We’ve written a lot improving your photography. But how can photography improve you? Henry Turner talks about this interesting topic, focusing particularly on landscape photography. Can it improve you as a person? Henry believes it can, and gives you three reasons why landscape photography can help you improve.
1. Community
Henry points out that the community of landscape photographers is wonderful. He admits that he thought it would be unwelcoming and cold because many landscape photographers are introverts and enjoy their solitude. But, he couldn’t have been more wrong. Here’s a Facebook group for landscape photographers Henry recommends, but there are plenty of groups you can find and join, too.
From my experience, photography communities in general (not just landscape photography) can help you benefit in a variety of ways. First of all, you can get help, feedback, and advice when you need them, and you can also give them to others. You can meet plenty of interesting people and expand your circle of friends. But also, there can sometimes be negativity in photo communities, and even that can teach you something: you can learn how to deal with trolls without getting upset.
2. Perspective
After a while of doing landscape photography, your perspective on life begins to change. You start appreciating things in a way you never used to, even when your camera is not around. You start noticing and enjoying your surroundings much more. Also, you can get a more positive outlook on life and nature. Henry gives his own example because landscape photography has taught him to appreciate things like sunsets, skies, patterns in the trees… All those things he believes we should notice and appreciate even if we’re not landscape photographers (and I agree).
3. Patience
Henry says this is cliché, but true. You’ve heard many times that landscape photography can teach you how to be patient, and it sure can. Whenever you photograph a landscape, you’re in the mercy of the weather and the elements. You often have to wait until the time is just right to capture some nice photos. In landscape photography, Henry has learned that patience is always worth it. And if I may add, it often is in life, too.
I quite like this topic and this way of thinking. If we can constantly improve our photography, I guess we can improve ourselves through it as well. I agree with Henry’s remarks and I believe we can become better in some aspects of personality thanks to photography. And what do you think? Can photography improve us in such way?
[3 Reasons Why Landscape Photography can IMPROVE YOU as a Person via FStoppers]
