Thank you

In Community, Creating, Fine Art Photography, News
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Endings are not my forte. I prefer to slip away quietly, rather than make a big declaration. Unspoken goodbyes feel a bit like an open door that I can slide back through if I change my mind. I like things that transition slowly over time, without much fuss as the change occurs. But, saying goodbye properly is often essential, which brings me to the point of today’s post. This will be my last as a regular contributor to Viewfinders. Ah, did you see what I did there? I said, regular contributor. That leaves the door a teeny bit open so that I could come back again someday as a guest. As I said, endings are not my forte.

For years it has been a tricky balance for me to carve out time to write for the blog, but I have continued because the imposed deadlines forced me to commit my thoughts to paper. It was a tremendous gift to have to hit publish over and over again, and to have an audience to receive the words. I had to show up, write something meaningful (and sometimes things that scared me to say out loud) and send it out in the world. I got braver with each post, more confident in myself as an artist, and in my voice. Unfortunately, the balance is shifting for me. My fine art photography is demanding more and more of my time (I am so grateful that is the case), plus travel, and of course, there are the important needs of my family.

But this community! I must take a moment to tell you about the women that comprise Viewfinders because they are extraordinary. A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes. We communicate privately on Slack, and it’s always been much more than just scheduling posts and troubleshooting glitches with the site (although plenty of that happens too). There is a beautiful shared humanity there. We celebrate when there is happy news (babies, weddings, children graduating, fun travel, a new job, or a new house). We rally around each other when there is difficulty. We share photography resources — new equipment, useful apps, books, and the like. And we laugh. I mean really, really laugh. We share so much humor and delight behind the scenes, and it’s challenging for me to give that up. It’s so much more than three posts a week for us. It’s a community.

And then there are all of you, the lovely folks that take time out of your day to read our posts and engage with us. We savor all of your comments and are honored you share your precious time with us. At the end of the day, Viewfinders is here to serve you. I hope I have done so during my time on the blog.

I will still be on Instagram (@debachak), posting my latest work. My fine art photography career is moving forward in lovely ways, and I hope to have you along for that ride.

I end this with my hand on my heart in gratitude. And, if it’s all the same to you, I’ll leave the door slightly open just for comfort.

Much love and gratitude,
Deb

14 Comments

  1. All the best for your future pat- in your private life as well as in photography. I read all your posts with lots of interest. Deb, I do love your work and I a look forward to seeing more of it!
    love corinna

    • Thank you, friend. It’s a mutual admiration, as you know. 🙂 We will be in touch for sure. XO Deb

  2. I love that we are dynamic beings. Thanks for all the past content and can’t wait to see new things. xo

  3. I’ve bookmarked your website, and I’m excited to follow along with the path of your fine art journey. I’ve reached the age where I embrace change and see the wonder of each twist and turn. I’ll miss reading your words and studying your images here, but like you – I prefer to leave the door open.

    • Thank you for the kind words, Donna. You have always been such an incredible support, and I am grateful our paths crossed here. Much love, Deb

  4. deb ~ you continue to inspire me with your work and with the integrity, care, and kindness with which you move through the world. i’m so grateful our paths crossed. xoxo

    • Aw Beth, you are stuck with me, my friend. I am ever so grateful you are in my life. Miss you. xoxo Deb

    • Thank you, Kristin. You have guided the Viewfinders ship so beautifully for many years. I hope our paths will continue to cross. XO Deb

  5. THANK YOU so much for everything, Deb. Your words, images and encouragement have been so lovely. Those images!! Can’t wait to see where it all takes you <3<3

    • Thank you! Let’s keep in touch! I’m so happy to have met you through Viewfinders AND irl. XO Deb

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