Phases

As creatives, we all go through phases. Whether it's trying something new, putting a twist on previous work, or even temporarily stopping our creative practices to pursue other endeavors. We often buy new gear with the hope that it will bring about a change or a fresh perspective. Whatever you're currently experiencing or have experienced, we all have these phases.

So, why do these creative phases matter? I believe that, from time to time, we need to explore tangents and embrace new experiences to enrich our current creative practices. This might involve trying film photography, delving into a new genre, or even engaging in activities entirely different from our usual practices, such as skydiving or attending a yoga class. It could also mean learning a new language or taking up another form of art, like painting or dance. These detours and phases are crucial for our development as creatives. They offer us fresh perspectives, compel us to change our habits, and reshape our way of thinking.

Over the past few months, I've reduced my focus on blogging and taking as many photos. Instead, I've ventured into various new activities, including free diving, running to and from work, and even creating typefaces during my spare time. I've also made the decision to stop driving a car, which has impacted my ability to reach remote locations around New Zealand. I've shifted my attention towards fitness and have even started playing video games again, which has consumed a significant portion of my time. I've also relocated my home. Life has, in a way, disrupted my photography practice. While I might have been less productive in my usual creative endeavors, these tangents and phases of trying new things have proven valuable. They've provided me with fresh thoughts, altered my focus, and, as a result, contributed to my creative practice. It's somewhat of a double negative that ultimately results in a positive outcome, doesn't it?

Because of this temporary break from photography, due to life's various distractions, I've developed new ideas and reinforced old ones that I'm eager to pursue and capture. It's almost like recharging my creative batteries, if you will, using a metaphor from the world of digital photography. If you truly love something, you have to let it go from time to time; otherwise, you risk suffocating it along with your passion.

I encourage you to occasionally set your camera aside and explore something new. You might discover a fresh passion that can be integrated into your photography. You might acquire a new skill or a different way of thinking that enhances your creative practice or deepens your love for photography. So, venture out into the world, live your life, and try new things because there's more to life than just photography and the equipment you use. The world is a magnificent place, and you need to experience it beyond the viewfinder.

You're either capturing the moment or living in the moment.