sun is our charger. Two days ago, with plenty of sunlight, I walked along the riverside without a shirt, absorbing as much UV as possible. Sunlight is bliss. The next day, I felt an abundance of stored energy from basking in the light. Sun exposure doesn’t just fuel strength; it sets our biological clocks, allowing us to wake before sunrise and rest with the sunset.

Why Are People Anti-Sun?

While I was out tanning in the park recently, someone approached me, questioning how I could stand in the sun without sunglasses or a hat. He was fully covered, pale, and looked unused to sunlight. It made me wonder: Are people becoming too accustomed to the indoor lifestyle? Sunglasses might even trick our eyes into thinking we’re indoors, making it harder for our bodies to adjust to sunlight naturally. I believe gradual sun exposure is key; anyone can develop a tan and benefit from sunlight. To me, a healthy tan represents vitality and energy.

Sunlight and Health: A Natural Connection

The sun is why we’re here, talking, breathing, and thinking. It’s positioned at the perfect distance from Earth to sustain life. The Bible even starts with light: “Let there be light.” I interpret this as a reminder of how essential light is to life. I’m grateful for the sun, for water, and for simple pleasures like grass-fed beef. These are the essentials that keep me grounded and happy.

Painting with Light: Photography as Endless Potential

Let’s not forget that photography is “painting with light.” The way light interacts with surfaces creates an infinite canvas. No two photos are the same, as the light is constantly changing, forming new shapes, textures, and moods. Embrace this change. In photography, your next shot is your best shot, an endless journey of curiosity and evolution.

“Photography is about capturing change and becoming. Your next photograph is your best photograph.”

Go Beyond: Embracing Life as a Journey

Every day, bring your camera and snapshot your way through life. Find beauty in the mundane and the overlooked. In photography, as in life, it’s about the journey, not the end result. Forget about the accolades, the galleries, and the contests. Treat life like a video game—explore, enjoy, and embrace novelty. Photography should be second nature, not a chore. Use lightweight, compact digital cameras to make this journey more accessible. Every day on the street, new stories unfold, each one offering an opportunity to see life differently.

Elevate Your Soul with Photography

Maybe the purpose of street photography is to elevate the human experience to new heights. Rather than focusing on tormented or dark themes, let’s create from a place of joy, curiosity, and abundance. The world doesn’t need more tortured artists; it needs those who are strong, curious, and filled with life. Joyful art reflects a healthy soul. Find your Dionysian energy in weightlifting, in travel, in exploration—not in substances that dull your senses.

Practical Suggestions for a Fulfilling Life

1. Start each day from an elevated surface: When I stand on the cliff behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, I look out at the river, trees, and architecture, and I’m reminded of life’s endless opportunities.
2. Embrace the simplicity of one meal a day: Fasting sharpens my mind and strengthens the connection between body and mind, essential for street photography.
3. Recognize that the camera is an extension of the body: A clear mind and empty gut help me follow my intuition and capture the world with sharp acuity.

By basking in sunlight, moving through life with a camera, and embracing each day with curiosity and joy, we uplift our souls. There’s a world to conquer, one photo at a time.

“Stop consuming, and start moving.”

Key Takeaways

• The sun is the ultimate source of power: Embrace sunlight for strength, health, and setting your natural rhythm.
• Photography is painting with light: Treat each photograph as an opportunity to capture the changes in light and life.
• Elevate the human experience: Create from joy, not torment, and let your art reflect vitality.
• Live each day as a journey: Go beyond the mundane, approach life as a game, and embrace every new opportunity.

In a world filled with limitless beauty, use photography to deepen your lust for life and find inspiration in the simple things that make each day extraordinary.