Why Bother? – Part 2
First let me say I’m overwhelmed by the response to the last “Why Bother” blog post. When Scott Kelby recommends a post, it sure gets a lot of attention! Thanks Scott. Even more overwhelming for me was your responses, many kind words, and a lot of insight delivered to me as well, thank you very much! Several of you asked if I would expand on the original thoughts, and I would be glad to try!
Some thoughts on being the best. We are a winner society, we love the Super Bowl winners, the World Series winners, the Nobel Peace Prize winners and on and on, and we seldom remember who came in second! There is no hope of remembering number 3 through 10! The problem with being number one is you don’t get to occupy that position for very long, in sports, next year a new champion is crowned. In photography if today you were considered the best photographer in the world, in 15 minutes you would fall from the top spot. So, why bother making that your goal? Why not work hard, and get better everyday, and if you get your 15 minutes of fame, great, if not, enjoy the ride. Let me dig a little deeper. I use to want to be the very best, but not because of my love of the craft, but because of my lack of love for myself. I thought, erroneously, that if I was considered the best photographer it would give my life value. I was wrong, badly wrong! Many other, much more important things, are what gives my life meaning and value, the most important of which is that Christ died for me!
Some thoughts on how to get better, but not beat yourself up. Learning is a process, that has fits and starts. Some days you shoot like a pro, somedays you can’t seem to get a thing right. That is common for all of us. Maybe with years of experience the bad moments lessen somewhat, but everyone has an off day every once in a while. Having an off day is not the problem, the problem is how do you deal with when you do??!! First recognize that you are in a slump. Ask yourself what seems to be wrong, often with close examination, you will find that your mind is on other things and your photographic vision is being clouded by the cares of the world. Years ago when I took people to exotic locations like Africa and Galapagos Islands, I would ask them, on the first day, to put their watch in there luggage, and leave it there. I wanted to emphasize that the next week or two were about the best light, and seeing photographs, schedules meant nothing. If you want to paint a wonderful painting, start with a fresh, and empty canvas!
Some thoughts on the time table of learning. We all learn at different rates, it is not a matter of our talent level, but our pace in life. Some people get really good, very fast, others take years to mature as a shooter. One thing is for sure, becoming a really good photographer is not an overnight affair. I’ve always believed that steady improvement is the best route, it gives you more time at each level to cement your progress and make the new habits a solid part of how your approach photography. Building skill level in photography is like building a house, the foundation is critical and then each succeeding addition must be done properly and be tested for strength, only then can you start to put a roof on it and seal it up! Good building takes time, and your development as a photographer will too! Be patient and have fun!
Some thoughts on using your photography for some good purpose. You will get a great deal more out of photography if you have a purpose in your work. Letting people see how precious God’s gift of nature is to us. Showing people the problems in the world that need to be addressed. Helping people understand the human condition. Sharing the joy of beauty in the world. For me it is a way to reach out to others, and share my faith in God. Good work is always improved when it has purpose!
Some thoughts on giving yourself permission to fail. We all slip and fall, but the most imporatnt question is, do we get up and try again or lay on the ground weeping. There is no crying in photography! (I couldn’t help myself, and sorry about that, to Tom Hanks!)
Let me end by sharing one of the greatest benefits of photography for me. If tomorrow I was to awake blind, I have already seen and experienced more than most people because, as a photographer, I have been trained to see and observe, really see the world around me, and I’ve taken it all in, and seen so much it has brought the greatest joy to my life. Even if blind, I could remember all those glorious moments of light, shape, pattern, lines and form! Thank you Father for this wonderful gift! My prayer for you is that your photography will enhance your life too!
In Him,
the pilgrim
This entry was posted on Monday, September 3rd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
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Again, another great post. I’m speaking to college journalists this week and will be sharing some of your thoughts. I particularly like the permission to fail. My failures teach me what doesn’t work and that allows me to focus on what does. (I just have to remember my employer can’t see too many of those failures.) Thank goodness for a well built foundation of learning. That assures my worst days are still ok.
But finding a purpose is so very important. To me it’s a part of style but not one most talk about. For me it’s truly sharing the beauty and good around us. That idea, hopefully, informs all my images.
It’s still hard even after 40 years to not beat myself up for not ‘seeing’ better. Hard to quiet the noise in my head.
Failure opens the door to successes.
I found just what I was needed, and it was enteitainrng!
Wonderful post! I couldnt help but think how the walk of a Christian is very much like your comments on the time table of learning. We all grow at different rates, and there are seasons of growth, seasons of rest, and seasons of harvest!
Be blessed.
Casey
You got it, congratulations!
Great and good thoughts as I move through the steep learning process. It is most wonderful to re-focus [no pun intended] on why I decided to make photography my partner.
Thank you,
Glad to hear it!
I look at my photography kinda of like fishing. I keep on going even if I don’t catch fish. If you don’t go you can’t catch any fish. Sometimes the light is good but maybe it will be this afternoon and if not…..oh well….it surely will be in the morning.
Thanks for sharing……again and again…….Pilgrim.
Keep casting your line!
Another masterpiece post, I really enjoyed reading this. It has a lot of information, the best part was “Some thoughts on being the best.” your totally right 😀
best wishes
God’s right, I’m the typist!!
I think one of the main problems is the „storm of inputs“. It happens very fast to become a victim of all the influences and informations that reaches you every day. You can’t see all photographies, you can’t read all books. It’s so important to remember your own thoughts, emotions and desires and try to work them out.
Take a look at the left and the right side on your way but only watching isn’t enough.
I hope that I understand your message right.
Thanks for your thoughts and greetz from germany
André
You have to get in the game, if you want to play!
Great post Bill. A triumphant follow up to “Why Bother” (part 1). I didn’t see a sharing link so I just tweeted it out. Hope it catches attention like the first post did.
Please do!
Excellent post Bill. I was one of the people that came through Scott’s post and I decided to come back on a regular basis. I like you philosophy and totally agree with the hard work part of it. On this I’d strongly suggest to watch a documentary called “Jiro, dreams of sushi” in which the sushi master has a very similar philosophy about life and work.
Thanks for all those great posts.
Best
Patrick
Thanks Patrick, I’ll check it out!
I recently subscribed to Kelby Training and found your “Why Bother” post. I’m so glad I did! I was beginning to feel a little down after seeing so many beautiful photographs on the 500px site. Your post was exactly what I needed. I have a passion for photographing all the beauty God created for us to enjoy and I will continue to photograph that beauty. Thank you for your inspirational posts and photographs. You are a blessing!
James you’re a blessing to me as well! All the praise goes to Him!
I can’t help but hear what was said in this blog, and the the first why bother blog really got my attention. I’m glad that someone puts it out there, because sometimes these are the things we need to hear, at just the right time. 🙂 It does make a difference.
Thanks Bill! Love your work!