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How to Gain More Self-Respect as a Photographer

ERIC KIM NEWS >

Why is that we photographers have so low self-esteem?

For example:

We don’t like to call ourselves ‘photographers’ when introducing ourselves, because we don’t make a living from it.

Or,

When we say photography is our passion, we don’t call ourselves ‘artists’. We see artists as painters, and photographers as a lesser-being.

But what if we saw photography as superior to painting, and other forms of artwork?


1. Why do photographers have such a chip on their shoulder?

selfie Cindy nguyen hands

I have heard far too often:

I do photography because I cannot draw.

But what if we started to think —

Photography takes MORE skill than drawing.

But what does it mean to ‘draw‘ anyways?

2. What do you desire to DRAW OUT of reality?

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Perhaps rather than thinking of ‘drawing’ as the notion of sketching an image on a piece of paper, it is better to think of the other ‘draw’ word (to drag, pull). Thus my poetic interpretation:

The drawer (who uses a paint brush or a pencil or pen) DRAWS something out of their imagination, and puts it onto the canvas or paper.

However the photographer DRAWS things out of embodied reality, and transforms it into an artistic photograph.

Different methods and means, but towards the same ends (artistic expression).

3. Anti-comparison

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What is the greatest vice in modern society? The need for competition. Even the ancient greeks saw their self-worth only in the context of competition and through warfare.

However, perhaps we should be more advanced and wise. To know that things of immensely great value cannot be compared.

For example, if you are really a truly unique individual, should you assess your self worth based on comparison to others? I say no.

Perhaps the same in art — we cannot and should not compare our photography to other photographers, or other artists.

Perhaps in some ways then, creative isolation is good. If you want to evolve into something greater, you must be blind to the trends of modern society and others.

4. Growth

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Your own blog as the best place to display your growth. To share your works in progress, and share your ideas in progress.

5. Help other photographers

Help other photographers. Arsbeta.com as a means to help empower other photographers.

As you help other photographers, you help yourself.

6. Become both a philosopher and photographer

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The greatest artists in the past were both artists and philosophers. To bridge photography and philosophy is great.

Photography is philosophy.

For example, Piet Mondrian as a good teacher — he developed both his artistic expression and his own philosophy behind artwork.

Develop BOTH your photography and philosophy. Study and start thinking about the philosophy of aesthetics, and you will see great growth in your photography.

7. The never-ending journey

seneca and Cindy

The great thing about photography, life and philosophy:

The journey never ends.

Every photo you shoot, you are in a state of becoming as a photographer.

ERIC


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What is on my mind

  1. Why Do Photographers Aspire to Become Painters?
  2. Anti Consistency
  3. Convictions are Prisons
  4. You’re the Artist
  5. Fulfillment and Photography

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Artists to study

  1. Piet Mondrian
  2. Matisse // JAZZ
  3. Leonardo da Vinci

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