I’m not going to lie, I’ve been putting this first post off for a while! There is something about the inaugural that increases the magnitude of pressure to get it spot on. I’ve researched, pondered, practiced and planned so much now, and I’m truly excited about the content I have planned to share with you.
The same can be true in our photographic journeys. We see fantastic photography all around us all the time. We may have a camera that we know is capable of producing world class shots. Yet, when we are starting out, inevitably we end up with some duff shots. With the pressure of expectation, many give up, and their prized cameras find their way onto eBay! What are we so scared of? No one’s going to die if you take a shot that doesn’t meet your standard. Crikey we don’t even need to show anyone else if it’s that bad! What we fear is the feeling of failure not necessarily the failure itself.
When I first got a good digital SLR camera I was enthralled. Everything got snapped, flowers, the dog, bricks lying around, everything! I took great joy in the results, despite the fact that the good ones were largely by luck, and I was apparently oblivious to the several thousand throw away images in-between. As my knowledge got better so did my photography and that felt good. Then my knowledge out accelerated my abilities and I felt frustration when I didn’t get the results, and worse still, I knew why I hadn’t. Kicking myself I would go and do it again – the graft, early mornings catching light, late nights working out digital darkroom techniques.
Then, at some point along the way whilst editing an image I’m pleased with, I realise that I can’t remember much about my process at the time of taking it. I look at the composition, I love it, the story is compelling and exposure just right. I didn’t get wet feet as I got the tides right and the sun rose just where I had anticipated it would. Don’t get me wrong, I still spend much of my time inhabiting imposter syndrome and self criticising. That doesn’t bother me as it pushes me forward, developing technique, and understanding. There is always something to be learnt and I need little excuse to explore wild places in the pursuit of the craft.
Through my own journey I have discovered what can propel a photographer’s ability and enjoyment upward. Sometimes this can be the skills and confidence to get into the outdoors to get your lens in front of something interesting. Sometimes understanding how the camera works unlocks hidden potential and creative possibilities. With those attained we need confidence in our endeavours to find our visual voice and tell the stories of the beauty and adventure to be found in the wilderness.
This is why I’ve set up Wilderness Photographic. To inspire and inform photography enthusiasts through courses, retreats and online advice, guidance and inspiration.
So sorry, this post isn’t perfect, I’ll get better with practice, but the only way that’s going to happen is to commit to the process. We just have to keep pressing the shutter release, or in this case the “post now” button! *Clunk*