In a world where social media reigns supreme you need to embrace the joy of photography and not focus solely on the cycle of validation…
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a snapper with a smartphone, there’s an unspoken ‘self-pressure’ to capture and deliver images that resonate with your perceived audience. Endless scrolling without realising your battery has suddenly dropped to 8% within what you thought was only 10 minutes. Endless feeds of carefully curated content are strategically manoeuvred into our line of sight by Facebook or Instagram, as we constantly measure our worth against others.
”Social media is more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol”
Gary Vaynerchuk
Rediscover The Joy Of Photography
The reality is that every once in a while we all need to shelve that desire to please others and appreciate the value of taking a step back to rediscover the joy of capturing moments for ‘ourselves’.
For me [and many others], the real pleasure is driven by the pure love of photography coupled with the satisfaction of creating something that can be ‘enjoyed’ by anyone wishing to view my images. Whether they ‘like’ them is irrelevant; the journey is way more important than the destination. The unbridled thrill of experimenting with lighting, composition and dedication to art is unmatched; sadly, the creaking knees and ageing process seems to have the opposite effect these days!
Unfortunately, and more often than not unknowingly, this passion can rapidly become overshadowed by the need for likes, shares, and negative comments that are thrown in for good measure.
The Fix – Back To Basics
Ok, it’s time to revisit why and what brought you to photography in the first place. It may have been the exhilaration of capturing a special moment in time, the challenge of mastering a new technique, or the joy of storytelling through images? Reflecting on these questions will help reignite your passion. Remind yourself that photography is a personal journey, and every click of the shutter is an opportunity to express who ‘you’ are, regardless of external opinions.
Next, consider focusing on personal satisfaction rather than viewer engagement.
Set yourself a fresh challenge to capture shots that connect with you, regardless of how they will be received by others. Experiment with unconventional subjects, styles, and techniques. This approach can be used to rekindle your sense of desire and achievement. Even the most chaotic or mundane shots can lead to unexpected discoveries that you’d previously never considered.
Bonus Tips
Try engaging in communities that prioritize authenticity and integrity over aesthetics as this can be immensely beneficial. Connect with fellow photographers who share your passion for genuine expression. local gatherings and meet-ups are a great way to collaborate and discuss ideas rather than being competitive.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded people and distance yourself from negativity as this helps cultivate a supportive and friendly environment where creativity flourishes without judgment.
Don’t shy away from being self critical as we all have days or even months where our creative streak begins to misfire, causing us to doubt our artistic evolution. Learning to embrace imperfection is a skill on its own and is part of the journey.
Conclusion
Your photography should be an enjoyable experience, capturing moments and memories which not only tell a story – they also draw a smile from within, so grab your camera and see the world through your own unique lens, free from the constraints of expectation.
Behind the Lens
Collaboration? Meet up? Drop me a message via the contact form here