Engagement

As the days go on, I have less and less interest in photographing for other people. Or at least I don’t want to use other people’s opinions to determine my success in photography. I deleted my Instagram profile, and I rarely post any photos on Twitter (I rarely post anything, actually). I am embarrassed to admit there was a time when I chased likes or tried to master some algorithm. Those days are gone for good.

My engagement, my commitment to the story, my sustained interest in learning and honesty, those are what I hope to use to judge my work, in my own eyes, and in my own heart. Does this image capture what I felt, what I saw, or what I was looking for? Does this image have the emotional accuracy, the reflection of myself in the moment I released the shutter? Sustained, true engagement. This is deeper and more honest than likes or shares will ever be. How do you judge success?

“Little moments of pause and reflection have been the part of carrying a camera that I probably have learned the most from”- Joel Meyerowitz

I am responsible for my framing, what I allow into the frame, and what is excluded, cropping with my feet, as they say. The image that is captured is from my perspective, at that moment in my life and in that of those around me. I am considering how that could be a metaphor for other aspects in my life. Relationships, career, even family, it is my responsibility to frame, to allow in and exclude, all for me to see, witness, share and experience.

This newsletter

This newsletter is not exclusively about photography.

It is also about creativity, expression, owning your work, being proud of your effort, and finding intention in your observations. This provides purpose, context, and a record of your self as you spin around the sun, one day at a time. Usually, when I snap the shutter, one or more of my kids are in the frame. I don't work for clients. I don't work for an algorithm. I work only for myself, and maybe for some grandkid someday who will be curious to open my archive of negatives.

My hope is for those of you who are reading this, those of you who always have a camera strap over your shoulder, those of you who plan family walks around good light, take some inspiration from Joel. Take a moment to pause and see with your heart. Reflect on the randomness of events that have given you what you have. These little moments, these opportunities for gratitude, these are what keep me engaged and teach me all I need to know.

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