What a gorgeous post. I spent a couple weeks in Tokyo + kyoto last year and can’t get them out of my mind. I desperately want to return to Japan with my camera.
One thing I’m struggling with right now is finding a balance between my creative pursuits -- I’m writing more than I usually do and I’m also regularly going to the pottery studio to make ceramics, but I haven’t picked up my camera in nearly a year.
Hi Lala! I'm also a potter and photography enthusiast, I’ve been trying to make a date of at least a photo walk each season, usually just me. I share those pictures with my writing here, which definitely inspires me to make time for it.
Although I haven’t shared much of my ceramics here, I do take process pictures. I’d like to carry my cam around more often to help reduce that friction—feeling inspired by Wesley’s recent daily photo diary post.
I wondered if you had any pottery experiences in Tokyo/Kyoto that you’d recommend ? 😊
Hey Funmi! I’m a bit worried about bringing the camera to the pottery studio (im so messy with my mud) but I miss going on my photo walks a lot.
I love the idea of sharing your photos in your posts and the concept of one photo shoot a season, that sounds very doable to me too :)
Regarding kyoto, and I’m sorry this isn’t super helpful, but I remember stepping into this tiny shop on the trail outside Nanzenji temple. It wasn’t anything I’d researched but I found a bowl that spoke to me and now I get to look at it and remember the memories of that trip :) I was just so blown away by their pottery traditions and would recommend going into any pottery shop you find to look at inspiration
I struggle with the “what’s the point?” question / there’s already so much good music out there, photography, art - why even bother? I KNOW this is absolutely backwards thinking, of course, but I think about it a lot.
Thanks for sharing seth. You already know this but I would point out that there is only one person with your perspective and your story, but many who could relate, and so to that end I would say don't let that hold you back.
Oh, absolute “physician heal thyself” talk for sure! Today I got out and shot some videos and took some pictures regardless of the doubts! Thank you for the encouragement !!!!
Truthfully, the biggest struggle is the lack of support for parents, but especially moms. I'm feeling it because I'm being pulled in so many directions. Trying to figure out if balance is possible
I was in a massive creative drought last year. This year I challenged myself to a 366 project where I take and share one photo per day. Because of time constraints this is on digital. I'm also doing a 52-week project, where I shoot at least one photo per week on film. Part of this is in response to my creative drought (kind of like practicing my scales with a musical instrument) and part of this is because I often struggle to use all the cameras that I own.
Totally relatable and normal and you're already doing what you can, which is to just make things every day and week. And also, I go through periods with my cameras, sometimes some will sit unused for a year. That's ok!
Well, one of the greatest problems that I have to deal with is the huge amount of work. As I divide my time between my Graphic Design job as a freelancer, my analog cameras store (@feira.35) and my photography as a hobby, it's difficult to organize everything. You have to say a few "no's" sometimes hahah
It’s such a struggle to know when a project is complete. In the absence of a deadline, a personal project can be ambiguous as to how and when it is complete.
I’m struggling with the idea of gatekeeping in the creative field I’m in. It just feels like I’m waiting for someone else’s permission. And that’s why it’s so important to just make my own shit
The thing that is easy and exciting is picking up the camera and shooting.
The part I struggle with is making time to finalise the shots on my computer and putting them out into the world.
I often have looked at the photos many times before I actually sit down and edit them. And then while editing I look at them even longer. And in the end I then not like the photos anymore. I just have to push through and put them out into the world but it is my main current creative struggle.
I struggle with the all-consuming-ness this field requires. I wish I had more control over how much of myself I give this career: where to I stop and the pictures begin?!?!
Ah that pesky 'why does it even matter.' I'm so aware of the (over)saturation of the creativity/photography market. There's a sneaky voice from the dark side of ambition that whispers 'you've gotta make it big,' and another from reality/diffidence that responds 'but you never will.' Which leads me back to 'why?' to which my answer remains, 'i must.'
My struggle is to find a balance between photography and work. As I’ve learned from experience is to be patient and eventually things will often work out. And i think I’m getting closer to a solution
Love your Japan images! I’m currently working on a zine from my recent time there. I am currently struggling with feeling motivated though. It’s definitely a wave that comes and goes!
What a gorgeous post. I spent a couple weeks in Tokyo + kyoto last year and can’t get them out of my mind. I desperately want to return to Japan with my camera.
One thing I’m struggling with right now is finding a balance between my creative pursuits -- I’m writing more than I usually do and I’m also regularly going to the pottery studio to make ceramics, but I haven’t picked up my camera in nearly a year.
Perhaps you can bring photography into one or both of the other two disciples? Photograph your ceramics, write alongside you photos? Just an idea :)
Such a great & timely post, Wesley!
Hi Lala! I'm also a potter and photography enthusiast, I’ve been trying to make a date of at least a photo walk each season, usually just me. I share those pictures with my writing here, which definitely inspires me to make time for it.
Although I haven’t shared much of my ceramics here, I do take process pictures. I’d like to carry my cam around more often to help reduce that friction—feeling inspired by Wesley’s recent daily photo diary post.
