Always thought I needed an abundance of money and a big house. Now that I’m an adult, I’m really only interested in a modest living that allows me the freedom to work on what I’m passionate about without the stress of constantly increasing my cost of living.
I always thought I needed the right photography gear before I could get started with a new project - why not wait for that perfect new camera or new lens before going out and shooting. I put off a photo essay idea I'd had in 2019 because I was saving up for a new camera body... and then covid hit and the idea wasn't much use anymore 😂! I've since learned that time taking pictures is so much more important than the gear those pictures were taken on. Gear is great, and new equipment is exciting and fun, but anything that gets in the way of shooting is getting in the way of my projects and my improvement as a photographer
After teaching for over 25 years, I thought that once I retired having unlimited time and fewer commitments would allow my creativity/photography to explode. Don't get me wrong I love the time I have every day to do as I wish, but an uncluttered day does not mean I am 'more creative'. I need to figure out how to incorporate a framework to my days and generate ideas/projects. When I was teaching, I was immersed in all things photography and my students constantly challenged and inspired me. Retirement is a journey...
I used to think I needed my creative work to bring me some sort of value, like money or popularity. Now I try to enjoy making things for their own sake, enjoying the process without worrying about the end result.
Wonderful story. I am curious if using the back changed the way that you shoot now? I have always felt that it’s good to exercise the brain by doing things differently. Sometimes I choose to do things differently. Others I find that I make happy accidents that lead to new ways of shooting. Also, thanks for the Moment gift certificate! I got an instant camera
After spending two years at uni feeling miserable, because I wasn't doing anything close of what I like. I realized that following the path others think is the best for me, it is not right, I'm the one that have to live everyday with it. So I'm glad I'm doing something I like, even if people thinks I'm wrong.
I loved the article! Also, really lovely portraits!
I always thought I wanted the sharpest lenses, but with time (and due to $$$) I started experimenting with some vintage lenses. I found myself really loving the imperfections of those older lenses - the coatings, the distortion, the way the focus falls off. And now, I'd argue that it's a huge part of my day-to-day process in my work. I can't imagine working any other way.
I always though a laptop would be necessary for photography work but a year ago i decide to sell mine and change it for an iPad and it has been great! I feel closer with each photograph when working on it and i turned out in a better postproduction because of it!
For a long time I thought every side-hustle or hobby project had to evolve into something significant (whether that meant money, recognition or something else) - this has included: songwriting/bands, making moustache wax, meeting regularly with like-minded designers... not every project needs it’s own Twitter account or become a spin off business.
As I’ve gotten older I’m so happy to have these things just for me, or kept for a select audience!
I always planned to work in the film industry. I went to school and got a BA in screenwriting then moved to LA and interned for two years, at which point I realized I really did not want to work in that business. It partially is what drove me further down the path of photography cause I realized I could fulfill my creativity so much more directly with a camera in my hand than writing a screenplay that never gets read or made.
love that for you jeremy. and you know the ol' industry saying: every photographer wants to be a filmmaker and every filmmaker wants to be a photographer.
Meat, dairy and eggs. I used to believe all these foods were necessary for a healthy life. Thankful I figured out that a primarily plant-based diet, with plenty of fresh fish, if available, works much better for me and the planet.
Beautiful portraits Wesley, love the one of Martin especially! I'm excited to make portraits this spring summer too, a goal of mine is to overcome fear of talking to strangers in public and face rejection.
At the moment I'd say I'd always thought I needed stability, safety and security in the traditional sense with money and career etc but as I am learning this is far from the truth and I'm learning to step more out of my comfort zone, take risks, and trusting that things will work out how they are meant to be without being such a logical, defined path.
I always thought that I need to focus on one thing and just work in that niche in order to be successful and fullfilled, but as I tried many things I realized being involved in various different fields expands your creativity and makes you happier and more complete.
I thought i really wanted and needed a digital camera for taking more professional photos and to getting a “better quality”, but once I got it, I founded myself preferring and missing the mechanical aspects and for me, way more fulfilling process of analogue photography. It was what first got me into photography and I still find it amazing and magical ✨
The thing I always thought I needed, that I’ve come to realize I don’t need, is: the right answer. Growing up (at least in the US), we’re told that most things have a right and a wrong answer and if you don’t know the right answer then you’re wrong. I’ve (recently) reached a point where I’ve realized that not knowing the right answer is completely okay, and in fact, most people don’t know the “right” answer. And often times, there IS NOT even a “right” answer. Everyone, everywhere, at all times, is always just figuring things out as they go. Nobody has ever been in the exact same situation that they are in now. This realization has helped me be more relaxed in my life and my decisions, and has also made me more tolerant, accepting, and understanding when other people maybe don’t do things that I completely align with. They’re just doing what they think is “right”. And that’s about all that we can do.
Always thought I needed an abundance of money and a big house. Now that I’m an adult, I’m really only interested in a modest living that allows me the freedom to work on what I’m passionate about without the stress of constantly increasing my cost of living.
A fantastic answer Jesse, and I feel many people have come to this conclusion in recent years. Wise!
I always thought I needed the right photography gear before I could get started with a new project - why not wait for that perfect new camera or new lens before going out and shooting. I put off a photo essay idea I'd had in 2019 because I was saving up for a new camera body... and then covid hit and the idea wasn't much use anymore 😂! I've since learned that time taking pictures is so much more important than the gear those pictures were taken on. Gear is great, and new equipment is exciting and fun, but anything that gets in the way of shooting is getting in the way of my projects and my improvement as a photographer
yes yes yes!
