People often ask me how (and why?) I started talking photos of doors and homes. The next thing they ask is “does anyone ever ask you what you are doing?”
To answer the first question, it all began a little over a year ago in the spring of 2014. I needed to get more exercise and I had always enjoyed walking but would get bored walking alone. Due to my work schedule it was challenging to coordinate walking with a friend (which I still love to do when I can!)
Also, when walking alone, I sometimes found it gave me TOO much time to think, which as we all know isn’t always a good thing. So to combat boredom and my overactive brain, I needed a distraction.
One of the things I love most about the town where I live, West Hartford, is the variety of architectural styles that are represented. We have countless Colonial Revival and Tudor style homes but lots of other styles are sprinkled in.
So I decided I would start taking photos of doors in town that I thought were particularly pretty or distinctive, or where the homeowner had clearly made an effort whether it be with a beautiful door color, potted plants or a pretty wreath.
Using my iPhone I started snapping as I walked, and I haven’t stopped since. It is almost a form of meditation for me. When I’m walking and looking for what to shoot next, really paying attention to my surroundings, my mind doesn’t wander and I find it to be so relaxing. I’m “in the moment”, if you will.
I realize as I walk and focus on details how much we miss every day as we go about our busy lives. Having a camera in my hand has changed how I see things and I now find beauty everywhere I go. Though I love to travel and see new places, I can just walk around the block and see something new as well.
The photos in this post were all taken within a quarter-mile of my home and I have walked past them dozens if not hundreds of times over the years, walking with my husband, pushing the kids in their strollers, walking the dogs, walking with a friend.
But as the seasons change, or depending on the light, nothing ever looks the same. Plants grow, flowers bloom, leaves change color, branches become bare, snow drifts across the yards.
Homes get painted or renovated. New owners come in. Landscaping gets done. A walkway gets replaced. Trees get planted or removed. Halloween decorations, Christmas decorations. Everything is the same…but different.
Not every home looks picture perfect. Not everyone has the time or inclination or finances to keep their home immaculate. And that’s OK, but for those that do spend that extra time I want you to know I appreciate it, and I know many others do too. It gives us something pretty to look at and enjoy.
My simple little hobby that started with taking snapshots with my phone has become so much more. I have learned about photography, photo editing software and social media. I didn’t know what Instagram was, or how to use a hashtag, never mind Tweet.
I learned how to use WordPress to start this blog (although there is SO much more to know!) I started to learn about different architectural styles and became especially interested in historic architecture and historic preservation.
I became active in our town’s Historic Commission so that I could do my part in attempting to preserve our architecture which is a feature so many residents love and one that attracts new home buyers into the area.
My hobby has broadened my world in an amazing way. Just a couple of years ago I wondered what I would do if I found myself with a free day or afternoon. I honestly had no idea. Somehow over the years of working and raising children I had neglected my personal interests, as so many parents and especially mothers do.
I remember reading something somewhere (or who knows, maybe Oprah said it) that if you aren’t sure what to do just start doing something. Anything. Just pick one thing and go. You may start and you may find that it does nothing for you. OK, move on to the next thing.
Or you may find, like I did, that one thing leads to another leads to another leads to another.
As far as that other question…does anyone ever ask you what you are doing? Honestly, almost never! I can count on one hand the number of times someone has asked me why I was taking a picture. I usually just say “Oh, I really admire your home.”
People are excited and flattered to have their home photographed, and I love it when someone recognizes their home on my social media accounts. I can guarantee you they are never upset!
Although it felt funny at first to stop and take a photo, I quickly got used to it. And just to be safe, I researched to be sure I wasn’t breaching any privacy laws.
What would you do if you had a free afternoon or day? I hope you already have a long list of things that you love to do that bring you joy. But if you don’t, and if that bothers you as it did me, I hope you find it.
I bet there is something you have thought about and wondered “should I try?” The answer is YES. Please let me know when you do!
If you do have a hobby or favorite pastime, I would love it if you would comment what it is…who knows, you might inspire someone else!
