Something as young photographers in our careers, or while making the transition, we forget to remember is to slow down and enjoy what we are experiencing. So often when we first find this new passion that overwhelms us we just want to go out and shoot, shoot, shoot. We are so excited, the blood is just pumping through us, and we just want to rush out and capture that perfect moment. We see the images so quickly in the back of our camera’s and then rush out to capture more. We get home, upload these fantastic shots and share them on our websites, with friends, or are thrilled to add them to our body of work, and then quickly rush out to do it again. The idea of making a living doing something we are so passionate about and so driven to do overtakes us. We know we are experiencing great moments that we might not have otherwise experienced. This new tool, a little black box, seems to give us courage we did not have before. We find ourselves on the edge of a cliff, at an exotic wedding in a foreign land that we simply asked if we could attend, or we adventure into a very remote region that may have frightened us before. All of this is to capture a fatalistic moment.
BUT, then we have to remember to slow down and be in this amazing moment.
I too was victim to this new found excitement and passion but, I soon realized I needed to slow down, be in the moment, savor every special moment and to really enjoy the experience. I too would rush into a village for a few hours and snap away or rush through the Masai Mara ( A world renowned game reserve in Kenya) to capture as many exotic wildlife shots as possible. This did help to create a portfolio quick but was it the best work I could create? Was I missing the point? The experience of witnessing an amazing moment; Absolutely!
The image above was captured when I crawled out of my tent predawn while bush camping with the Mursi tribe in the Omo valley in Ethiopia. I realized that the more compelling images came when you spend time to live the stories you are trying to tell. This past year when I was in the Masia Mara I knew I was witnessing a miracle when I found a cheetah with six cubs (see my blog post) and chose to spend all most all my time with them, savoring every moment. My life has personally become so enriched by these experiences that even if I do not “get the shot” I relish in the experience. Remember, as a photographer driven by passion, that you will have the opportunity to experience so much more than others may never have the opportunity to experience. So don’t forget to slow down, be in the moment, and enjoy the experience. I think you will also find you will produce more stunning and emotional images.
Great advice Piper… I absolutely “chase the shot” and often forget to slow down and take in the experience. In fact, I’ve had amazing experiences that I’ve practically ruined for myself because I’m so disappointed I didn’t get the shot or have a charged battery. I’ll take this advice and move forward with it, remembering to savor every moment I have the honor of capturing.
Thanks!
~ Amy
thank you for sharing such a profound experience
That’s a good word. I have to remind myself of that from time to time, like whenever I have a camera in my hand. haha. That’s a fine image coming out of the tent, love it when it happens during the midst of a “regular” day!
Nice composition Piper! Why do they have AK-47’s?
As photographers we put the viewfinder to our eye to see the world. Occasionally we must, as you say, take the viewfinder away and enjoy the moment, then take the picture.
This image is so very thought provoking on many levels.
There’s a saying that “A great photographer must love life more than he does photography.” It’s absolutely true, living life with passion is first and foremost.
So true! I enjoyed this and find myself guilty.
I love not just your photographs but the whole “Be Here Now” quality of your blog.
Thank you everyone. There are many blogs out there that teach and talk tech and gear, but I started this blog as a way for others to stay inspired while on a challenging but rewarding path. I wanted to let other know that there are many road blocks and challenges but inspire them to keep going, never give up, and most of all enjoy the journey. As photographers we seek out amazing place and events, and in doing so we need to remember to be present and also enjoy what we are photographing.