Dear friends,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What do we lack as photographers? Confidence, and also self-confidence in our own photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I say the goal is towards self confidence. To become a more self confident photographer — to become more confident in our approach, our photos, and our progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I say–<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Become more child-like.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Let us consider children– they have no problems asserting themselves as artists. They have no problems pursuing their art, with no obstructions or desire for acclaim from others. I think it is only society which corrupts us into seeking external validation for our worthiness or value as photographers\/artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Detaching yourself from external affirmation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why do we desire others to affirm us and our worthiness? Why don’t we just affirm ourselves? Or just break away from all notions of ‘legitimacy’?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The joy of viewing your own photos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A big thing I have discovered is that I actually really love looking at my own photos because:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It helps me re-live wonderful past memories (I have a poor memory)<\/li>
- There is a certain aesthetic joy I get from looking at my own photos — I am always amazed “Wow, I had no idea that scene could have manifested itself like that as a photograph.”<\/li>
- I am becoming less interested in making a good single photo — I am more interested in the process or stream<\/a> of photos.<\/li>
- I am becoming more future-oriented. Now that I have a kid (Seneca<\/a>), I am more interested in my future and his future. Life is about the future– future growth<\/a>, future progress, and future thriving.<\/li>
- When you view your photos– you can see unique compositions<\/a> you might have done anew.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Having faith in yourself<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps the best way to become more confident in your own self and photography (confidence means ‘faith in oneself’), is —<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Detach yourself from anything which saps away your faith.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
For example, measuring yourself against other photographers on social media. Deleting my instagram<\/a> was perhaps the best thing I’ve ever done for my self confidence. Therefore perhaps the best way to become ‘more’ self confident is to simply REMOVE or SUBTRACT (via negativa<\/a>) that which is anti-confidence for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, anything with numbers seems to be bad for self confidence. Therefore, ‘demetricate<\/a>‘ yourself. Personally speaking I turned off all statistics for my blog and more recently I’ve also been turning of metrics for my YouTube<\/a> channel which is hugely advantageous. It helps me stay more focused on my creative vision, rather than seeking a meter to see how well I am doing via numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ZEN ZONE.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Then another thought is perhaps we must get into a zen zone (creative isolation<\/a>) in order to progress and grow as photographers. To turn a blind eye to all other photographers, and become insanely focused on ourself, and our own goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The blog as a zen platform<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Creating your own self hosted blog platform<\/a> seems to be a good approach. And this is what I have realized:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The benefit of self-hosted (wordpress.org) is the ultimate control.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
In life, more control<\/a> is supreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just make your own blog on bluehost.com and install wordpress.org (or use 1and1.com, which I use).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSelf hosted publishing ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Publish photos to your own blog<\/li>
- Publish your photos as PDF<\/a><\/li>
- Self print your own photos at a local printer, just do a simple letter-press ‘zine’ (magazine).<\/li>
- Make an iMovie<\/a> slideshow with your favorite photos and share with friends and family<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSelf confidence in street photography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- To become more extroverted<\/a> in street photography: Smile at strangers, wave hi to them, and make small talk<\/a> with them. Small talk as a means to start making ‘big talk’ with people (first warm up people with small talk, then transition into the deeper questions).<\/li>
- Take a photo of a stranger without permission, smile and make eye contact with them, then compliment<\/a> them and move on.<\/li>
- The goal is to conquer confidence in street photography<\/a>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Street photography 101 ><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHAPTIC INDUSTRIES<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Empower yourself with HAPTIC<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- ERIC KIM NECK STRAP MARK II: For the brave ><\/a><\/li>
- ERIC KIM WRIST STRAP MARK II: Always locked and loaded ><\/a><\/li>
- HENRI SHOULDER STRAP: For the heavyweights ><\/a><\/li>
- HENRI NECK STRAP MARK IV: The OG ><\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHAPTIC<\/a> PRESS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
HAPTIC<\/a> books to inspire and motivate your photography and artistry:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- CREATIVE EVERY DAY (Print Edition)<\/a> \/\/ Digital Edition<\/a><\/li>
- Ultimate Beginner\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Guide to Mastering Street Photography EBOOK<\/a><\/li>
- LIMITED-EDITION MASTERS VOLUME 1 Print Edition<\/a> \/\/ DIGITAL<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Discover all HAPTIC PRESS IN SHOP ><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTURBO IDEAS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- In praise of productivity<\/a><\/li>
- The Philosophy of Photography Aesthetics<\/a><\/li>
- How to photograph<\/a><\/li>
- Optimize it For You<\/a>.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
More on blog ><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nYour photo assignment: EYE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
EYE<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make the focus on the human eye your photo assignment. Upload your best eye photo to arsbeta.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember the saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n