The click is shocking — but I’m hooked. Facing my fear of drowning & how I became a superhero with goggles
“Mom, just do it!” I stretched my goggles over my head, tiptoed into the Pacific Ocean, past my knees, thighs, and then above my belly button. I wanted to quit right there — the water was freezing. My 10-year old son dived in and splashed me — I screamed, he…
Photography, The Skeleton
October Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Scary
Big bones tower the little house.
This silent, intimidating character scared me out of my wits as I was walking through the neighborhood last night. He didn’t talk but his enormous presence sent shivers up my spine. That’s a rancher-style house in the background and yes — Mr. Bones is twice as tall as the house.
…
Photography, Inspiration, Nature
Short stories inspired by nature, wonder & life lessons through photography: Inspiration
Counting pigeons — more than a dozen.
Sometimes a photo is worth a thousand words, six, or something in between. These are short 1–2 minutes stories inspired by my own photography that touch on nature, wonder, life lessons, humor, and love.
My stories below may give you the inspiration to write your own short stories that connect…
Biography, Writing, Fitness, Photography
More than six words & a photo
She said, “Jump!” Me, “How high?”
The awesome photographer behind this photo offered to do a photoshoot during my fitness journey. I jumped over a dozen times in front of the camera and we shared some “pee your pants” style-laughter together to capture this autumn shot.
I figured this photo would be a great intro for…
Photography, The Shadow
October Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Scary
Ghost shadow —I couldn’t run away.
This photograph was taken at nighttime during a walk home. When I got home that evening and scrolled through my photos and saw the image — it scared me out of my wits. That ominous shadow, the lighting, the dead grass — haunting.
That shadow — was me. I was…
Photography, Nature, Writing Challenge
SWPSC: Clouds & Freestyle Stories — September’s Conclusion
Wildfire clouds await rain clouds. Hurry!
During a road trip this summer, I witnessed a few wildfires blazing in the distance and captured this billowing cloud of smoke next to the sky clouds. It took me a moment to see the difference between the two. …
Photography, Nature, Writing Challenge
September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Clouds
Snow walk under clouds and blue.
One of the greatest things about the beach in the wintertime is that it’s never crowded, you don’t need sunscreen, won’t burn your feet, and — the silence. I’m a beach lover — rain, shine, clouds, or snow. The shift in weather doesn’t stop me from walking, cloud watching, or…
Photography, Nature, Writing Challenge
September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Clouds
People watching — curiosity on the river.
I thought this shot was taken at dusk when I came across this photo while I was quickly scrolling through my archives, but when I saw the digital time stamp, I took it at 10:34 am on a winter day in December 2019. …
Photography, Nature, Writing Prompt Reply
How do I spoil myself? It’s not flowers: Freestyle
River swim — followed by bubble bath.
This is me — a few moments before I stepped into the river for an invigorating cold water September swim. The waves were rapid, rushing, and scary but my friend and I were able to find a calmer spot to swim in. …
Photography, Nature, Writing Challenge
September Six Word Photo Story Challenge: Clouds
Is she watching you? Nature’s mystery.
I didn’t see it right away. I glanced at this photo over a dozen times when I was digging through my archives searching for clouds. I took a few moments to study the photo — and then I saw it. …
Mary Chang Story Writer
Finding shine through exercise, people & life stories. Fueled by cartwheels. Editor of Six Word Photo Story Challenge. www.marychangstorywriter.com
