To succeed as a modern photographer, you need PASSION.
First of all, what is passion in the context of photography?
Passion: a burning desire to make pictures and visual art.
For passion, I think we all start off with it. Then as we advance in our photography, we lose our passion. The fire burns out.
Why do we lose our passion?
My theory:
We lose our passion, because we are told the “rules” of photography. We are told what to do, and not to do — rather than following our childlike instinct for making images.
Why I need passion to live
My only goal as a photographer is to wake up, with the same passion and curiosity I had in my photography when I was a beginner. This is why I love beginner photographers when I’m teaching my workshops — their passion and enthusiasm is infectious. The more advanced photographers I know are less passionate about photography. Their mind is more closed off, and less flexible.
Therefore, the secret of resparking your passion for photography is to become a beginner again.
Become a beginner again.
For example ask yourself the question,
If I started photography all over again, what would I do differently, or the same?
For example, if I started photography all over again today —I would be confused as fuck. There are so many damn cameras, systems, conflicting information, and no good resources on how to take better photos.
Therefore, thinking like a beginner —it reminded me to focus on these things:
- Focus on teaching people how to take better pictures
- Helping photographers navigate the fragmented camera market — teaching them the best camera for their needs.
- Technical Settings
- How to take better photos on a phone
- The question: “Should I buy a DSLR?”
So you can even see — going back to basics can help respark your creativity, and can be the chance for you to ask the fundamental questions of photography.
Unlearn
Another secret to keeping passionate about photography — seek to UNLEARN all this crap you’ve learned about photography.
For example, seek to UNLEARN everything you’ve learned about cameras, lenses, sensors, technical settings, and the “rules” of photography. Unlearn stuff about social media, and Instagram.
Every day, I am trying to become more of a beginner, to empty my mind of concepts, and for me to keep shooting with passion, every day, without inhibitions.
ETERNAL RETURN TO CREATIVE EVERY DAY
To inspire your creativity every day, and to respark your passion for photography and art, HAPTICPRESS made the book: ETERNAL RETURN TO CREATIVE EVERY DAY.
The simple concept:
How could we revolutionize our lives if we were creative every day?
How much happier, joyful, creative, and passionate would we be?
- Buy CREATIVE EVERY DAY MOBILE Edition
- Buy CREATIVE EVERY DAY Paper Edition
- CREATIVE EVERY DAY on Amazon
Photography Assignments to respark your passion for photography
1. Cross pollinate
Pick up a different visual art. Learn how to draw, or try making sculpture, or signup for a ceramics class. Seek to cross pollinate between your passion of photography with other forms of art, and you will be more creative with your photography.
2. Shoot FILM
Buy a copy of FILM NOTES and take a stab at shooting film photos, going back to the old school.
I know for myself, shooting film photography has given me more inspiration and enthusiasm about digital photography and phone photography. Film has made me slow down, appreciate the process of photography, and has made me feel like a kid again — experimenting with film.
3. Shoot colorful textures
Learn Color Theory For Yourself by shooting colorful things, and nice textures:
4. Attend a photography workshop
Photography workshops are the best investment — to respark your passion for photography.
For myself, I always get reinspired in my photography whenever I teach a workshop. Why? Because you have the chance to meet other passionate photographers — and we all know that passion is infectious.
5. Travel
The chance to explore, travel to a foreign city — these are all good ways to respark your passion for photography.
For me, travel is a good creative stimulus. Whenever I experience a new culture or place, I feel that child like enthusiasm for novelty, and learning.
For example, Kyoto is one of my favorite cities to travel to. Why? Because Kyoto has great history, culture, minimalism, and zen aesthetics which spark creativity in me.
When I’m shooting street photography in Kyoto, I get into a zen zone.
The best bang for the buck to inspire your photography — Buy Experiences, Not Stuff.
So instead of buying a new camera or lens to respark your passion for photography, travel instead. Book an airline ticket somewhere, or just take your car for a road trip.
6. Buy books, not gear
We made the HAPTIC PRESS Box Bundle, as a bundle to respark your creativity and passion for photography.
I know whenever I need inspiration, having assignments and random discovery in books is a good way to respark my passion for photography.
Consider, instead of spending $1,000 on that new camera or lens — how many photo books can you buy for that price? Assuming a photo book is $20– you can buy 50 phenomenal photo books that can change your photographic life. See my 75+ list of recommended photo books.
A book I love is MASTERS — distilled lessons from the masters of photography.
Don’t miss your chance for life changing photographic wisdom from MASTERS.
7. Try shooting street portraits
Learn how to ask for permission, and try out the 10 no challenge — approach a bunch of strangers and try to make a portrait of them with permission.
When you shoot a street portrait, it will encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone — always a great way for you to respark your passion for photography.
Why? Asking for permission is hard. It is scary. But I do think that fear is a good stimulus to resparking your passion for photography. Too much of photography is too easy, and thus — boring.
Conclusion
Without passion and fire in your heart, you will die.
To respark your passion for photography and to invest in an unforgettable experience, join an ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE.
Also, check out the HAPTIC SHOP: creative tools to respark your passion for photography.
Also subscribe to ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER for daily shots of photography inspiration.
BE CREATIVE EVERY DAY!
ERIC KIM x HAPTIC TEAM
