Dear friend,
What is my personal modus in photography? Simple —
Helping you achieve your personal maximum in your photography.
Why is this a good idea?
I like this idea because each of us have different life circumstances. And where did I get this idea of a ‘personal maximum’? Josef Koudelka:
Searching for the maximum … this is what has always interested me.
What is your personal maximum?
You never know until you dare it.
I like this idea — fortune favors those who are bold, and willing to risk.
Life is all about calculated risk-taking (and sometimes, irrational risk-taking).
Risk in your photography
What is risk in photography? Travel photography risking. Risking to shoot a street photograph even though you may get ‘in trouble’.
What makes a ‘good’ street photographer? His/her appetite for risk.
How to take more risks in your photography
- Just shoot it: When you see a street photography opportunity, just risk it. Just shoot it. Best to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.
- If you are really really in doubt, just ask for permission. Asking for permission in street photography portraits actually does take great courage. (street portrait manual) – Direct PDF
- Take more financial risks in your photography: Buy more photography books, go on little mini travel trips (travel as a soft rest).
- Publish more fearlessly: If you’re not sure whether others will like your (new) style of photography or not, just publish it. Publish fearlessly.
- Take the risk of prioritizing your photography in life, over money, your career, etc.
How great can you become?
When we study the masters of art or photography, let us consider:
Before the masters became a ‘master’ (seen by others), they were aspiring photographers (just like you and me).
In fact, how do you know whether you will become a ‘famous’ or ‘master’ photographer? Nobody. You must simply ‘put yourself out there’, and you must self promote yourself. Even great artists like Picasso were master self-promoters.
Assignments to challenge you
STREET NOTES DIGITAL EDITION (now open and free) // also get the print edition. The best way to achieve your personal maximum is to challenge yourself with exercises and assignments.
Also a good idea to attend a photography workshop (whether in person or online).
Getting critical feedback
Finding mentors or photographers whose opinion you care for is difficult. Online you can use arsbeta.com, or you can attend a photography workshop to get critical feedback on your photos.
Granted that we want to become self-sufficient photographers, but still — when you are starting off, getting honest feedback and critique on your photography will elevate your standards for your own photography.
Analyzing your own photos
Visually analyzing your own photos is key. If you can analyze and deconstruct your own photos, this is good.
Integrating your photography with your life
Photography is our lifestyle. What does this mean?
The purpose of our lives is in order to make photos.
I like the idea that we are just instruments. We are instruments for making photos (our visual artwork).
If you consider yourself a visual artist … leverage all of your resources (money, time, life opportunities) in order to make photos.
Once again, a simple thought:
The philosophy of photography
Photography x Philosophy — photography philosophy (photolosophy) — get the free open source course here.
Workshop experience
If you want hands-on inspiration and motivation, join me at one of my upcoming street photography workshop experiences:
- November 13th: SF BAY AREA STREET PHOTOGRAPHY ADVANCED WORKSHOP
- December 18-19th: Mexico City Travel Street Photography Workshop Experience (New)
Motivational Photography Equipment
- ERIC KIM NECK STRAP MARK II
- HENRI NECK STRAP MARK IV
- Street Photography Starter Kit
- Henri Shoulder Strap (for the heavy weights)
- FREE: MASTERS VOL 1 // Print
- FREE: Creative Every Day // Print
- Street Notes Mobile (FREE) // Print
- CITY OF ANGELS ART PORTFOLIO
Random thoughts on my mind:
- I think I prefer robusta/arabica blends instead of 100% arabica. Why? Robusta has more caffeine.
- Perhaps the best life is where you just optimize everything for photography.
- Best to take lots of small financial risks in your photography and life.
- Perhaps best for us to have digital possessions than physical possessions.
- Perhaps the best lifestyle requires some level of hiking.
What has been inspiring me
- Just came back from a quick 2 day trip from Joshua Tree (in a nice airbnb). Blown away how a quick little 2-day trip can re-spark your passion for photography.
- Enjoying RICOH GR III more and more. Knowing there is always something to photograph.
- Epiphany that all aesthetics are temporary. Thus less concern for possessions and things.
Why read?
Why do I love books so much? Faster and more inspirational than films.
- The Iliad by Homer
- Any book by Nietzsche.
- Nassim Taleb books (antifragile, skin in the game).
What I’m listening to
- KANYE WEST: DONDA Album
- Family Ties (Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar)
- Studio Ghibli music on Apple Music
What I watched
Share with a friend!