Focusing on the Craft: A Photographer’s Journey of Improvement

In the ever-evolving world of photography, it’s easy to get caught up in the external—the latest gear, trends, and the pursuit of recognition. But true mastery in photography, as in any art, comes from an inward journey, one deeply rooted in philosophical reflection and a commitment to the craft itself.

Philosophy teaches us that fulfillment in any endeavor lies in the process, not the outcome. This perspective is crucial for photographers who seek to improve their skills. Rather than striving solely for the perfect shot or the praise of others, we should focus on the act of creating. Photography, at its core, is an exploration of the world and our place within it. Each image captured is a dialogue between the photographer and the subject, revealing layers of meaning and emotion.

The practice of photography can be seen as a meditation in itself—an opportunity to slow down, observe, and connect with the moment. By embracing this mindful approach, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of our art. This means paying attention to the subtleties of light and shadow, the emotions conveyed by our subjects, and the stories that our compositions tell.

The Double Meaning as a Photographer

When I made the decision to pursue photography as a serious endeavor, with the intent of earning a living from it, I quickly realized that the most compelling stories I could tell were rooted in my own passions and hobbies. These were the areas where I understood the nuances and knew exactly how to position myself to capture images with true impact. I came to understand that to tell powerful stories through photography, I needed to master not only the craft of photography itself but also the essence of my subjects.

Today, I proudly identify as a storyteller of African people and places, with a mission to capture and share stories that uplift and celebrate the continent.

Conclusion?

Philosophical thought encourages us to let go of the need for external validation and instead focus on the intrinsic value of our work. Improvement comes not from seeking perfection, but from consistently practicing and refining our craft. Every photograph, whether a success or a failure, teaches us something new about ourselves and our art.

As photographers, we can draw inspiration from the great thinkers who remind us to stay true to our passions, to approach our work with intention, and to find meaning in the journey rather than the destination. By focusing on the process of creation, we can continuously grow as artists, capturing images that resonate on a deeper, more meaningful level.

An Exercise in Understanding Light

Photography, at its core, is the art of capturing light. How light interacts with your subject can evoke different emotions and set the tone for the entire image. This exercise is designed to help you understand how to manipulate light to create specific moods in your photos.

Objective:

To explore the effects of different lighting conditions on mood and atmosphere in photography.

Equipment Needed:

• A camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone)
• A subject (this could be a person, an object, or a scene)
• Access to your subject throughout the day (during morning, midday, and evening light)

1. Choose Your Subject:

Select a subject that you can photograph repeatedly. This could be a portrait of a person, a still life arrangement, or a simple scene in your environment. The key is consistency, so use the same subject throughout the exercise.

2. Work With Different Light:

• Golden Hour: Begin by photographing your subject during the golden hour, either just after sunrise or before sunset. Notice how the warm, soft light enhances the colors and creates a calming, almost nostalgic mood.
• Midday Sun: Next, shoot the same subject at midday when the sun is directly overhead. Observe how the harsh, direct light creates strong contrasts and deep shadows, lending a more dramatic and intense mood to your images.
• Overcast Day: On an overcast day, capture the subject under the diffuse light of the cloud-covered sky. Pay attention to the even lighting that softens shadows and reduces contrast, resulting in a more subdued, contemplative mood.

3. Contemplate and Compare:

• After capturing your images, lay them out side by side. Reflect on how the different lighting conditions changed the mood of each photo.
• Ask yourself questions like:How did the quality of light affect the emotional impact of the image?Which lighting condition best conveyed the mood I wanted to express?How did the direction and intensity of the light shape the subject's appearance?

Book Review: "The Obstacle is The Way" by Ryan Holiday

In the world of photography, every challenge can be an opportunity for growth. As we navigate the obstacles we encounter in our creative journeys, we can draw inspiration from the Stoic philosophers who championed the idea that adversity is a path to excellence.

The phrase "The Obstacle is the Way" encapsulates this Stoic principle perfectly. Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and a Stoic philosopher, wrote in his Meditations: "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." This powerful statement reminds us that the difficulties we face are not just barriers to success but integral parts of the creative process.

Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle Is the Way" is a modern interpretation of ancient Stoic philosophy, offering practical advice on turning challenges into opportunities. Drawing inspiration from figures like Marcus Aurelius, Holiday explores the Stoic principle that obstacles are not hindrances but pathways to personal growth. Each chapter presents real-life examples of individuals who have faced adversity and emerged stronger, emphasizing the power of perception, action, and will.

Holiday's writing is clear and motivational, making Stoic concepts accessible to a wide audience. While some may find the repetitive nature of the book's themes a bit redundant, its core message—that difficulties can be transformed into strengths—resonates deeply. "The Obstacle Is the Way" is a valuable read for anyone looking to develop resilience and navigate life's challenges with a Stoic mindset.

You may order the book from Amazon in the link below.

Prize Giveaway Time!

The winner of last week's Starbucks ZAR 100 gift card is Sylvester Sefotlhelo ! Congratulations Sylvester! Please look for a message in your inbox so that I may get your gift card mailed to you.

This week's giveaway is an elegant A5-sized Craft Stationery Refillable Leather Journal, adorned with a charming leafy pendant. Perfect for capturing your creative thoughts and visual ideas, this notebook is an ideal companion as you reflect on the photographs you aspire to create.

In order to stand a chance to win this journal, please shoot me a message on linkedIn describing the photography project you've always wanted to plan.....which you will translate into a written plan of action!

And yes, anyone subscribed in any country is elegible! I must be crazy.

This Month's "Depth of Field Photographer's Meetup"

This month's meetup will be a street photography experience at Golden Hour in the Maboneng Precinct on Saturday, 31 August at 3pm to 6.30pm.

We will cover everything from planning a street photography session, shooting, editing, and sharing your work with the wider community of Johannesburg lovers!

Please join the "Depth of Field Photographers" Facebook group for details of this month's photography meetup.

Depth of Field Newsletter – Providing inspiration and tips for developing your photography business through philosophical introspection.