Be selfish

You see what you think, you see what you feel, you are what you see if with the camera you can make others see it – that’s photography. – Ernst Haas

I find myself in a conundrum. I am staring at two directions and I don’t know which way to go.

I recently signed up for a local outdoor photography class. We go to a different location each weekend for our shoot. We are required to submit three images to the instructor for review after each outing. The instructor will give out a weekly assignment specifying what required element needs to be included in one of the images we submit. We went to the Horseneck beach reservation this past Sunday for our class outing, and we are told to include a man-made object in one of our images. With the requirement in mind, I looked for and took a few images with buildings or found objects.

During my editing session, I narrow my selections down to two images. With the first option, there is the foreground walkway leading up to the pavilion. With the second option, there is a rock in the shadow cast by a handrail with a thin white rope going across the upper left-hand corner. Despite feeling the second option is a bit ambiguous when it comes to fulfilling the required element of the assignment, I decide to submit it as I feel it reflects more as to who I am as a photographer nowadays.

As I reflect on this decision-making process, I am glad I stick to my conviction and submit the image that reflects more of who I am as a photographer nowadays. I feel it is important to photograph what speaks to me, instead of photographing what looks to be a “good” photograph to other people. In years past, I posted images on my social media accounts, I found myself photographing things that people favored, those that generated lots of “likes”. After a while, it was obvious to me I was no longer photographing for myself. Not only did I find the experience deeply unsatisfying, it also taught me the importance of staying true to myself. I cherish the thought of knowing what I create is for myself. When I look at the images that I am proud of, they are those that will stir my emotions, feelings, and memories.

Thankfully my instructor gives me very favorable review with the image I picked.

The more you shoot according to your gut feeling, the more you will be able to communicate that feeling to your viewer.

Keep it personal.