RICHARD AVEDON x ERIC KIM TRACE

How NOT to Die as a Photographer and Artist

RICHARD AVEDON x ERIC KIM TRACE
RICHARD AVEDON x ERIC KIM TRACE

Dear friend,

In photography and life… the focus should be to NOT die as a photographer and artist.

DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD PDF >

Why do you lose motivation?

RICHARD AVEDON x ERIC KIM TRACE
RICHARD AVEDON x ERIC KIM TRACE

First question is to ask yourself… why do you lose motivation to make photos?

For me, I have lost motivation in photography for the following reasons:

  1. Boredom: Everyday life is too routine, same, boring. I’m not “excited” to make photos, because nothing I see excites me.
  2. I’m afraid that I can’t make good photos, because my camera isn’t good enough. Or the false hope that somehow buying a new camera will “re-inspire me”
  3. Losing the fervor, zest, and joy of life.

Enjoy your life!

TUPAC AVEDON x KIM
TUPAC AVEDON x KIM

Ok, I get you. Some practical ideas on how to overcome loss of motivation (aka creative death) in photography.

First of all, to be a better photographer, or more inspired photographer, ENJOY YOUR LIFE MORE!

Honestly, most of us see photography as escapism.

We think… if I pick up photography, I will be encouraged to travel more. I will be encouraged to be more brave, adventurous, and artistic.

So the secret to being more inspired or motivated in your photography is to LOVE YOUR LIFE MORE.

HOW TO LOVE LIFE

AVEDON x KIM TRACE
AVEDON x KIM TRACE

Some ideas:

  1. Have the curiosity of a child: I’m amazed by children. They got no boundaries in their minds. They believe they can be scientists, astronauts, and inventors. They LOVE LIFE… because nobody tells them NO… at least while they’re young. As adults, we are always told NO. We have to learn and obey societal rules and “laws”— which make us passive. The solution, break social norms and standards, and find your inner creative child.
  2. Walk more: I find more love of life when I’m walking. And just looking. I go on walks, and just bring my camera “for a walk”— kind of like walking your dog. If I see something interesting, I shoot it. If not, that’s okay too. Ultimately, I enjoy walking because it helps heal my mind. To be a more inspired photographer, WALK MORE!
  3. Always seek to explore more: As human beings, we are born to be explorers. For me, I’m endlessly fascinated with visual imagery. So visual imagery and perception isn’t just photographs. It is all sorts of “pictures”— or visual representations of things, that influence our mind and soul. I love digital illustrations, fractal patterns, fashion, architecture, interior design. It all gives me creative fuel.

BE CREATIVE EVERYDAY,
ERIC


MAKE MORE ART >

ERIC KIM X AVEDON

INSPIRE YOURSELF with HAPTIC.

Re-discover you inner-child and feel like PABLO PICASSO:

See all articles >