Page 48 - Cape-Camera-May-June-2021

May/June 2021 Cape Camera

Motivation and Photography

by James Maher*

We have recently been talking a lot about struggles that photographers are hav-
ing, and motivation is certainly one of them. I share a lot of these struggles, and I
think a big part of any creative practice is learning to fight through them as best
one can. My biggest struggle right now is slowing down. It is getting tougher to
leave behind the chaos and speed of regular life, clear my head, and focus when
I am out photographing. It’s so hard to turn the brain off, slow down, and just go
with the flow, but it is so necessary. For those struggling with motivation or similar
issues, here are some thoughts on how I try to get through these issues

Get words on a page work. While it is hopefully an inspiring education, it can also
A great piece of writing put pressure on you at the same time. It can make you feel like
advice that I’ve always fol- you have to keep up and that you’re not doing well if you aren’t
lowed has been to just get taking similarly good photographs. This can be incredibly dis-
the words on the page, and couraging.
I think this translates to pho- But remember, you’re typically seeing the best of the best.
tography. When I write, I usu- You’re only seeing the very tip of the iceberg. You’re seeing
ally take my time to create 30 photos from a project that took five years. Get lost in these
an outline, and then I just let wonderful projects, think about what you can take out of them
the writing flow. Sometimes for your work, and leave the rest out of it.
I’ll write something straight While it’s difficult to do, try your best to not compare yourself to
through, while other times other photographers. Instead, compare yourself to where you
I’ll hop around from point to were six months ago. Everyone’s in a different situation. The
point – but I don’t stop writ- only competition should be with yourself.
ing. I just let things flow, and
then I clean everything up Pressure and the pandemic
when editing. As things start to go back to ‘normal’ it doesn’t mean that things
I think it should be the same will go back to normal right away for us. And given that I’m not
for photography. Just get a psychiatrist, I’ll keep this related to photography.
the photos in the camera – Just get out there and snap the shut- Once the freedom is back, there comes the added pressure to
ter. Don’t worry about how good the photos are. Everything will suddenly make up for lost time – a flock of photographers out
fall into place eventually if you shoot enough. in force looking to get those incredible photos that they missed
Embrace exploring - forget the final product out on during the pandemic.
A camera is a wonderful tool that can open up new opportuni- But photography doesn’t work that way. Creating good work is
ties, experiences, and connections. It gets you exploring. Forget still a slow and steady process – you’re probably not going to
about the photographs you’re taking. The more you make your show back up and all will be suddenly right in the world with
photography about having to come back with a good photo- your photography. This is where the ‘it isn’t about the results, it’s
graph to feel good about yourself, the harder it will become about the process’ advice really comes in handy.
mentally. If you come back with a great photograph, that’s just Just shooting while walking and exploring can be great thera-
the icing on the cake. py. It is for me at least.
It helps to turn the act of photographing into an adventure ver- As your routine changes, think about a way to integrate regular
sus a results-oriented practice. photography into that, even if it’s in small spurts or with your
Good photographs are elusive; great photographs even more phone sometimes. Use the process as a mental release and just
take things slow and steady.
so. I go out all the time and come back with nothing. On one
hand, I expect that if I keep looking, eventually those great mo- Take a bunch of crappy photos
ments will come, but I also expect long stretches with nothing As you get more in tune again, you will refine your photogra-
good. phy and most likely take fewer than you used to.
If you capture just 1.5 keepers a month, or 20 a year, you’ll have a But if you’re feeling any sort of photography block, if it’s tough
book of work finished in three years. You don’t have to get lucky to take your camera out, or if you just feel frustrated that you’re
that often to build up a very interesting body of work. not seeing or coming across the great moments, take the op-
But you have to get out there frequently, not get discouraged, posite approach.
and have fun with the process without over-thinking the results. Warm your camera and shutter finger up and just start taking
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself crappy photos. Photograph everything on your walks or within
There are two sides to viewing photography over the internet. your life. Photograph the mundane and everyday – your lunch,
On one hand, you get exposed to a vast education and inspira- your living room, your daily life, the parking lots you stop in.
tion from photography from all over the world, including pho- Just go crazy for a bit. Who cares if the photos are bad, you can
to books, projects, articles, and you get to see everyone’s best delete them later. But you’ll come back with some great ones,

47 Cape Town Photographic Society