Between Here and Nowhere

This is a subtitle for your new post

Working in a creative field comes with many challenges. More than anything, at least for me, is the constant balance of reflection, the idea of existing between here and nowhere at all times; constantly searching for meaning in our motions whilst simultaneously pushing the boundaries of our capabilities.

I've worked with cameras for over twenty years, your perspective is constantly changing. At first you first strive to attain competence in your abilities. This phase is followed by the comfort zone, a time to enjoy the hard-earned ease at which you can now perform your skill. Then, if you stick with it long enough, you start to look a little deeper into the process. Maybe you push your skills, or maybe you disconnect entirely - similar to crossing a bridge over a wide river. Once you've arrived on the other side, it's almost impossible to recall the perspective from the previous side. As an artist or creative, this can be a double-edged sword: While exploring new horizons can be personally rewarding, even enlightening, everything you've left behind on the other side- aka your audience - is now disconnected, and might not receive the vision at the same level of excitement, adventure, curiosity, and intrigue as you're output. But does it matter?  It's the story of life, the universe - constantly expanding, never going back, never standing still, always in motion.

The answer: Of course it does. Because it's in our human nature to share what we create and receive positive (hopefully) feedback. It comes in all forms; a sleight of hand magic trick, a song, a doodle, or a great masterpiece of art. This back and forth is part of the dance - does it start with personal intrigue and then come a secret desire for appreciation, or is it the other way around?

but also, that's why they say that there's an element of insanity within all lifelong artists - we don't know if we're creating for ourselves or others, and maybe it changes, alternates, blends into one. the shifting tides, night and day, ebb and flow. Pushing, exploring beyond the mundane while trying to keep one foot on solid ground.

So how does this all this philosophic mumbo jumbo relate to me as a photographer, you may be wondering? Recently I reached a place, or perspective in my work that I think can only be achieved through time and experience, and it's changed the way I see the world through the lens.

The first years of my photography career were spent in pursuit of perfection, which at best is little more than a sum of opinions from others. The experience is wonderful - not because one actually believes they'll summit that lofty and unattainable goal, but simply watching as the skills take shape, the output becoming a little better every day is a rewarding adventure. Sadly, most photographers become stuck in this stage - mostly because they believe this is what their audience wants, or can relate to. 

But when this barrier breaks, and you, what, care less about pleasing your audience and allow the emotions and creativity to take you where it may, consequences be damned, a whole new world opens up.