Embracing the Beginner's Mind in Photography: A Journey of Exploration and Growth
Read time - 8mins
I have had a camera in my hands since the age of 12. I’ve played and learnt the skill of photography, yet I continue to learn. I feel that recently or maybe forever, I have suffered from the idea that I can’t share everything. Sharing perfect, is what it’s all become about. But what about those moments in between? What about the every day? We see beauty all around us.
What is Beginngers Mind
1. Embrace Curiosity:
A beginner's mind is characterized by a sense of curiosity and wonder, unburdened by preconceived notions or a fear of failure. Instead of fixating on the end result, focus on the process of exploration and learning. Treat each photo shoot as an opportunity to discover new techniques, perspectives, and subjects. By maintaining a sense of curiosity, we open ourselves up to experimentation and unexpected surprises, leading to unique and captivating photographs.
2. Emphasize Learning:
Photography is a never-ending learning process. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the vast amount of information available, embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge. Take advantage of online tutorials, photography classes, and workshops to enhance your technical skills and understanding of composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques. Embracing a beginner's mind allows us to remain receptive to new information, continually improving our craft.
3. Let Go of Expectations:
One of the biggest challenges in photography is letting go of unrealistic expectations. We often compare ourselves to established photographers or feel pressured to produce flawless images right from the start. However, by adopting a beginner's mind, we release the burden of perfection. Instead, focus on progress rather than perfection. Allow yourself to make mistakes, learn from them, and celebrate even the smallest victories. Remember, every great photographer was once a beginner.
4. Cultivate a Sense of Wonder:
As we progress in our photographic journey, it's easy to become complacent and take our surroundings for granted. However, by adopting a beginner's mind, we can cultivate a sense of wonder in our everyday surroundings. Challenge yourself to see the beauty in the mundane, to find unique perspectives in familiar places, and to capture the essence of a moment that others might overlook. By approaching each scene with a fresh perspective, we can create captivating images that evoke emotions and tell compelling stories.
5. Embrace Personal Growth:
Photography is not just about capturing beautiful images but also about personal growth. The journey of being a beginner in photography provides us with opportunities to develop patience, perseverance, and resilience. Each obstacle we encounter, whether it's mastering a new technique or overcoming a creative block, helps us grow both as photographers and as individuals. Embrace the challenges, embrace the growth, and embrace the journey.