While at a workshop with writer, Dani Shapiro, she referred to a piece in her book, Still Writing (paid link) – Advice for Writers from Poet Jane Kenyon. I realized that I’ve incorporated many of these things into my life over the past few years. Below I’ve adapted them for photographic use (in italics).
Jane Kenyon’s Advice for Writers/Photographers
* Tell the whole truth. Be clear about your subject. Get to the heart of the photograph.
* Don’t be lazy, don’t be afraid. Learn how your camera works. Practice, practice, practice. Don’t be afraid to try new subjects or techniques.
* Close the critic out when you are drafting something new. Follow your instincts and photograph what you want. Practice and learn from mistakes.
* Take chances in the interest of clarity of emotion. Recognize when you feel an emotional connection. Learn how to convey emotion in your photograph.
* Be a good steward of your gifts. Share what you’ve learned. There’s enough to go around for everyone.
* Protect your time. You deserve to take the time to practice what you love.
* Feed your inner life. Learn from those who’ve gone before you. Go to photographic and other art exhibits.
* Avoid too much noise. Find silence whenever and however you can.
* Read good books, have good sentences in your ears. Read books about photography; actually, read any book.
* Be by yourself as often as you can. Don’t think you have to be with others all the time, especially to photograph.
* Walk. As a matter of fact, walk slowly and pay attention. Be open to surprise.
* Take the phone off the hook. Spend concentrated time with your photographs, looking for patterns and themes.
* Work regular hours. Leave the camera at home and pursue other interests or focus on relationships.
For me, the second to last one struck a chord. Not that I spend a lot of time on the phone, but I need to get rid of a few distractions to spend concentrated time on some projects. I’m preparing to do just this in the new year. Getting prepared now.
Which one struck a chord with you?
Finding silence has become more and more necessary to me in this noisy world we live in! I have also learnt to walk more slowly with my camera, looking around me as I go to catch details that I might miss if I’m rushing to go somewhere. Recognizing an emotional connection is also important to capture what touches me inside, not just on a superficial level.
I take better photographs when I’m on my own and not rushed. It is also necessary to do things that are not connected to photography. I like doing crafts and reading.
All excellent points in your article, Kim!
This is a wonderful advice for photographers as well as writers. I feel a connection to each thing on the list, but I especially connect with “be by yourself as often as you can. Don’t think you have to be with others all the time, especially to photograph.” I have to constantly remind myself that I need to be along and not feel guilty when I go on an adventure by myself. I know that my best images are taken when I’m alone and not distracted by chatter. Enjoyed this post very much!
“Don’t be lazy, don’t be afraid.” Honestly? This applies to just about every aspect of my life, including my photography. It is so easy to let the days just drift by, never stepping outside of my comfort zone, never doing or trying anything new or different.