For almost a year now I’ve been struggling to find passion in my photography, it’s my 7th year doing photography and this was the only time I really lost my passion for it, some of it was due to me never being able to capture something new because of school and work always taking up time, and some of it was me looking at others who do the same style of photography and being discouraged.
Why You Shouldn’t Follow Your Passion in Photography
I recently read an eye-opening book: “So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love” — in which the author argues against the “passion” hypothesis (the idea that you should follow your passion). The author argues that following your passion often leads to failure.
For a long time, I have been a proponent of the “passion” hypothesis. I do believe that by following what you love, you will find your purpose in life, which will help you do personally fulfilling work.
However at the same time, there are always a few caveats.
Photograph Anything You Want
I wanted to write you this letter on how to liberate yourself in photography— by photographing what interests you rather than what you think other people will be interested. It means to make your photography more personal, and to make your photos a reflection of who you are as an individual. Remember; photos are always self-portraits of yourself, not of your subjects.
Often time, a lot of photographers ask me, “Eric— I don’t have any ideas for photo projects— how do I come up with good ideas?” I also get asked by photographers regarding advice for finding your own style in photography.
However at the end of the day, the simplest advice I would give is: “Photograph anything you want.”
Snowdonia: an inspiring video that will help take your photography to the next level
What do you do when your photographic endeavors go from exciting and passionate to stale and stagnant? If you’re anything like photographer Sean Tucker, you pack up your gear, hop in your car and take some time to simply find yourself in a new, challenging photography environment.[Read More…]
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