Early Morning Photograph of the Fountain at the Gurney Drive Roundabout, Penang, Malaysia
Taking myself too seriously is always a good way to be set-up for disappointment.
And, I’ve heard (from a Stewart Harvey interview) that you need to ‘get out of your own way‘ before you can really take amazing photography that other people really care about, photography that is relevant.
I have thought about this statement for some time, and I’m still learning about how to apply that to my life and work. I think that when I can finally ‘get out of my own way‘, then there will no longer be set-ups and disappointments. Maybe finally not caring who thinks whatever about my work, my work will finally become meaningful. Failures are OK – I can learn from failures. I just do not like setting myself up, and I can help stop that by refusing to fall for nonsensical thinking.
It may all be about creating photography that is relevant, interesting and fresh, something that maybe anyone can appreciate, and not attempting to get ‘attaboys‘ from other photographers. Peer review is of course important, but I want my work to reach out to the wide-angle audience – everyone.
I believe that the main people I need to concentrate on making happy about any of my photography is if I’m creating photographs for a client. If that is successful, then I have done what I set out to do. If I can do this and keep my creative integrity intact, then I am happy too.
I guess a lot of us feel the same about our photos. We’d all love to get recognition, a pat in the back and a few encouraging words about our work. But I also believe that, at the end of the day, what matters is that feeling of excitement and peace and joy I get when I’m out there with my camera, capturing the best of this world. I’d say, to me, the rest is a plus.
By the way, I do like your shot. The contrasts and the water falling make for a beautiful composition.
Thank you very much. You have said a lot in your comment.