Photography and art is very important for my mental health.
If I don’t take photos on a regular basis, I start feeling shitty.
For me, photography is all about exploring, playing and finding more appreciation in my everyday life. Without photography, I feel like I cannot breathe.
Photography keeps my life interesting and exciting. Photography gives my life a sense of purpose — to empower other photographers, to share open source information, but also to avoid feelings of depression in myself.
If I’m indoors all day, I get antsy, and feel restless, listless, and have too much time to think. I think too much time to think (especially when you are indoors) I think — is bad for your mental health. Depression is certainly a modern affliction — in the past, when we were too busy just fighting for survival, we didn’t even have time to feel depressed. But now, with too much comfort and luxury, we are punished.
For myself, I still get suckered by wanting more stuff, money, and wealth. But photography reminds me —
True happiness is human relationships.
When I make photos of Cindy, I remind myself:
My life is short. Let me appreciate every moment with Cindy. For me not to be petty, complain over bullshit, and live life with joy and appreciation.
Photography always puts me in a better mood. I can turn off my brain, and just shoot — entering a zen zone, and treating photography as self therapy.
Lately, I’m trying to take more POSITIVE photos. Photos of people laughing and smiling. To feel more joy in life, rather than just looking for the shitty.
I think a lot of us are miserable in our photography because we try too hard to be “serious” photographers.
I say fuck that — let’s just be big kids with cameras. Don’t take yourself seriously — just have fun.
The reason I love to teach workshops — the chance to have fun, meet other new passionate friends, and to share my experiences.
I think anything that brings us closer to people is good for us.
If you had a billion dollars, but you were the only person left on planet earth, would you be happy?
Make photos that bring a smile to your own face
No pressure in your photography. Just make photos that bring joy to your own life, and bring a smile to your own face.
Smile,
ERIC