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
Hi Deb, I have spent several hours today reading your posts! Your pictures and comments are fascinating. For decades I have taken pictures of gardens, as I taught tree, shrub, perennial identification classes and landscape design for many years. Currently I write a column in a small local Massachusetts newspaper, Saugus Advocate, called Saugus Gardens During the Pandemic, mostly intended for people walking around town who may or may not be gardeners, so they will know something about the plants they are seeing as the seasons change. The front door is indeed the focal point of a home, and it is impressive what some people do to make it welcoming and inviting! Your experiences photographing doorways is similar to mine photographing front yard gardens, plants, and streetscapes.
Doors are portals to another world, both literally & figuratively. Though it looks more like you are photographing the fronts of houses. Do you have any close-ups of just the doors? They can be very magical! Not to put down your photos; they are beautiful. Just think your title suggests a different kind of photo.
Peace,
Sherrie
I did share these though. Despite the misnomer, they are lovely picture of beautiful homes that we here in SoCal never get to see, except in Whittier, CA which is one of the oldest cities. And maybe a few LA neighborhoods.
Sherrie
P.S. Our 1937 home is “Historical” because the city of Chula Vista is only 100 years old!
Hi Sherrie! Thanks for sharing! Isn’t it funny that “old” is all relative? So many East Coast places seem very old relative to West Coast places, but then again we are babies compared to Europe and other locations around the world. As far as close ups of front doors – I actually do a number of door closeups as well, many of which I feature on my Instagram account @thefrontdoorproject. But over time I have found that people enjoy both the door as well as the whole house, especially if there is special architecture or history to it. But I should mix in a few “door only” blog posts!
Hi,
I take photos when I take walks too. I use them in my blog posts. I am also learning about photo editing apps as a result and have blogged about them and will be blogging about Snapseed too.
Congratulations on being Danny Ray’s featured blogger. I was his featured blogger too!
Maybe you can visit my site if you need a blogging tip or two. That’s what I blog about.
Janice
Hi Janice – thanks for introducing yourself and for letting me know about Danny Ray – I hadn’t seen that yet! So nice of him and congrats to you too 🙂 I plan on going to check out your blog right now! My favorite phone editing apps are Afterlight, SKRWT and TouchReTouch. Sometimes Photo Toaster.
What a great hobby. Yes, hobbies do lead to a lot of other things and do teach you a lot. I always loved travel and used to travel often at one time. It made sense that when I saw an opportunity to become a travel agent and work from home, I jumped on it. And like you, I’m learning so many things and one thing is leading to another. My favorite part is sharing in the “happy times” with people. People travel for the “happy events”, honeymoons, Sweet 16’s, graduations, anniversaries, family reunions, etc. And I get to share in the excitement and happiness and it brings me a lot of joy!
It sounds like you have found your niche Doreen! It must be fun to help people plan. Traveling is such an exciting thing and for many it’s a once in a lifetime trip. Wonderful to have a career that brings you joy – then it doesn’t feel like work! At least not always 🙂
Yes, doors are amazing. I’d love to share with you a link for you to see my “door” and it’s metaphors. 🙂 http://myjourneysinsight.com/2015/07/04/the-door-part-4/
Best of luck!
What a fabulous idea to focus on. I am also very much attracted to doors. I’m a songwriter and even wrote a song I named “The Door.” The thing about a door is it’s a great metaphor – it even rhymes there. Doors go in and doors go out. A very special concept indeed. Great photos. 🙂
Thanks so much Judy! Doors are great metaphors and it’s amazing how commonly they are referenced in music and literature, or are photographed.
Lovely. I relate quite a bit. I kinda wish we could take our walks together sometime!
If you find yourself in CT we shall! I went walking with a fellow blogger yesterday and it was so great to chat. Thanks for reading – I love when someone can connect to my writing!
Great photographs and such a variety of doors. I definitely agree with you about ‘being in the moment’ when taking photographs. I find it so relaxing and I totally switch off from any anxious thoughts or problems I might have.
