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10 Tips How to Become More Motivated in Your Photography
Dear friends,
What is the purpose of an artist or photographer? To make (new) photos. So how do we actually do this?
1. Imperfect is perfect
First thought:
To conquer ‘paralysis by analysis‘, recognize that perfection is detrimental to our progress as photographers.
2. Iterative thinking
Every time you make a photo, you iterate. To iterate means:
- Take the risk of shooting the photo
- Later review the photo
- Figure out what to do differently next time
And it isn’t about self-flagellating yourself for making a ‘mistake’. All ‘mistakes’ are information.
3. Own the platform
WordPress.org is the way.
Make your own self-hosted website, disable all statistics and comments, and make your own website a dynamic publishing platform.
4. Embrace the banality
The truth is, almost all of our lives are boring. And then perhaps the goal then is:
Accept that our lives, and our environments are boring… and still strive to make photos anyways.
For example, I hate the suburbs. Yet I still think there are interesting ways to make interesting photos in the suburbs. So perhaps start your own suburb street photography project.
5. Macro
RICOH GR III as ideal for macro photography. With macro mode, you open up your eyes to a whole new world of possibility.
6. Go on a hike
Hiking and photography work well hand in hand. When you go on a hike, you activate your legs, which activates your mind. And you will witness beauty in nature, which will inspire you to shoot.
7. Selfie project
Honor thy selfie. You are the oculus of your own life experiences. This means,
- Your perspective is interesting and unique in photography
- You yourself as a subject matter is interesting in your photography
When in doubt, just shoot a selfie of yourself in front of an interesting background.
A pro-tip:
If you shoot with a compact camera like a RICOH GR III, hold it upside down, and in one hand, and have it face you and just shoot randomly. Shoot a lot of random selfies, and review the best one later.
8. Block all camera websites, review websites, YouTube etc
Install website blockers to your browser of choice. Block all websites and gear review and gear rumor sites. Why?
Camera companies and blogs are designed for you to be perpetually dissatisfied with your camera and photography, in order to sell more ads and products.
Any time you are itching to buy a new camera, perhaps buy a new book instead.
9. Contribute
Upload your photos to arsbeta.com, and rate and have your photos rated. Constructive critique is the goal.
How does contributing to an online community help? My thought:
As humans, we are social beings. To be part of a photo world or art world is something which brings us joy.
10. Composition
Half of the fun of photography is composition. That is, see photography composition as a fun game:
- Simplify your photos
- Simple background
- Make your photos as dark as possible
- Shoot layers
- Shoot deep depth
Conclusion
To motivate means to move. Just keep it simple:
Move more, photograph more.
ERIC
ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS
Respark your passion for photography:
- SF BAY AREA STREET PHOTO ADVANCED WORKSHOP (November 13, Saturday 2021)
- LEARN FROM MASTERS ONLINE WORKSHOP (December 11, Saturday, 2021)
HAPTIC MOTIVATION
HAPTIC INDUSTRIES: Motivational photography tools:
- HENRI NECK STRAP MARK IV (PHANTOM BLACK x MAHOGANY BROWN/CRIMSON RED)
- ERIC KIM NECK STRAP MARK II (Ultimate RICOH GR III strap)
- STREET PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER KIT
- FILM NOTES MOBILE (NOW FREE)
- MASTERS MOBILE FREE
What I’m currently into
- The new DUNE 2021 is insanely great. Watch it!
- Really enjoying hiking and photography.
- Fitness idea– focus on strength, not size.
What next?
- Upload photos to arsbeta.com
- For a photo assignment, focus on ‘simplicity‘
- Have a chat with WHY app to figure out why you make photos (the ultimate motivator).