Unlocking Your True Potential: A Photographer’s Journey to Mastery

Numerous methods exist for enhancing ourselves as photographers and creatives, involving various hints, tactics, and routines pertaining to our artistry. However, a few topics are seldom addressed in this context, yet they significantly influence our work and productivity. In his latest video, presents a novel viewpoint on boosting creativity. He shifts focus from gear, exposure, and composition to embracing mindset, routines, and lifestyle. Regardless of whether your creativity is thriving or you’re feeling uninspired, I strongly recommend watching this video as it offers a refreshing outlook.

Consistency over talent

Rick underscores that mere talent isn’t sufficient. Many photographers possess significant talent, yet they struggle due to their inconsistent creation. I find myself in that category as well. Rick acknowledges that while his expertise hasn’t improved dramatically in recent years, the quantity of his work has. By allocating time and energy to regular creation, Rick has experienced substantial advancement in his photography. The vital lesson? Approach creativity as a craft, not just a pastime. Viewing it this way ensures you won’t easily back out, and your steady commitment will foster improvement.

Mental health and mindset

Your psychological well-being greatly influences your creativity. Rick candidly shares his challenges with impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and self-doubt, which led to feelings of burnout and lack of inspiration. I find this level of vulnerability and honesty particularly refreshing from a man, as there isn’t enough discussion surrounding mental health in men. SO, on behalf of all men and as a future therapist – thank you, Rick! 🙂

He advocates for communication and seeking support to navigate hardships, and I concur. It could involve your friends, family, or loved ones, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance if you believe it’s necessary. And no, your issues aren’t “too trivial” for a professional. Your challenges are yours, and they hold equal validity as anyone else’s.

Rick mentions several factors that have enhanced his mental health, which I’ll outline below alongside some of my suggestions.

Daily habits

Rick has nurtured daily routines that positively impact his mental health and creativity. Journaling assists him in clearing his mind, while mindfulness or exercise uplifts his spirits. Simple actions can significantly influence how equipped you feel to face creative challenges. Personally, yoga benefits me as well (both mentally and physically).

Movement

Exercise is a crucial component of Rick’s regimen. He observes that remaining active boosts both his endurance and mental clarity, essential for photography. Outdoor photographers, especially, gain from enhanced fitness, enabling them to endure extended shoots and transport heavy equipment. I would say the same applies to event/wedding photographers, who spend considerable time on their feet, staying active, and carrying gear. Rick emphasizes that you don’t need to become a fitness enthusiast; simply doing enough to maintain or improve your current state suffices. Discover the activity that brings you joy and let it be enjoyable in itself, with the physical and mental benefits following as a delightful bonus.

Consumption

Rick speaks on the significance of what you consume, particularly in the online realm. Engaging in doom-scrolling, negative news, and unhelpful social media comparisons can hinder creativity. Instead, shape your feed to motivate rather than frustrate. Rick highlights something I’ve recently begun practicing (at last): comparing yourself to your past self rather than others. This isn’t simple, and we can easily fall into Instagram’s trap of “Everyone has their act together except me.” However, when you sense that you’re heading down that path, remember – it’s a trap. And recall who you were before and your current self.

People & hobbies

Rick has already mentioned physical activity and reaching out to others, but I want to emphasize advice I received from a mental health professional. The three cornerstones of mental health are socialization, hobbies, and physical activity. Spending quality moments with your loved ones, staying physically active, and engaging in hobbies will significantly elevate your daily mood.

Avoid setting unrealistic expectations here. Twenty minutes of yoga or a brief stroll is more than adequate. A quick conversation with your colleague during a lunch break can invigorate you for the rest of the workday. You don’t need to embark on the most intricate hobby you have (I’m speaking to my fellow landscape/nature photography fans). You can simply doodle, indulge in scrapbooking, read a book, or catch an episode of your favorite series. These are merely examples, and they assist me in navigating even the busiest and most stressful days.

Creative block

Creative blocks are universal, and Rick offers techniques to break through them. He stresses that action often breeds motivation, not vice versa. Thus, simply taking a small step can help reignite inspiration. He further advises being gentle with yourself, allowing time for rest, and embracing imperfections as others are less concerned about flaws than you might assume. Finally, Rick reminds his audience that creative challenges are common, so, remember – you aren’t alone in this!

Small helpful habits

Rick provides a few more suggestions for fostering creativity. Taking breaks can unveil fresh perspectives, while creating something daily, even if it’s minor, aids in establishing momentum. Reading fiction presents an escape that can rejuvenate the mind, and developing routines that enhance creativity instead of stifling it is crucial. He also underlines the significance of connecting with fellow creatives for encouragement and inspiration, as shared experiences can be tremendously uplifting.

It’s not about photography

Although none of these suggestions pertain directly to photography (I told you so), Rick contends that photography encapsulates how you live your life and how you direct that energy into your art. And I wholeheartedly agree. While this isn’t a quick-fix for improvement but a lasting commitment, embarking on this journey will transform your life for the better. Ultimately, it will empower you to discover your most creative self and enable your passion, joy, and well-being to shine through in your work.

[The photography shortcut that no one talks about via FStoppers]