Getting Back to Photography: Rediscovering the Joy of Capturing Moments
November 7th, 2023
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to lose touch with the passions that once ignited our souls. The demands of graduate school, a job, or other responsibilities often pull us in different directions, leaving our cherished hobbies and creative outlets neglected. But every now and then, life grants us the chance to reclaim those moments of pure joy and self-expression, like a welcome breath of fresh air. This is precisely what happened to me when I had the opportunity to get back to photography during my travels.
This summer, the universe conspired in my favor, providing the perfect opportunity to pick up my camera once again. Amidst the chaos of my life, I had dreamed about returning to some passion projects. When a fantastic travel opportunity appeared for me, I knew it was my ticket to throwing myself back into the world of photography.
Behind the camera, the world stands still, and I get to create the world as I see it. So, I dusted off my camera and stepped into the world of visuals.
I was instantaneously transported back to a realm of immense joy. The camera had the remarkable ability to capture and immortalize the world around me, and in doing so, it brought me a profound sense of contentment. I had this amazing ability to capture and share every moment with all my friends and family, an experience unlike any other.
My lens found its muse in everything around me, from friends sharing hearty laughter to breathtaking landscapes that seemed to whisper secrets of far-off adventures. Photography, I realized, was not merely a hobby; it was a reminder to be in the present moment. It compelled me to observe the world with greater attentiveness, to pick out the details and nuances that might have otherwise slipped through the cracks of my busy life.
I blamed the world and circumstances for pulling me away from my hobbies. Instead, when traveling, I realized I had put so much pressure on making ‘art’ that I forgot how to strip all expectations away and capture what caught my eye. This intense need for perfection burned out my passion, as nothing felt right when I looked at it later.
I forgot the reason that I picked up photography. In this realization, I stumbled upon a problem that afflicts many artists – the paralyzing pressure to create the best, most artistic, and most beautiful works, which can hinder our progress. Years of working on films to be successful at festivals and completing photography for products and companies distracted me from my real goal: to create things for me - to see the pictures I'd want to see.
So, during my 30 days of summer travel, I relinquished the need for perfection and artistic brilliance, understanding that my photography need not be a masterpiece for others. It only had to be perfect in my eyes, an authentic reflection of my vision and feelings when the shutter clicked.
I stopped making my photos for an imaginary audience and instead directed my lens toward what genuinely inspired me. And in doing so, doors that I had never imagined swung open before me. To my amazement, I was chosen as a featured artist at my university, given the opportunity to curate and showcase my own gallery. The feeling of having my work recognized was a beautiful affirmation that sometimes, the most authentic and unpretentious creations resonate most deeply with others.
Taking the pressure off, relinquishing the need for external validation, and focusing on the pure joy of capturing moments transformed my journey with photography. I learned that art does not thrive in the shadow of self-doubt and expectations. Instead, it flourishes in the light of genuine passion and the freedom to express oneself without fear.
Photography, I came to understand, is a beautiful medium of expression. It's a journey of constant learning, a world of camera settings and adjustments, a canvas to experiment with and refine our vision, and an opportunity to enhance our editing skills. There's an abundance of knowledge and experiences to share, and it's not about finding perfection; it's about discovering the beauty in the imperfections.
So, to anyone who may be struggling with their creative endeavors, take a page from my photography journey. Embrace your passion for the sheer joy it brings you, free your art from the idea of perfection, and watch as your creativity thrives. Capture the moments that speak to your heart, and you might just find that your path leads to unexpected and delightful destinations.
Always Busy,
Sam
Check out my photography website to see the entire albums from my travels: https://www.samhartmanphoto.com/s-projects-basic
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