It’s free therapy! 😉
This is such an inspiring story! It makes me think how even the smallest decisions we make can have an immense impact on our lives. Everything’s important, everything has a meaning. But also – your neighborhood looks spectacular!! 🙂
Thank you so much Petra! It’s so true – one small thing can be the impetus for something much larger! I had always read other inspiring stories about others where that had happened but never imagined it could happen to me 🙂
Fantastic post! And seeing all those West Hartford homes has made me all nostalgic for my Simsbury days! So glad you found your passion.
Thanks Alyson! It really has been an amazing experience over the last year or so. I’m actually headed to Simsbury and Granby this morning to hopefully get some shots so keep an eye out 🙂 thanks for commenting and following!!
Hi Deb! I am so glad I found your blog! I love the photos, the history and the positivity of it! I didn’t used to always notice or appreciate the houses or doors that I would pass on my run, but I find myself noticing and enjoying them much more now that I’ve started reading your blog. Like you, my recent adventure/undertaking is starting a blog. After I had so much fun planning my wedding and finding out all the great things CT had to offer, I started a blog celebrating all things Connecticut weddings.
I found you on Instagram as well – looking forward to seeing more great pictures and reading future posts! Thanks for sharing!
Meredith thanks so much for your comments! I can’t wait to check out your blog – I love anything CT! I have lived here my whole life (with the exception of going to college in VA) and there is much to celebrate about our little state. I’m glad if my photos have made you appreciate it a little more! I got married twenty years ago just this past September…so hard for me to believe…so congratulations as well on your wedding!
Hi Meredith! I took a look at your blog and it looks great! I loved reading about your one year anniversary and your post with advice for tall brides was fantastic. I did want to make a couple comments on your blog directly but couldn’t see where to do that on an individual post? Let me know if I was missing it!
Thanks for checking the blog out! You weren’t missing it – since I just started the blog two months ago, I hadn’t yet enabled comments (I wanted to get the hang of posting, etc. first). But I am excited to add comments – building a blog community is one of the things I’m looking forward to most. Thank you for mentioning it — it was the encouragement I needed to take the leap. I’m happy to say that as of today, I now have comments enabled!
That’s great Meredith! It can be a little stressful to think about what people might say, but so far I’m happy to report that everyone has been so supportive and positive (like you!) I’m glad you took the leap!
I thought my door fascination was rather rare but it seems there’s a lot more of us out there than I initially thought. It really is a lot of fun, isn’t it?
I hope to see you often on Thursdays 🙂
Just found you on Instagram too.
It’s very fun! And the best part about it is you never run out of material! Doors everywhere you turn 🙂 I’m really looking forward to joining in on Thursdays and finding others that share our fascination!
Especially in communities where houses have to stick to strict codes, doors seem to be a fun way for owners to express themselves. We have seen some stunning ones in Europe that you would love photographing.
Absolutely! Many times it is one of the few ways a homeowner can express some personality. I would love to travel to some European countries. I was in Spain for my honeymoon 20 years ago, and in England 5 years ago, but while I was admiring the architecture I wasn’t photographing it all that much. I do have some photos from the Cotswalds that I need to share sometime!
I’ve seen some of your Instagram posts. There is something great about doors! Loved this post.
Thanks so much Shanti!! I’m glad you have found me on Instagram!
I love how hobbies that seem silly turn into something amazing. I decided a year ago to try to visit every waterfall in my state. Every waterfall I go teaches me something about myself I never would have expected. I also started line dancing. It was something that was suppose to be occasion fun with friends, that has turned into the lifeline for my sanity! I love your hobby, those houses are adorable! 🙂
Thanks so much! I love that you are visiting every waterfall in your state. It’s so important to continue to challenge ourselves and find new interests, even if they do seem “silly” at first 🙂 thanks so much for your comments!
Funny you mention this because I just kind of did this the other day! Not just of the front porch but the whole house. It’s a dream house and a girls gotta keep track of her dreams ? I also just love houses!
