Why I Still Press the Button: Finding Your Creative Spark

In the inaugural episode of Lens and Life – with Georgie, Pete George opens up about why photography has remained his creative anchor through life’s darkest chapters. Battling mental illness, Pete shares how the camera became more than just a tool—it became a reminder of who he is. Like a song that takes you back to your teenage years, photography captures fleeting moments that hold deep emotion and meaning.

This episode is raw, reflective, and real. It’s not about perfect shots or expensive gear—it’s about the stories behind the lens and the connection they create. Pete talks honestly about losing his passion… and finding it again.

This podcast isn't just for photographers—it's for anyone who's ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure where to begin again.

Links referenced in this episode:

• petergeorgemedia.com
• lensandlifewithgeorgie.com

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
How many times you beendriving along?
Song comes on, then the smilehappens, fingers start tapping on
the wheel, and you think toyourself, I remember when I first
heard this song, you're not 59 anymore.
You're 17.
In a car, in a moment youthought you'd forgotten.

(00:23):
Music does that, and so doesphotography for me.
They both freeze time justlong enough to remember who you were
and why you kept going.
What's that one thing you'vealways come back to?
Just leave a comment and letme know the thing that stayed with
you.
And not because life made iteasy, but because deep down, it felt

(00:47):
like the only thing that evermade sense for me.
I.
That's photography.
I'm Pete George.
Some call me Georgie.
And this is Lens and Life with Georgie.
It's not a podcast about gearor perfect lighting or hustle to
be noticed.
It's about the things we seeand the things we care about and

(01:11):
sometimes the things that we carry.
Truth is, I nearly didn't do this.
Not just the podcast, I mean,any of it.
There's been many iterations,or whatever you want to call it,
of Peter George experience,out of the cave and all of those

(01:32):
things.
And that was me trying to findmy lane.
And the other side to that isfor a long time, years now that I
realize it, I've lived withmental illness.
Now, that still creeps in.

(01:53):
The quiet, convincing.
The quiet, convincing voice inyour head that tells you that you're
not good enough, that yourmessage isn't worth hearing, and
all of those kind of things.
And even now, as I sit here,mic on, headphones on, the voice
still whispers.
But here I am showing up.
Because I remember this onemoment years ago when dad turned

(02:16):
around for the first time, Ithink, ever, with a smile on his
face and just that little bitof recognition you want from your
father.
And he looked at one of thephotos and he said, son, you're good
at this.
Don't lose it.
And the hard thing for me was,through the mental illness, I did

(02:37):
lose it and lost a lot ofpeople along the way.
Not because they've passedaway, because I pushed them away.
And that was it.
Simple, quiet.
But it stuck with me, what dad said.
And I think we all carry aversion of that, some small spark
we carry, scared of losing it.

(03:00):
Well, I hope this podcast ismy way of holding onto that spark.
And maybe if you're here, it'sa way for you to hold on to yours,
too.
You don't need to be aphotographer to listen.
You just need to have lived alittle, to have struggled, to have
looked back and said, Ithought I'd have to work this out.

(03:20):
By now, at 59, I'm moving backinto where I know that I can help
others, and that is throughphotography, through mentoring, and
through inspiring peoplethrough other conversations.
The photography side of thingshas just got to be something that

(03:41):
I do and share in a unique waythrough both Peter George Media and
Lens and Life with Georgie,both here on the podcast and also
on YouTube.
So each episode I'll bring you something.

(04:02):
Something real, I hope.
Sometimes it's a story fromthe road, when I'm on my travels
with Jane and I take thephotos and I'll share what it meant
to take that photo, not justhow to take it.
Sometimes it'll be aconversation with someone who's been
through a rough patch andstill chose to create.

(04:24):
And sometimes it'll just be mehaving a chat, reflecting on things
that I've done, things thathave helped me along the way, and
just offering whatever I'vegot because that's what I believe
in, showing up with heart.
Even if your voice shakes,even if you're still figuring out,

(04:46):
even if the world doesn'tclap, this is what this podcast is
for.
So if you ever felt likeyou're starting again, whether in
your art, your life or yourhead, you're not alone.
And if this podcast becomes aplace you can come back to, that's
enough for me.

(05:08):
Thanks for being here.
Let's see where this goes.
If this episode meantsomething to you, I'd be honoured
if you shared it or supported it.
Head over to Peter Georgemedia.com or lens and life with georgie.com
and there's a little badgethere that you can go and share me
a coffee or whatever.
Don't expect it.

(05:29):
I just want to help.
And until the next episode,keep creating, keep feeling.
And remember, sometimes justshowing up is the art.