I'm looking, but all I see is ego
I've been contemplating Instagram, social media, feeding the beast, wondering when it will show its appreciation. When will it be my time in the spot-light? Dilutions of grandeur. If your taking photographs, if your creating for anyone other than yourself you will hit a wall of 'why?'.
Why I use a Leica Rangefinder
I’ve had a lot of negative feedback about my choice of a camera when compared to alternative brands and image capture devices. All these judgments are valid and have good arguments in regards to the available choices from DSLR, mirrorless, point and shoots or smartphones for that matter. But I thought I would explain my reasoning on why I use a Leica rangefinder.
Know who you are
After a certain amount of years, you know who you are. It can be through experiences, experimentation, rebellion, music, a book, a person or just time. Knowing who you are is very valuable when it comes to art, how you see the world and express yourself. The truth is there is no path, shortcut or cheat sheet for discovering yourself. I strongly suggest you don't follow someone else in this journey called life, because all you will do is walk in someone else's shadow, and you will never see the light for yourself. Only you can walk the path, only you can trip and get your own scare that will mould you into the person you will become.
Technology has no soul
As soon as you start talking about the technical side of photography you start turning away from the most important aspect of photos, telling stories. Technology is and isn't important when it comes to photography. No one care what camera or lighting you used except other photographers. I'm a big believer in the older you get the wiser you get, the less insecure you get, and the less you care about gear. Technology has no soul and here is why.
Taking a break
It's called many things, burnout, a holiday, self-reflection, personal time or recharging your batteries. Whatever you call it, it's OK to step away from your craft, it might even be necessary. For myself, I put the camera down, stoped writing and deleted my social media from my phone for two months, I needed to step away and take a creative break. This is why you might need it too.
What is the value of a photograph?
When it comes to art or creativity it's subjective. And art is only worth what your willing to pay for it. One person's monthly income is another persons pocket change. Personal style, preference and tastes vast dramatically from age, culture, social groups and geolocation. So can one find a baseline for what a photo is really worth to the user in today's economy? And answer the question, what is the value of a photograph really worth?
Why your Instagram isn't growing
First off it's not you, it's Instagram. It comes down to a few very simple things, that can be summed up in three words and two reasons, chronological order and saturation.
Your average day
Your average day dictates your life. Or to put in in other words Your results are based on your average day. Why does this matter, when the argument about work smarter, not harder is so abundant and work the endless work hacks and outsourcing? The truth is, it's your average day that dictates who you are and your success. It's your average day that leads or puts you in a place so you're ready for that big break or that slow grind to the top.
Take photos, even if no one is looking
Take photos, even if no one is looking, even if they never see anyone else's eyes but your own. I've come to the realisation that social media is the catalyst of something regretful, and that is the need for recognition. I want to break the habit of needing it, the need for approval, recognition and validation. I didn't get into photography because I needed my ego stroked, I got into photography because I love the act of taking a photograph & printing it. When did that reason get replaced along the journey?
Is speed and frequency important for creativity?
We live in a now world, a same-day delivery economy, live news, live updates, instant satisfaction. Our world economy is thriving because of it, but our environment is suffering, are our creativity and originality also getting damaged along with it?
Desire and envy
We have all done it, looked at someone else's work or life and thought that would be nice to have what they have. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. But there is one thing that we are forgetting in our moment of envy, that someone out there wishes they had what we have. Our brains are really good at bringing our baseline of emotions, desire and stress to an equilibrium level. This is why lotto winners aren't happier in their lives after reaching financial stability.
Homage to landscape photography
It’s one of the main draws of landscape photography, being one with nature at peace away from it all. Away from the grind, gossip and insecurities that come from society. But is this solitude being destroyed by the need for a social like? By other creatives replicating what they have already seen.
Focus on what's important
Focus on what's important… pun intended. I’m not addressing lens focus or how to get sharp images. I’m sorry if that is your main concern right now in photography. If that is the case just google search tutorials on autofocus, zone focusing or micro-adjustments. When I state 'focus' what I’m expressing concern about is what's the purpose, meaning, emotion or reason for your photographs. What is the function of your photographs aside from displaying an aesthetically pleasing visual?
Looking back at my first camera
It's a humble experience to find your first camera. The camera that started your journey and curiosity in photography. I was curious to find that almost nothing was different from my old camera, regarding specs. The only main thing that changed was that whole film into digital thing, that's about it. So if the only major change in a camera that was released in 1976 to my current camera was the conversion to digital. Why was my photography so different, from inception to present? It made me wonder, I pondered over this revelation, till it came to me. The most important thing to a photographers development was their experiences.
Cameras vs Chopsticks
Debating over cameras is like debating over chopsticks and forks. They all do the same basic things, the rest is just measuring minor extremities. A $5,000 car and a $50,000 car both can get you from point A to point B. One just costs more while it massages your ego. I feel that most photographers are missing what is more important than how big their lens is. What is more important is the idea, the meaning, the story behind your work? What are your images about, what are the conveying to the viewer? What are you trying to communicate?
Why I got rid of my photography gear. (revisited)
I had everything I could ever need, all the dream gear. Broncolor lighting, the latest professional Canon cameras along with all the faster canon lenses. I had the latest Apple laptop, tethering equipment, software, c-stands, tripods, light modifiers, Polaroid cameras, all the gear I could have ever dreamed of. I had it all, and at that time it was good, better than good it was extraordinary. So why did I later decide to get rid of everything I work so hard to obtain, and only after a few years after having it?
Reasoning by first principles vs by analogy
For most of us, we end up reasoning by analogy because we've had the 'why' question beaten out of us. Naturally, we are born with reasoning by first principles, but our parents, guardians, teacher and mentors eventual put their foot down and say something like because I said so. Our curious mind and quest for reason and answers are destroyed by an authority. Do as I say, because I said so, don’t question me, I’m the chef, your just the cook follow the recipe.
How to create a photography style
You have found your style when you can’t do anything else. It’s your default your normal your nature. Style comes when imitation and influence perish. Its something that becomes one… you, yours. Defining your style or finding your style is a life's journey. I hope you are always evolving and changing, never stagnant when it comes to your style. But at the same time hold onto its structure, it’s roots, its essence. So where does one begin? How does one create a photography style?
Wasted time
We are what we repeatedly do. We are the actions we take not the words we say. How you live today is how you live your life. In saying that what did you do today? What did you do to better yourself and your aspirations in photography? Indiana Jones said it best “If you want to be a good archaeologist, you gotta get out of the library!” or in other words, "If you want to be a good photographer you gotta get off the internet!”
One camera one voice
I only use one camera body and one lens, because I only have one voice and one point of view. Most photographers use a variety of equipment and effects to best capture a subject. To say something unique and different for each moment. Wanting to tell a story in a unique way from everyone else. But is this necessary, isn't your point of view enough?