Yes!! My door photos often end up expanding to the whole house!! Love that you did this the other day – it’s fun to keep things that inspire us or just make us happy! Thanks so much for your comments, Christie!
I love how each door has something unique to offer. My son and I spend our free time taking walks. Maybe it’s time we observe more of what is around us! Thank you for sharing this 🙂
Thanks Tara! That’s what I enjoy too. I used to walk with my children when they were little and we would have fun playing “I Spy” sometimes. It was a good way to get them to pay attention to their surroundings!
I LOVE THIS!!!! Thats one of the first things I always notice too!!
Thanks so much Tamara! It’s an obsession I have found that others have too – like yourself!
Great post! I’ve always been a huge fan of houses, buildings and architecture as well.
The one thing I recently started doing was blogging about reading aloud to my children. I’ve been reading aloud to them daily since birth, but earlier this year I decided to start keeping track of all the books we read.
So far it’s been a great experience and has lead to different opportunities that have recently come my way. And although I’m not getting paid to blog (at least not yet anyway), it’s something I am truly enjoying.
Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your story!
Mrs. G I just visited your blog and I love what you are doing! Reading to young children is so important! It can’t be said enough 🙂 I used to love looking at all of the children’s literature especially the gorgeous picture books. I’m glad it’s opening up doors for you – pun intended!
beautiful. I think it just shows people can focus on the positive and possibilities out there by looking at doors.
Thanks so much, Ericka! Whether it’s doors, or flowers, or animals…there is so much to see out in our big world!
So so happy I came upon your blog. I also love doors and homes as well. On our first trip to Italy I realized that a good portion of my photos were of doors and windows. Family and friends asked why. Now I know there are others out there with the same interest. Don’t stop! I am enjoying each and every one of them.
Marianne thank you SO much! The positive feedback feels wonderful. I have definitely found that there are many of us who love doors and windows 🙂 I’m glad I started documenting my obsession. I will have to share pictures from my London trip from five years ago one day as I realized many of my photos were also of doors and windows! Would love to see your Italy pics. My Facebook page of the same name is a community page and I love to share photos from my followers!
What an incredible story, absolutely love it. Fascinating stuff Deb!!
James thank you so much! It’s really been a life changing year for me. My life has been great, I have a wonderful family, my health and good friends. But I had this little void that needed to be filled and this did the trick!
Ahh there are so many lovely houses that you have pictures of! I hope you never stop! 🙂
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the encouragement 🙂 there really is so much beauty everywhere!
Lovely photos and homes. They are an inspiration and really speak about the people (or at least the matriarch, usually) living within 🙂
Thanks so much for your comments! I agree that seeing how someone cares for where they live really says something about the people that live there!
Great article Deb! I prefer to walk in neiborhoods, rather than a treadmill any day! I enjoy looking at homes and admire all the different architecture and styles out there. Some are very humble and some are showy, however they all have a common link, family. Ever since finding Deb’s FB page, when I see a particularly interesting or pretty door I can’t help but think, Oh, Deb would love that one, and if I have the opportunity, I take a pic to show her!
And yes, I was inspired to start a FB page and blog about my interest in church history and architecture!
Absolutely Tina – getting outside is the only way to go. Living where I am is great because there are so many homes and neighborhoods to enjoy. I so appreciate your support and I love that you found some inspiration from me!!
Love this post because there aren’t many women reading this who haven’t experienced some of the same things you outline. 🙂 It is interesting to learn how you found yourself in the blogging community, and when it comes to my door photo on Thursday, I blame it all on Norm. 🙂 I do laugh at myself when I’m circling the block looking for a parking space to get out and photograph a door but laughter is good for the soul. Beautiful doors by the way.
So true Judy!! I feel lucky that I have found something to feel passionate about 🙂 I know how hard it is to find the time and figure out just exactly what to do! It’s funny though – SO many people love doors!! There are a bunch of us out there! Thanks for your nice comments 🙂