I’m sure you’ve had this experience: you are sitting on the couch with your loved one, and you think to yourself, “This is a wonderful moment.” You then jump off the couch (ask your loved one to wait a second), and get your camera. You make a few images, and then you sit down again with your loved ones, and continue to savor the moment.
Happiness is gratitude
For me, I have a hard time being grateful for what I have. I take my loved ones, my surroundings, and my home for granted.
However by saying, “This is a wonderful moment”– I am better able to appreciate these small and meaningful moments, which also helps me better identify moments to make photographs.
Be grateful for what you have; rather than what you don’t have
Another thing that gets in the way of me appreciating my life is wishing for things I don’t have; rather than appreciating what I do have.
For example, there are times I wish I had more followers, got more “likes”, made more money, was more “famous”, and “respected.” But whenever I wish for more, I instantly forget the blessings I already have.
So friend, think about how blessed you are to have the camera you currently own, the loved ones in your life, and all the photographic opportunities you have– rather than what you don’t have.
Listen to your heart
But how do I realize if a moment is a wonderful moment or not? My personal tip: listen to your heart, your emotions, and your gut.
If you are a human being (unless you are a Google bot mining the text off this)– you probably have a heart, a soul, and a sense of emotions and feelings. Give more credence and priority to what your heart feels, rather than what the outside world says.
The outside world says that you can only make interesting photos in New York, Tokyo, or Paris. However your inner heart knows that you can make meaningful photos wherever you are. Sure you might not get the most “exciting” or “extraordinary” photos– but isn’t that what personal photography is all about? Making meaningful photos out of your ordinary life.
The more I think about it, to be truly happy in photography is to realize that you can capture beautiful moments from your “boring” and mundane life.
So whenever you are waiting for the bus, walking in the streets, or interacting with your loved ones, always tell yourself: “This is a wonderful moment.” Oh yeah, and make some photos while you’re at it.
Always,
Eric
9:24am, April 13, 2016