I just finished watching fast and the furious 9, and when listening to the feature commentary from Director Justin Lin, I am amazed that the franchise has lasted this long, and also the last film was really good. Granted there were some parts of the film that felt cheesy, but I still thought it was very strong and funny.
Which makes me think: rather than thinking about success, perhaps we should just think about longevity. To last. Even Nietzsche said things of the highest value on earth is durability.
Therefore, as an artist and as a creative, your job is to last. To focus on your own personal longevity.
So how does one last, or focus on longevity as a photographer? Some ideas:
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1. Perpetual curiosity
How do children grow? Their curiosity. I have seen the demise of many photographers because they no longer are curious. They think they have 100% perfect foresight in knowing how their photos will manifest. But perhaps a goal is to always be curious how reality will show up in your photos.
2. More bold risk-taking
I think as street photographers, we are adrenaline junkies. That means, we love street photography because of the challenges, the difficulty, and the fright associated with it.
Therefore, realize that the adrenaline in Street photography is the reward. It is that which continues the cycle of us going out and shooting.
Therefore, do not think that fear is something to be abolished and eliminated, rather an energy source which is to be channeled. Channel your fear into photographic productivity.
3. Delete social media
The biggest detriment to artists nowadays is social media. Where your self worth is being quantified into numbers. I say delete Instagram, if your goal is photographic longevity.
4. Share your wealth
I like the idea that the more you share, the more superadditive it becomes. That means, for example imagine a world in which you shared $100 with somebody in the future both of you guys would get $500 back.
Especially now with digital technologies, it is no longer zero sum. But you giving me something, you’re not losing something. We both gain.
Therefore, when in doubt be generous. Be generous with your ideas, your things, and your information. The reason I love knowledge and information so much is because it is ethereal and ephemeral, and can be infinitely multiplied. Share your secrets and ideas widely.
5. Consider yourself an artist.
Why is it that photographers do not feel comfortable calling themselves artists? I think because of the pretentiousness in art, typically artists are only regarded as painters and people who draw.
But funny enough, whenever you talk to kids, they have no problem calling themselves artists. Only when we become bigger and older, and then people tie our success and legitimacy and self identification with money, do we become corrupted.
Therefore, regard yourself as an artist. And don’t just tie yourself into photography. Allow yourself to double dip. You do photography and other forms of arts creation. You can make music, dance to theater, make illustrations, etc. You’re an artist.
6. Do not aspire to become your master
The goal is for you to discover your own vision and your own approach, not for you to become your teacher sensei master. You want to become your own master.
For example, in the karate kid, the kid thinks that the goal is to become Mr. Miyagi. But Mr. Miyagi told him, no, because for you to discover your own style and approach is the goal.
For example, we might find inspiration in Henri Cartier Bresson, but the goal is not to become Henri Cartier Bresson. The goal is for you to create your own style and approach in photography, and only seek Henri Cartier Bresson and the other masters as a source of inspiration and motivation. They are not the end goal. You are the end goal.
7. Get a Ricoh GR
I am still convinced: I think that all photographers will benefit getting a Ricoh GR digital camera. For example, if you’ve never shot flash Street photography or flash photography I’m a huge fan of the Ricoh GR 2. But if you want to try something new, and focus on natural light, Ricoh GR 3 has been quite fun for me.
I do miss the flash, but because the increased macro functionality of the Ricoh GR 3 as well as the in camera black and white jpeg is great, I prefer the Ricoh GR 3 over the Ricoh GR 2.
Why does having a compact camera matter so much? Because if your camera doesn’t fit in your front pocket or is not always around your neck, it is useless. The bigger, heavier, and more obtrusive your camera, the less you’ll carry it with you everywhere you go, and the fewer photos you’ll shoot.
8. Travel and think Nomadic
Even though technology has changed much of modern society, I believe that much of our inherent DNA and biology is the same.
For example, for maximum human thriving, I believe in a semi nomadic lifestyle, to travel, and to walk much. For example, I’ve been striving to walk 30,000 steps a day — this has been a rewarding challenge for myself. I sleep better at night, my legs feel stronger, I walk more, I think more, and I make more photos. And I’m also happier, more productive, and feel better.
Also, we all know that we find more inspiration and motivation to walk more and shoot more photos when we’re traveling or on the road. Also, if you live nomadically, that is you only live one city for six months to two years, then you will always be forced to adapt, and adaptation is what drives our growth.
9. Think the future
Your photography journey has just begun. Think about your photography 10 years from now 20 years from now 30 years from now. Pace yourself. Photography is not a race, it is a marathon.
10. Don’t strive to or expect to make good photos
Desiring to make good photos is what holds us back. Why? Because when we see something that we’re not sure it’s gonna be a good photo or not, we don’t photograph it. We get overwhelmed by paralysis by analysis.
Then the best way to overcome this is don’t strive to make good photos. Just shoot photos which pique your curiosity.
11. The journey never ends
The only end to your photography journey is your personal death.
Therefore brothers and sisters, shoot on!
ERIC
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