How Do Your Photos Make You Feel?
Let’s check in for a minute about where you are with your photography. I do this for myself somewhat regularly, but especially when I feel off or picking up my camera begins to feel more like a chore.
Let me start by saying that you all have done amazing at keeping up with the photo prompts from our weekly challenges the past few months, along with posting on Instagram. I love seeing your work and getting to engage with you. Keep it up!
We’ve worked hard to learn technical skills, to find intention with composition, shooting, finding light, and constantly adjusting editing to improve our skills. When all the technicality and constant thinking about the process is set aside, you should just go out and shoot for yourself. Remember why you picked up the camera in the first place. Find out why it’s important to you and let your creativity fly.
How do my photos make me feel?
For me it’s about light, warmth, and memories. I don’t think about how photos look side by side, branding, or technical accuracy. I just follow my instincts and take photos to my heart’s content. My why is for myself and for my children: I want to remember the little things, the adventures, and our life together. It’s as simple as that.
There are endless resources on the internet about what camera to buy, what lens to use, whether to shoot this way or that, film or digital, how to edit, or nowadays even whether to only use a smartphone. But all of these questions are useless if you don’t consider, what does photography do for you personally, why do you take images, and how do your photos make you feel?
If we’re honest though, it’s not about only shooting for yourself or for others, it’s a combination of both and finding meaning therein. I take photos in my garden, with my children, while we’re hiking, and sometimes it’s just a candid moment that brings only me joy. Other times it’s a little more extraordinary and worth sharing. This is where being selective, intentional, and mindful comes into play.
Either way, it’s important to reflect on your photos and find what makes you happiest. Lean into that and think about how they make you feel, about what’s important to you. It’s not always about what looks the best, but how it made you feel.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m my hardest critic, but I usually feel good about the photographs that I share, even if I wish I’d done something differently, I’m always happy that I achieved the final result and gained some experience in the process. Here are a few steps to evaluate where you are and to help you move forward:
Scroll back through your photos, compare only against yourself and take note of how you’ve changed and improved. Try to keep from comparing your work to others. Look at your focal points, the editing adjustments you’d change, settings and compositions. I’ll often take note of what I liked and didn’t like about that photo, how I can do better next time, and compare only against myself.
Embrace the gear you have. Don’t let the idea that a better camera, lens, accessory, or gadget will make you a better photographer, it won’t, and worrying about it won’t help either. Be happy with what you have and spend your time learning to get the best photos that you can out of your equipment.
Let your followers and fans encourage you, even it’s only your spouse/parents/best friend. Embrace anyone who gives you a good, supportive comment. Let the encouragement soak in and keep you moving forward. Remember that it takes time to grow in skill and to get a following.
Remember your why. As I mentioned above, remember what’s important. It can really help to write out your goals, and I definitely encourage you to spend some time reflecting on your work, your growth, and your goals.
Find new inspiration. Look through photography books and magazines. Libraries are back to curbside pick ups, put some on hold. You can also visit second-hand book stores, or order new ones. Seek out new and old photographers: virtual exhibits are the best option for visiting an art gallery these days.
Lastly, get your work out there. Don’t be afraid to share your favorite photos. Get online and post your photos, write a blog post, and who knows, maybe you’ll be someone’s inspiration. Follow your intuition, tell your story, and let your work represent you.