I wondered if you had any pottery experiences in Tokyo/Kyoto that you’d recommend ? 😊
Please do the daily camera carry :) It will change things for you, I promise :)
Hey Funmi! I’m a bit worried about bringing the camera to the pottery studio (im so messy with my mud) but I miss going on my photo walks a lot.
I love the idea of sharing your photos in your posts and the concept of one photo shoot a season, that sounds very doable to me too :)
Regarding kyoto, and I’m sorry this isn’t super helpful, but I remember stepping into this tiny shop on the trail outside Nanzenji temple. It wasn’t anything I’d researched but I found a bowl that spoke to me and now I get to look at it and remember the memories of that trip :) I was just so blown away by their pottery traditions and would recommend going into any pottery shop you find to look at inspiration
Ah yes! I mostly take those pictures away from the mess haha.
Thank you for sharing the spot in Kyoto, sounds like a sweet memory ☺️ Good luck on your photo adventures!
I struggle with the “what’s the point?” question / there’s already so much good music out there, photography, art - why even bother? I KNOW this is absolutely backwards thinking, of course, but I think about it a lot.
Thanks for sharing seth. You already know this but I would point out that there is only one person with your perspective and your story, but many who could relate, and so to that end I would say don't let that hold you back.
Oh, absolute “physician heal thyself” talk for sure! Today I got out and shot some videos and took some pictures regardless of the doubts! Thank you for the encouragement !!!!
proud of you, keep it going!
Yeah!! Especially with the incessant proliferation of social media...
Absolutely why I had to delete my accounts and slow down with newsletters in the last 3 years haha
Truthfully, the biggest struggle is the lack of support for parents, but especially moms. I'm feeling it because I'm being pulled in so many directions. Trying to figure out if balance is possible
So much respect for parents who are also photographers, and often hold another job as well.
I was in a massive creative drought last year. This year I challenged myself to a 366 project where I take and share one photo per day. Because of time constraints this is on digital. I'm also doing a 52-week project, where I shoot at least one photo per week on film. Part of this is in response to my creative drought (kind of like practicing my scales with a musical instrument) and part of this is because I often struggle to use all the cameras that I own.
Totally relatable and normal and you're already doing what you can, which is to just make things every day and week. And also, I go through periods with my cameras, sometimes some will sit unused for a year. That's ok!
Thanks, Wesley! I blogged about my first month of my 366 project, if you have time to check it out: https://andsplat.com/2024/02/03/366-photography-project-background-information-and-january-review/
Really lovely shots, Ben!
Thanks, Wesley! I appreciate you taking a look at my blog.
Well, one of the greatest problems that I have to deal with is the huge amount of work. As I divide my time between my Graphic Design job as a freelancer, my analog cameras store (@feira.35) and my photography as a hobby, it's difficult to organize everything. You have to say a few "no's" sometimes hahah
No is a very important and powerful word!
It’s such a struggle to know when a project is complete. In the absence of a deadline, a personal project can be ambiguous as to how and when it is complete.
True! Set a deadline and ask a friend to be an accountability partner. It works!
Wow this edition is amazing ... Japan is so inspirational. The culture, the way of life, the colors, the traditions .. Everything is a gem to capture!
Thanks to bring this visual journey into life!
thank you!
I’m struggling with the idea of gatekeeping in the creative field I’m in. It just feels like I’m waiting for someone else’s permission. And that’s why it’s so important to just make my own shit
not uncommon at all but you can get past this! you don't need any permission but if it helps you have mine and the rest of the process readership!
Terrific photos, Wesley!
thank you!
Lovely post Wesley!
The thing that is easy and exciting is picking up the camera and shooting.
The part I struggle with is making time to finalise the shots on my computer and putting them out into the world.
I often have looked at the photos many times before I actually sit down and edit them. And then while editing I look at them even longer. And in the end I then not like the photos anymore. I just have to push through and put them out into the world but it is my main current creative struggle.
Thank you for sharing Nick! Gotta be ruthless and kill your darlings sometimes to make the right selection to share with the world :)
A great read and lovely images. Visiting Japan is one of my dreams. I am glad you had such an amazing experience.
Thank you Vincent! I hope you get to visit soon.
Great essay! You are very fortunate to spend 4 months there and immerse yourself. It clearly shows in the great images.
Thank you Charlie!
I struggle with the all-consuming-ness this field requires. I wish I had more control over how much of myself I give this career: where to I stop and the pictures begin?!?!
such a fair point!
Ah that pesky 'why does it even matter.' I'm so aware of the (over)saturation of the creativity/photography market. There's a sneaky voice from the dark side of ambition that whispers 'you've gotta make it big,' and another from reality/diffidence that responds 'but you never will.' Which leads me back to 'why?' to which my answer remains, 'i must.'
you must!
My struggle is to find a balance between photography and work. As I’ve learned from experience is to be patient and eventually things will often work out. And i think I’m getting closer to a solution
Love that realization, Andre! Thanks for sharing!
Love your Japan images! I’m currently working on a zine from my recent time there. I am currently struggling with feeling motivated though. It’s definitely a wave that comes and goes!
Just ride the wave Steph! Some days are easier than others :)