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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
Terrific photos, Wesley!
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.
A great read and lovely images. Visiting Japan is one of my dreams. I am glad you had such an amazing experience.
Great essay! You are very fortunate to spend 4 months there and immerse yourself. It clearly shows in the great images.
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!