This self exploratory journey of photography does not maintain a steady momentum and that’s what makes it hard coping sometimes.
There are times when I feel like I’m on the right path and my photos speak volumes to me and other times when while pleasing enough they have little to say. It is in these dark moments that I search for some spark that can once again return me to the light.
This often falls upon reading other photographers experiences where they speak of great purpose or their vision or methods which give meaning to their art. My cynic side always keep in mind that in part the purpose of these inspiring words are to sell books, advertising or future photographic projects. I have no doubt even the greatest visionary has dark days and as no two people are exactly alike no two paths to discovery are alike. I wonder sometimes if instead of being inspired by these works I’m not being sidetracked in my own progress down my own path.
It’s only been recently that I’ve felt comfortable referring to myself as a photographer. After all I don’t make a living at it and in so many ways I’m still learning the craft and my place in it. I don’t know that I’d ever consider myself an artist, although some art appears to require little talent.
There’s no cure-all for these dark spells and I suspect they are a requirement of the process of growth. However, it helps during the dark moments to move away or take a break from photography for a while–clear ones head. The distance allows viewing of the big picture more clearly.
Personally, I keep reminding myself it’s only my standards I need to uphold and it’s only I who I need to please. But alas, I’m hardest upon myself.
Bingo, Earl! There are those dark times. I’m there right now, which is why I didn’t finish my book. Yet, I know that ‘this too shall pass’ and that when I come out of this I’ll be somewhat different. Things change constantly.
I’m not quite sure what an artist, or even art, is. So, I just don’t covet the label. As for being a photographer, sure! Why not. I have a camera. I take pictures. I do photography. Simple. :-)
I’m still learning to let my muddy waters settle rather than thrashing and keeping the mud stirred up. Sometimes I even get it right, but lots of times I still thrash!
I’ve kind of taken a break from shooting, not intentionally, but it’s just the way things are working out right now. I am enjoying exploring other facets, such as post processing and creating the best image that I can. I’ve still not given up on looking around and still seeing the wonders around me.
Paul: I guess my repetitive posting of these dark times is my way of trying to get a handle on things. I’ve always been a “fix-it” type of guy–tell me about a problem and I’m instantly thinking of ways to “fix-it.” It can become a control issue and I’ve been working for the last couple of years to learn to let it go more.
I swear sometimes it’s frustrating, after 56 years I’m still struggling with the basics! I can easily remember my parents when they were my age and now I wonder if they were as “screwed up” as I am? ;-)
Hey, no harm in taking a break. It can be beneficial.
These creative processes are like running the marathon, I have experience from both. In marathon we speak about post marathon depression, but its merely a sense of mental fatigue. You have been focusing on a particular subject for a long time and eventually it’s over. Your mind needs some rest and you get that by doing other things. To me, creative processes has the exact same impact. Solution? Have no quicky, I’m not a fix-it-man, but rest works in the long run. :)
I heartily agree regarding the value of these down periods. I know that they aren’t necessarily pleasant to endure, but I think they provide essential space for mental processing. For many years (an embarrassing number, I confess), I fought those periods and was alarmed each time one arrived, but I am learning that, in most cases, my unconscious is working things out during that time and my job is get out of the way. I like Paul’s metaphor of letting the muddy waters settle. The catch is knowing when we have to say, “Okay, enough. Time to crawl out from under the covers and deal with the light.”
I love that photo. I want to take that hike.