{"id":331981,"date":"2021-09-30T18:12:58","date_gmt":"2021-09-30T22:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=331981"},"modified":"2021-09-30T22:50:47","modified_gmt":"2021-10-01T02:50:47","slug":"how-to-become-a-happier-photographer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/30\/how-to-become-a-happier-photographer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Happier Photographer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\">ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Why have I never met a happy photographer?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Especially on the upper-echelon levels (Magnum). It seems that all these photographers are perpetually dissatisfied (in a pessimistic, bad way).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certainly happiness isn&#8217;t the end of life, but it is a good stimulus for our photographic progress. Some thoughts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-videopress\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='281' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/WQLxjbSq?autoPlay=1&amp;loop=1&amp;muted=1&amp;persistVolume=0&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;hd=0&amp;cover=1' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1674852142'><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption>How to Become a Happier Photographer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/erickim\/episodes\/How-to-Become-a-Happier-Photographer-e185513\">PODCAST<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/erickim\/embed\/episodes\/How-to-Become-a-Happier-Photographer-e185513\" height=\"102px\" width=\"400px\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/How-to-Become-a-Happier-Photographer.m4a\"><\/audio><figcaption>How to Become a Happier Photographer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Become a Happier Photographer\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oDTTQ8w0BGs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What is detrimental to our happiness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first thought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>What is the greatest detriment to our personal happiness as photographers?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I say social media. Practical via negativa thought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>The best thing you can do to grow as a photographer is to figure out what makes us unproductive and miserable. Namely, <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/delete-instagram\/\">delete Instagram<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. De-metricate yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do numbers exist for the sake of humans, or do humans exist for the sake of numbers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The algorithm don&#8217;t have the answers. An algorithm is simply an equation in which a (often very nerdy) individual creates weights to say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>These are the supreme values.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example on social media, to get more likes and followers is the apex. It goes to the American attitude:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>More is better.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But is this true? No. Otherwise McDonalds would be the #1 Restaurant in the world. Or a Honda Accord is probably the &#8216;best&#8217; car. But what do we desire?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>To become more exclusive.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Who do you care to impress?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certainly we first strive to impress ourselves, then others (a small group of others). For example, when I did a Magnum Workshop with <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/23\/15-lessons-david-alan-harvey-taught-street-photography\/\">David Alan Harvey<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2014\/09\/22\/20-lessons-constantine-manos-taught-street-photography\/\">Constantine Manos<\/a>, I will never forget:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>When David Alan Harvey was scrolling through my &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/04\/21\/suits\/\">SUITS<\/a>&#8216; project, he paused when looking at one of my photos and said: &#8220;THAT IS A GREAT PHOTO&#8221; (then proceeded).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To me this was worth 100000x more than getting a trillion likes on Instagram or Social Media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So the question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>Who are you trying to impress?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Inter-Pares<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It seems we only want to impress our equals. This is why I don&#8217;t really care for the critical feedback of my street photos from non-street photographers. Similarly speaking, better to impress 1 <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2011\/09\/26\/35-magnum-photographers-give-their-advice-to-aspiring-photographers\/\">Magnum Photographer<\/a> than 1 billion random people online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a lie to say that we don&#8217;t care what others think about our artwork (photos). Rather, we want to figure out <em>who<\/em> are the few people we are trying to impress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. What is happiness?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is happiness? It is a sense that we are progressing and advancing. For example, who is happier?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>A billionaire who overnight becomes a millionaire, or a homeless person who wins a million dollars overnight?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fall hurts 1000x more than the come-up. This is where the notion &#8216;ASAP&#8217; (always strive and prosper) is good. And the notion &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/30\/stay-hungry-stay-foolish-2\/\">Stay hungry, stay foolish<\/a>&#8216;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you lose your appetite for growth and progression, then what? Nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. How do we progress?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My notion of progress in photography is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>To continue making your photography more playful, productive, and simpler.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simpler compositions. Simpler workflows. More fun shooting on the streets. Less concern about &#8216;good&#8217; or bad photos. Rather, focusing on the <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/zen-photography\/\">zen of shooting street photography<\/a> or just photography in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. How to rate your progression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Upload your photos to <a href=\"https:\/\/arsbeta.com\/\">arsbeta.com<\/a> for feedback, or just upload them to your own self hosted blog and turn off comments and views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or have a little chat with <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/why\/\">ZEN OF ERIC<\/a> and keep brutally asking yourself &#8212; <em>why<\/em> you make photos, and what happiness in photography means to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SHOOT ON!<br>ERIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get direction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re hungry to get more honest feedback and direction (in real life or online), attend a future <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/workshops\/\">ERIC KIM WORKSHOP<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Self-Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/shop\/\">HAPTIC<\/a> EDUCATION:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn at your own pace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/street-photography-starter-kit\/\">STREET PHOTOGRAPHY STARTER KIT<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/how-to-see\/\">HOW TO SEE<\/a><\/li><li>Free PDF Download: <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Zen-Photography-by-Eric-Kim.pdf\">ZEN PHOTOGRAPHY by ERIC KIM<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/masters-volume-i-mobile\/\">OPEN: MASTERS VOLUME 1 DIGITAL<\/a> \/\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/masters\/\">PRINT<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/shop\/\">Discover more in HAPTIC INDUSTRIES SHOP &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/books\/\">MORE BOOKS<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2018\/06\/26\/monochrome-free-black-and-white-street-photography-pdf-ebook-by-eric-kim\/\">MONOCHROME by ERIC KIM<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2018\/06\/25\/new-free-street-photography-book-only-in-america-by-eric-kim\/\">ONLY IN AMERICA by ERIC KIM<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2018\/06\/16\/free-photography-pdf-book-suits-by-eric-kim\/\">SUITS by ERIC KIM<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/books\/\">Moar books &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turbo thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/29\/the-difference-between-your-greatest-photos-of-all-time-versus-the-most-meaningful-photos-to-you\/\">YOUR GREATEST vs MOST PERSONAL PHOTOS<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/29\/beautiful-aesthetics\/\">BEAUTIFUL AESTHETICS?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2021\/09\/29\/black-and-white-photography-tips\/\">BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/\">BLOG &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If this motivated you, feel free to share with a friend. <a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/newsletter\/\">NEWSLETTER LINK<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER Question: Why have I never met a happy photographer? Especially on the upper-echelon levels (Magnum). It seems that all these photographers are perpetually dissatisfied (in a pessimistic, bad way). Certainly happiness isn&#8217;t the end of life, but it is a good stimulus for our photographic progress. Some thoughts:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":331929,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-331981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/favorite-seneca-1-of-1-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1707&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331981","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=331981"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331981\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":331999,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/331981\/revisions\/331999"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/331929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=331981"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=331981"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=331981"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}