I’m a writer who loves to take pictures. Normally, use my iPhone not have a DSLR, which I prefer. The thing is that as a writer, I love using formal poetic constraints. My natural tendency is to use the sonnet. This is exciting. And now I have a reason to go back to my (abandoned, but paid-for) Square Space site.One photo a day, intentionally done. Street portraits. Love that. And can expand to include “one sonnet a day.” Thanks!
Formal poetic constraints sounds wonderful. I’d love to see how you approach that. A sonnet a day sounds like a good idea, especially if it’s illustrated with a photo. I would struggle with a haiku every day. Sometimes, the smallest things are the hardest.
Yes. Constraints are good. It’s one of the reasons I still love using my eight year old Q. Just a fixed 28mm lens to think about and it’s easy to carry around
As a fairly new reader of Process I just want to thank you for the generosity of inspiration, information, and encouragement you share. I'm an amateur photographer hoping that someday I can give it more time and dedication. I honestly often feel stuck but appreciate your writing greatly. I understand it takes time and I just want to say thank you Wesley!
Certain constraints are beneficial beyond photography - if nothing else, the mere removal of too many or even excessive options feels liberating and allows for a more insightful and concentrated approach.
A terrific post, Wesley! By embracing limitations, creators can find freedom within the boundaries, leading to more focused, efficient, and distinctive creative work.
Many famous writers said that constraints freed their creativity.
Here's how the writer Neil Gaiman uses constraints in his work (from the Tim Ferriss podcast)
"If you’re writing on a computer, you’ll think of the sort of thing that you mean, and then write that down and look at it and then fiddle with it and get it to be the thing that you mean. If you’re writing in fountain pen, if you do that, you wind up with a page covered with crossings out, so it’s actually much easier to just think a little bit more. You slow up a bit, but you’re thinking the sentence through to the end, and then you start writing."
Good post. I enjoyed the video. I was reminded of Brandon Stanton’s humans of New York project and books. I believe he was motivated by meeting and interviewing people and learned photography through the process of documenting his engagements with strangers.
I’m with you on the value of constraints. Blackout poetry comes to mind. I wonder that the photographic equivalent would be. Start with a small patch of the world and eliminate everything except what is necessary to reveal the image? It suggests projects.
I’m a writer who loves to take pictures. Normally, use my iPhone not have a DSLR, which I prefer. The thing is that as a writer, I love using formal poetic constraints. My natural tendency is to use the sonnet. This is exciting. And now I have a reason to go back to my (abandoned, but paid-for) Square Space site.One photo a day, intentionally done. Street portraits. Love that. And can expand to include “one sonnet a day.” Thanks!
love that combo Mary!
Formal poetic constraints sounds wonderful. I’d love to see how you approach that. A sonnet a day sounds like a good idea, especially if it’s illustrated with a photo. I would struggle with a haiku every day. Sometimes, the smallest things are the hardest.
Yes. Constraints are good. It’s one of the reasons I still love using my eight year old Q. Just a fixed 28mm lens to think about and it’s easy to carry around
hey that's a killer set up!
I just bought a 16 year old M8... it's fantastic!
Yes! That is what I do. In a way it is freeing and gives me the opportunity to experiment without feeling overwhelmed.
As a fairly new reader of Process I just want to thank you for the generosity of inspiration, information, and encouragement you share. I'm an amateur photographer hoping that someday I can give it more time and dedication. I honestly often feel stuck but appreciate your writing greatly. I understand it takes time and I just want to say thank you Wesley!
Luke, I super appreciate your comment, thank you! And it's normal to feel stuck at times, all we can do it keep pushing onward consistently
Certain constraints are beneficial beyond photography - if nothing else, the mere removal of too many or even excessive options feels liberating and allows for a more insightful and concentrated approach.
Excellent point. "Constraints" is one of the reasons, I believe, for the resurgence of film photography.
100%
A terrific post, Wesley! By embracing limitations, creators can find freedom within the boundaries, leading to more focused, efficient, and distinctive creative work.
Many famous writers said that constraints freed their creativity.
Here's how the writer Neil Gaiman uses constraints in his work (from the Tim Ferriss podcast)
"If you’re writing on a computer, you’ll think of the sort of thing that you mean, and then write that down and look at it and then fiddle with it and get it to be the thing that you mean. If you’re writing in fountain pen, if you do that, you wind up with a page covered with crossings out, so it’s actually much easier to just think a little bit more. You slow up a bit, but you’re thinking the sentence through to the end, and then you start writing."
I love that episode with Tim and Neil! Good tip to re-listen sometime, thanks Alex!
Good post. I enjoyed the video. I was reminded of Brandon Stanton’s humans of New York project and books. I believe he was motivated by meeting and interviewing people and learned photography through the process of documenting his engagements with strangers.
I’m with you on the value of constraints. Blackout poetry comes to mind. I wonder that the photographic equivalent would be. Start with a small patch of the world and eliminate everything except what is necessary to reveal the image? It suggests projects.
Interesting thought Mark! Will think on it too! Thanks for the kind words.
Nice portraits Wesley.
thank you Charlie!
Looking forward to see Process Projected come to life. Thanks
Thank you Marcel! :)
Thank you Paul!