FYI...you may want to grab a cup of coffee...or perhaps a glass of wine...it's a long post for me...
OH! OH! OH! I came across this blog (Michelle Black) from Char (oh Char...I could kiss your right now).
Anyway...Michelle's post really got me thinking and I thought you may really enjoy doing this exercise too. Now Michelle is writing this with photographers in mind...but it can be for anyone (just replace the word photographer with what fits for you).
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Assumption: To be successful as a photographer means to have recognition and status.
The Truth: Being successful as a photographer means being honest with yourself and/or your subjects every time you pick up your camera.
HUH?
Yes, you read it correctly. May I ask you, "What is your motivation?"
Please take a moment to think about that question thoroughly. Write down your answers in the most detail you possibly can. Apply this answer not only to your craft, but to your life. What motivates you to get things done, to keep striving?
Now I'd like to break that question down a bit further.
"Why do you create photographs?" (or if you aren't a photographer, "why do you do whatever it is that you love to do") Again write down your answers, use great detail. If it is as simple as "because its fun" that's fine too.
Next I'd like to throw you off a bit by asking, "What makes you feel happy?" and conversely, "What makes you feel sad?"
You're thinking.. what does this have to do with anything? Well.... everything actually. Please write down your answers.
Now if you could, read back through everything. Read it aloud to yourself. Is it you? Is it really you speaking?
Let me restate "The Truth" from the opening of this post. "Being successful as a photographer means being honest with yourself and/or your subjects every time you pick up your camera." Or even more simply....
Being successful means being honest with yourself. Which leads us to our next set of questions! Please write down your answers and then read everything aloud to yourself again afterward.
When you see others succeeding, are you happy for them? Do you allow this to become a part of your motivation? If you set aside the need for recognition, how would that affect your productivity? Would you still love to do what you do if you knew for certain that you would never achieve some sort of status?
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The last question was the one that really got me...
I know for certain when I am behind the camera...I am totally in my happy place. I love photography with all my heart and soul. It's so crazy to me that I literally picked up a camera less than 2 years ago. And here I am. Immersed. If you took my camera away...a piece of my soul would go along with it (a big piece too).
It's funny, because sometimes I look at other photos and think...Oh My God...I could never do that. They are so talented. I will never become anything.
But here's the thing I need to ponder. What is it that I want to "become?" I can't really answer that question. Because I don't know the answer. And maybe that is a good thing because...when did becoming "something" become so freaking important!!! And I won't lie...when I post my photos on flickr and get comments it does make me really really happy. But I often have to remind myself...this is not a competition. Just stick to what you love...stay true to you.
It's not always easy either.
I have to constantly remind myself that life is not a competition. That we all bring something special and unique to the table. Yes, some people are seriously gifted...which only makes me want to learn more and grow. So when I begin to feel inferior...I just need to step back and remind myself...who the hell am I competing with? And remember that I do this because it really does make me happy.
Thanks for listening ;)
Take a peek...I am blooming 365 days in 2010
17 comments:
Oh yeah - I easily get caught up in the comparing routine (and not measuring up) and have to take a deep breath and remember that I enjoy what I'm doing, more than anything, and that is good enough! :)
Hey thank you! I needed this since I am frustrated with my writer's block, but I really thought about these questions and it turns out, I am blocked because I am not writing for me. I am writing for potential status and opportunities, not for the "just because I love it"
Sunday I am going to set aside the whole day just to write and free myself from those obligations.
yep....uh huh....exactly....you got it....yessiree.....that's right jim bob....and whoo hooo.....
I love everything about this...especially the reminder that on a daily basis we just are who we are, doing what we love...with a passion of course....and when that feeling of competition sets in, we need to jump on it with both feet and put it out like it's the start of a wild fire.
Reading this post was like cold water splashed in my face. My problem is I'm divided right now between my new passion, photography and the old one...writing. I feel torn at times and unsure which way to go. These are questions begging for answers. Thank you for sharing.
i have asked myself this many times...and i know the answer...sometimes it is has to live it. but i know it: it is for me. thanks for reminding us to be honest with our selves and/or cameras.
This one I am printing and sitting with for awhile with pen in hand. Thanks, this is what I need right now.
Whew...so glad I am not the only one who struggles with this! xoxo
This is heavy & profound. It's too hard for me to wrap my little brain around today. I will say this though, I'm pretty good at just doing what I need to do without caring what anyone else thinks about it. I mean, I CARE....just not that much. *grin*
My answer to this question: What is it that I want to "become?"
If I knew then I might get there sooner than I want and then all would be achived, then what? I am not trying to become anything...I'm just enjoying the journey doing what I love.
Being on flickr myself...it is hard to look at others work and not think about the competitive factor. I remind myself that it is inspiring so that I will strive to learn more and enjoy it while I do this.
Thanks for this post, it has set me rethinking a few things about my work. :)
Cora - So glad that I am not the only one that does not know the answer on "what do I want to become." It really is all about the journey.... ;)
hey caroline,
you just plain rock.....
seriously..i'm with beth..yep, for sure... totally...nodding my head...
well said...
and ummm, were we on the same page at the same time or what tonight? your new textures are WOW... you go girl.
you completely amaze me...and the new header!! absolutely FABULOUS!
Thanks Kim...totally on the same wavelength!!! ;)
I do art and photography for the child in me, not for competition but to satisfy my soul.
It's all about joy. Just flowing with and following our joy. The rest comes naturally. :)
SRZ- Can't agree more...here's to following our joy!
Amazing questions...going beyond the surface to what really lies within us. Are we all brave enough to go to those depths?
Flickring and blogging are such double-edged swords! I love the support, inspiration and community. But it IS so hard not to be competitive! Wishing I were as talented, successful, pretty as ...
But you all are so right in that it is about the journey. My word for the year is acceptance. Accepting that I'm not ready to be everything I want to be tomorrow. That it will take time to get there. That I can't be the same as everyone else. A great exercise.
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