The editor's mind
Before I write I think to myself what can I communicate that will bring value to my readers. Should I write a gear review because these kinds of articles get the most interactions, but they get the least meaningful responses? When I write about value, meaning, purpose, finding yourself, discipline these articles get fare fewer readers but more significant responses. The question is do I want reach or depth? But even contemplating this kind of thought is what I call The Editor's Mind, thinking, and trying to control something before it has even happened.
Is Instagram dying?
Is Instagram dying? Here is a quote a fellow photographer shared with me.“Although I feel Instagram offers a really beautiful opportunity to connect with others, share art and reach people on a large scale on topics that deserve recognition and attention, I’m finding that it’s becoming harder and harder to feel excited, stimulated or inspired scrolling through my feed.”
Gratitude
There is something all-newcomer photographers tend to do, they either dream of camera gear or buy a lot of it. When I started in photography I went through the same thing. I thought that I needed all the lenses that my idols used, I believed I needed the biggest megapixel camera, with all the film features just in case a potential client wanted video. But over time with age came wisdom.
The secret to being a great photographer
Now there are so many ways and paths one can go down to make a great photographer. Everyone has their own style, process, history, personality and way they produce their work. But the one thing that great photographers have in common is determination, grit and perseverance.
Play to your strengths
Something just hit me when it comes to getting peoples attention in the modern age. That is, play to your strengths. I'm a photographer and I would like to think I'm good at my job and hobby. Now in this day and age, as a freelancer, being great at our job isn't good enough. We have to promote our work, company, workshop or service. We need to somehow get the word out there. Digitally putting our hand up and saying "Hey look at me, over here."
Why take photos
It’s a hard and easy question, depending on how deep you want to go.Many people want to capture a moment, archive a memory. Some people want to express themselves or other peoples stories. Some want to show you something, be it a travesty or crime to a shiny object to entice you to buy it. For others capturing a photo is meditative or therapy. We all have our own reasons to capture a photo.
Phases
As creatives, we all go in and out of phases. Be it trying something new, putting a twist on previous work to outright stopping our practice to follow other endeavours. We buy new gear in hopes it will change something, be it adopt a new way to look at things. Whatever you're going through or been through we all have Phases.
1% difference
I’ve been emailed by quite a few people asking very specific questions, going into the micro of details to understand and improve their methods, process and photos. These people that have been asking me questions are intently focusing on the 1% details instead of trying to improve the fundamentals that make up 99% of a photography.
Film vs Digital, lets put it to the test
Have you ever heard the argument that digital just doesn’t have the same look as film? Well, let's put that argument to rest. I Have pain stickily made my own Lightroom preset that I believe is 96% the same as my favourite film Kodak Tri-X 400. Now, this preset is custom made for my camera specifically. So let's dive a little deeper into how I accomplished this preset and put all those subjective arguments to rest.
Are some photographers born to become masters
I am a firm believer that we are born with a certain capability of intellect. But that we can also improve and learn beyond our natural limitations. But for some reason, I often hear the compliment "Your so lucky to have a natural talent.", as if your DNA had something to do with all your years of hard work and practice. A comment people say so they don't feel bad about their own accomplishments because, in their eyes, you have to be born with a talent. So are some photographers born to become masters?
Start producing and stop consuming
Today I went out into the streets to create some images and I noticed everyone was going to stores or holding shopping bags, then something hit me. All this consumption is selfish and unproductive. We need to start producing and stop consuming. Create content that helps people and gives value beyond just material possessions.
I don't want to be another Instagram photographer
I don't want to be another Instagram photographer because your images are only seen in the context of a social media feed. The images on Instagram are pathetic when compared to the printed equivalent. Even seeing a photo essay on a website or blog is better than Instagram. So why am I against the grain with this so called platform for photography?
Success in photography
What does success in photography really even mean? It might be to make a living at photography or to get 10k followers on Instagram. Or perhaps you want to become a part of the Magnum photographers agency. But when we take a closer look at the dictionary meaning of 'success' the meaning is open. So what does it really mean to become a success in photography?
All you have is time
All you have is time. Time is everything, time is money, time is a memory, time is relevant. In physics, time isn't a measurement, but in our lives and in our photography it's how we capture the human condition. If all we have is time, what are you going to capture with yours?
The only camera I need
They say the tool isn't as important as the craftsman holding it, but it sure does make their life easy when its a good one. I've gone through my fair share of cameras and brands before I finally stumbled upon my camera of choice the Leica M, my Zen camera. Because holding it and using it becomes so peaceful and intuitive. I know every dial, button and movement. The camera really becomes an extension of your hand and eye. I can't explain the feeling you get when using a Leica M, it's addictive. Having a tool that makes my life easy and helps me work more effortlessly, is Zen to me.
What Magnum photographers have taught me
What Magnum photographers have taught me and what I never noticed till now about Magnum photographers is how raw their photos are. The don't sugarcoat or glamorise anything. No fancy filters or post processing. Just raw images. I always thought to myself, their images aren't innovative in terms of technique, but rather captivating because of the subject matter and stories they are documenting. So what goes into making a great photograph?
Why I only use one lens
Why I only use one lens, well after many years of experience using different lenses, I now have resorted to only using a single prime lens. I started with a 50mm then added an 85mm, 35mm, 100mm and 28mm to my collection, and I’ve played around with zoom lenses. But now I exclusively use a 50mm lens. No more zooms and no more choices. But why would I volunteer to limit myself?
Foster your passion
Most people wouldn't argue that young individuals could excel in a field of their choosing if only the knew what they were passionate about. I would not give the advice 'follow your passion' to young individuals like most inspirational speakers. I would rather say to them foster a passion.
The perfect camera?
I finally found the perfect camera, This camera does everything you could ever need or dream of. From capturing the perfect frame and exposure to developing your skill and photographic eye.
Over time you need less
As I sit outside underneath a tree, I started to think to myself "This is all I need.". Then I dreamt about owning my own house and having a tree in the backyard just like this one. To have my own patch of grass and a tree to give me shade while I sit and ponder life, that would be nice. Then a quickly as the thought came to me, it occurred to me that I don't need to own this dream. There are many trees and patches of grass in the world, why do I need one for just myself? Why do I need anything beyond the necessity for food and shelter?