So many times I stayed too much on planning. I guess what I don't need is a perfect timing. Just start doing things, start shooting, start a project.
classic!
After teaching for over 25 years, I thought that once I retired having unlimited time and fewer commitments would allow my creativity/photography to explode. Don't get me wrong I love the time I have every day to do as I wish, but an uncluttered day does not mean I am 'more creative'. I need to figure out how to incorporate a framework to my days and generate ideas/projects. When I was teaching, I was immersed in all things photography and my students constantly challenged and inspired me. Retirement is a journey...
As a self-employed person I hear this!!
I used to think I needed my creative work to bring me some sort of value, like money or popularity. Now I try to enjoy making things for their own sake, enjoying the process without worrying about the end result.
Yesssss the process, no pun intended, is everything!
Wonderful story. I am curious if using the back changed the way that you shoot now? I have always felt that it’s good to exercise the brain by doing things differently. Sometimes I choose to do things differently. Others I find that I make happy accidents that lead to new ways of shooting. Also, thanks for the Moment gift certificate! I got an instant camera
ooooh congrats Leanne! That's aweome! which camera?
I don't think it changed how I should, just how grateful I am for it :)
After spending two years at uni feeling miserable, because I wasn't doing anything close of what I like. I realized that following the path others think is the best for me, it is not right, I'm the one that have to live everyday with it. So I'm glad I'm doing something I like, even if people thinks I'm wrong.
I loved the article! Also, really lovely portraits!
Thank you for sharing Alvaro! That's a great lesson to learn and brave to follow it. Many people would just continue. And thanks for kind words!
I always thought I wanted the sharpest lenses, but with time (and due to $$$) I started experimenting with some vintage lenses. I found myself really loving the imperfections of those older lenses - the coatings, the distortion, the way the focus falls off. And now, I'd argue that it's a huge part of my day-to-day process in my work. I can't imagine working any other way.
great lesson! and so true!
I always though a laptop would be necessary for photography work but a year ago i decide to sell mine and change it for an iPad and it has been great! I feel closer with each photograph when working on it and i turned out in a better postproduction because of it!
I've heard this from many people! Thanks for sharing Cesar!
For a long time I thought every side-hustle or hobby project had to evolve into something significant (whether that meant money, recognition or something else) - this has included: songwriting/bands, making moustache wax, meeting regularly with like-minded designers... not every project needs it’s own Twitter account or become a spin off business.
As I’ve gotten older I’m so happy to have these things just for me, or kept for a select audience!
Loving your writing Wesley! 🙌🏼
love this life lesson james, thanks for sharing! also reminds me of one of the formative articles for me: https://dianaberlin.com/posts/no-more-forever-projects
I always planned to work in the film industry. I went to school and got a BA in screenwriting then moved to LA and interned for two years, at which point I realized I really did not want to work in that business. It partially is what drove me further down the path of photography cause I realized I could fulfill my creativity so much more directly with a camera in my hand than writing a screenplay that never gets read or made.
love that for you jeremy. and you know the ol' industry saying: every photographer wants to be a filmmaker and every filmmaker wants to be a photographer.
Meat, dairy and eggs. I used to believe all these foods were necessary for a healthy life. Thankful I figured out that a primarily plant-based diet, with plenty of fresh fish, if available, works much better for me and the planet.
I made that switch too a few years ago and i love it! no fish for me even.
Beautiful portraits Wesley, love the one of Martin especially! I'm excited to make portraits this spring summer too, a goal of mine is to overcome fear of talking to strangers in public and face rejection.
At the moment I'd say I'd always thought I needed stability, safety and security in the traditional sense with money and career etc but as I am learning this is far from the truth and I'm learning to step more out of my comfort zone, take risks, and trusting that things will work out how they are meant to be without being such a logical, defined path.
such a great life lesson shanil, brave! and thank you for the kind words. this summer you will overcome the nerves!
I always thought that I need to focus on one thing and just work in that niche in order to be successful and fullfilled, but as I tried many things I realized being involved in various different fields expands your creativity and makes you happier and more complete.
love that conclusion Zhivko, and as always it's all about balance
I thought i really wanted and needed a digital camera for taking more professional photos and to getting a “better quality”, but once I got it, I founded myself preferring and missing the mechanical aspects and for me, way more fulfilling process of analogue photography. It was what first got me into photography and I still find it amazing and magical ✨
thanks for sharing Marcela!
The thing I always thought I needed, that I’ve come to realize I don’t need, is: the right answer. Growing up (at least in the US), we’re told that most things have a right and a wrong answer and if you don’t know the right answer then you’re wrong. I’ve (recently) reached a point where I’ve realized that not knowing the right answer is completely okay, and in fact, most people don’t know the “right” answer. And often times, there IS NOT even a “right” answer. Everyone, everywhere, at all times, is always just figuring things out as they go. Nobody has ever been in the exact same situation that they are in now. This realization has helped me be more relaxed in my life and my decisions, and has also made me more tolerant, accepting, and understanding when other people maybe don’t do things that I completely align with. They’re just doing what they think is “right”. And that’s about all that we can do.
Beautiful answer Nick! Thank you for sharing!