A few days ago, my esteemed fellow photographer Mike Hindle wrote a very personal, thoughtful, and important post on his blog about the virtues a photographer needs. He mentioned patience, practice, and perseverance. Of course, I agree with Mike wholeheartedly. Yes, becoming good at something takes practice and plenty of repetition. And it takes perseverance to catch what seems like the “right” moment. But we should be just as mindful that we don’t have forever to wait for the perfect moment. Above all, we shouldn’t let ourselves become too frustrated about it. Stoicism—which I’ve come to appreciate more and more as I get older—offers some surprisingly modern solutions that I increasingly apply to, or recognize in, my photography.
Be present
“Confine yourself to the present.” — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations VII.29
In the past, whenever I arrived somewhere new or interesting, my first move was to reach for my camera (which was much bulkier back then). I’d come home with a huge number of photos that took a long time to edit. When I look at those pictures today, I often catch myself wondering: “Where was this, exactly?” “Why was I there?” “What did it look like all around me?” Having a camera in front of you can “spare” you from truly engaging with something new; it can serve as protection from the unfamiliar.
These days, I think in a very Stoic way: “This could be the last time I’m here!” That doesn’t mean, “Damn, I could die soon.” Yes, one day we all will. But it encourages you to be aware of the moment, to make use of the situation as it is now, and to accept it as it presents itself—even if the light isn’t right. With experience and practice, you can adapt, and that may even open up new perspectives. In the end, it’s always better to come home with beautiful thoughts and lasting memories than with a memory card full of great photos.
Be thoughtful
“What you do is not a matter of indifference: be careful. But at the same time be steadfast and undisturbed, for the material is indifferent.” — Epictetus, Discourses II.5.7–8
Make use of the moment you’ve been given, but don’t exploit it. Taking a good photograph always involves weighing up what’s needed. Stay true to yourself; that often takes more courage and resolve than you might think. Don’t let yourself be tempted to chase likes or sales. Your photographs are about your thoughts and emotions. Every photograph is, in a sense, an expression of how you see things in the present. Seen that way, the saying “Every photo is a selfie!” rings true.
But no photograph, however impressive, is worth putting yourself or others in danger—or crossing someone’s personal boundaries. In short, think things through and take responsibility for what you do. It will make you a better person and a better photographer, too.
Be composed
“Some things are within our power, while others are not.” — Epictetus, Enchiridion 1
“People are disturbed not by things, but by the views they take of them.” — Epictetus, Enchiridion 5
Some things are within your control; others aren’t. There’s no point responding to things you can’t influence with disappointment, frustration, or even anger and rage. That only weighs on you. Not everything is worth tearing yourself apart over. There is no photograph you have to take. But if you want to take a photograph—or do anything else in life—then do it as well as you can. And, to bring this back to Mike, do it with patience, practice, and perseverance. But do it in a way that helps you become a better version of yourself. Ideally, your positive attitude will rub off on those around you, too. Ultimately, though, that isn’t within your control.