Why are we always chasing the gap?
When it comes to success, money, love, you name it, the only measure we have is from what we had to what we have. And the bigger the gap we close, the better it feels for us. The more meaningful that jump is.
Someone having $100 a month in their bank account and suddenly accumulating $5,000 dollars a month feels amazing. They are on top of the world, struggling to eat and pay rent. Too all of a sudden…
From struggle to liberation, embracing my dyslexia and finding freedom in writing
There I was, young and confused, wondering why am I here, why me, what is wrong with me. I could do everything that the other kids could do – run, jump, laugh, cry. But somehow, for some reason, reading was a challenge. I found myself filled with shame, doubt, and a little fear because I realized I wasn't the same as everyone else. I was falling behind, struggling to keep up, to understand, and to do well in class. It was 1998, and I was diagnosed with a learning disability.
Finding contentment in a boring Life
The more I reflect on the year, the more I find myself not leaving but focusing less and less on photography. I seem to be pulled towards writing, which puzzles me. Have you ever had a passion that consumed your life, like that is all you have thought about and done, to suddenly realize I think I'm in a new chapter of my life?
Fast, bad, wrong, the unconventional path to growth
Want to get good fast, want to get stuff done and put it out there? To no longer worry and get going, then get good. Live by this rule:
1. Fast
2. Bad
3. Wrong
Now, this might sound counterintuitive, but I want you to realise that the less you aim for perfection or getting something right the first time round, the quicker you will advance at the task at hand. Sounds counterintuitive, right? Making something quickly, badly, with low quality and in all the wrong ways will help you get better at the thing? Yea right! The answer is yes, and let me tell you why.
Why you should learn photography by shooting in black and white
Black and white photography offers a unique learning experience, helping photographers to eliminate distractions and focus on the essential element of their craft: light. This monochromatic approach teaches valuable lessons that are fundamental for anyone starting out in photography.
One of the key benefits of black and white photography is its ability to strip away colours. A little obvious, I know, but it reveals the importance of good lighting. Without vibrant hues to distract the eye, photographs can easily fall flat, lacking contrast and depth. This underscores the foundational role of lighting, a crucial aspect that beginners often overlook. In colour photography, it's easy to hide behind visually striking elements, but in black and white, the knowledge of lighting becomes apparent.
From Impossible to Inevitable: The only practice that matters is the one you consistently do
When it comes to being or doing anything, the road to greatness isn't through struggle, hardship, or luck. It's not through skill or talent. The road to greatness is through consistency.
The Importance of Growth Beyond the Individual Image
In the world of photography, the focus often centers on the singular image, the standalone photograph. Yet, discussions about the book, the gallery wall, the series, and the editorial are noticeably absent. While striking individual images are encouraged, the power of a series and narrative, guiding the viewer through a cohesive story, is seldom explored. Combining images, strengthening them collectively, and growing beyond the individual is a transformative journey.
What I learned reading 'Photo Work: Forty Photographers on Process and Practice
First off, I couldn't put this book down; I read it every day I had a moment of free time. This book isn't a story or a journey. It is a series of in-depth interviews from forty photographers asked the same exact questions. Photographers ranging from Robert Adams, Alec Soth, Todd Hido, Lisa Sarfati to Justine Kurland, to name a few.
A Journey from External to Internal Expression
The more I reflect on the year, the more I find myself not leaving but focusing less and less on photography. I seem to be pulled towards writing, which puzzles me. Have you ever had a passion that consumed your life, like that is all you have thought about and done, to suddenly realize I think I'm in a new chapter of my life?
Capturing Change: The Transformative Potential of Photography
In my journey through photography, I grapple with the prevailing notion that my images hold the potential to ignite transformative change within society. The idea that each photograph I capture could alter the course of history suggests a power to resonate with and impact groups and individuals at a profound level, instigating a collective incentive for change. Yet, amidst this optimistic perspective, I find myself questioning the validity of such beliefs.
The Price of Knowledge: To Pay or Not to Pay for Online Courses?
The majority of people who are selling you a course aren't doing it out of your best interest. They are selling you their course to make money, not to further your career. Don't get me wrong; there might be some good information in that same course. But 90% of any course online can be obtained for free on the internet. YouTube, OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy, Coursera, Gutenberg, Google Books, to name a few. So why would you buy one?
The similarities between photography and archery
A few months ago, I took up the sport of archery. Always intrigued, I finally pulled the cord and joined a club. Eager to embrace everything new, I sought out the best gear, aiming to progress faster than recommended. My ambitious approach, however, left me instantly humbled. Reflecting on this experience, I discerned intriguing similarities between archery and my profession—photography. This realisation sparked my interest, prompting me to delve into a comparison of the two.
The Road Less Liked: The Digital Dilemma Faced by Artists
In the realm of creative expression, the journey from personal fulfillment to seeking external validation has been a nuanced evolution for many artists. The advent of social media platforms, initially hailed as a means of connecting with peers and showcasing individual creativity, has brought about a transformative shift in the way many artists perceive and present their work.
The evolution of photography, once a deeply personal exploration driven by the desire to communicate external or internal stories visually, has transformed for many into the pursuit of likes and social validation has taken precedence over genuine creative joy.
Unveiling Authenticity: The Creative Evolution of Style and Voice
Style is external; voice is internal. Throughout our lives, our style evolves and changes. Some of us try new things and are not set in stone. But our voice, our point of view of the world and how we see it, doesn't change as easily. Your voice is you; it's powerful and can become timeless.
Visual Zen: Rediscovering Creativity Amidst Japanese Landscapes
In the quiet dance between familiarity and foreignness, I found myself wandering through the streets of Japan with a camera in hand, capturing moments that echoed the distant landscapes of my New Zealand home. As I navigated the vibrant tapestry of Japan, the juxtaposition of cultures, the whispering trees, and the gentle flow of water brought forth an elusive feeling—an intangible bridge between two worlds. Japan, with its ancient traditions and modern nuances, felt like a dream where the echoes of home met the novelty of the unknown.
Custodians of time or tech enthusiast?
If you care about gear, you might be missing the point of photography. While some argue that gear matters, I would say its significance is relative to your perspective. In truth, the moment, subject, and light are far more critical than the camera you use.
The Allure of the 50mm Lens
For the longest time, I never knew precisely why I adored the 50mm lens. Shooting with it felt utterly natural; I could envision the image in my mind before even raising the camera to my eye. I used to think it might have been a learned habit. After all, I shot with a 50mm lens exclusively so I know it inside and out. But I've recently discovered that the 50mm lens offers something truly unique.
How to Become a Better Photographer
Photography is both an art and a craft, and becoming a better photographer is a journey that requires practice, reflection, and a willingness to break free from conventions. Here are some key steps to guide you on your path to improvement.
Who is currently inspiring me?
We all have our heroes, the people who inspire us. I have gone through so many; the list keeps changing and rearranging itself. From filmmakers, writers, artists, to photographers. I thought it might be interesting to share the artists who have changed how I take photographs and think about photography.
Why is finding your voice so challenging?
Why is finding your voice so challenging? After all, it's your voice; shouldn't it come naturally? Shouldn't it just be there, present? After all, it has been with us all along.Finding your voice is about discovering what you want to say and how you want to express it - a style of storytelling, a narrative structure, an aesthetic that complements our personality. Finding your voice is expressing yourself and how you see the world through a medium of your choosing. For me, that medium is writing and photography. So, why is it so difficult to find something that is inside us? To put it bluntly, it's like gazing at ourselves in the mirror.