Frustration vs. Inspiration
As a photographer, you’ll most likely spend a portion of your time looking at what other photographers have accomplished and created. I believe that it is very important to venture around on the internet to see what amazing work you can stumble across. You may find something so astonishing that it pushes you to go out and create something even better. The entire process is what helps the photography industry constantly advance and evolve. However, it is extremely important to view other photographers’ incredible work as inspiration and not allow it to be a source of frustration.
At one time or another, we have all looked at a terrific photograph and grew frustrated because of how it compares to our own work. Sometimes it makes us feel like we’re not even worthy enough to pick up the camera again after viewing it and go cry in the corner. Fact is, the photographer who’s work has you sobbing inside has probably felt exactly like you do at one point since picking up a camera for the first time. Frustration is like a drug that inhibits your mind and its sense of creativity. It can sometimes even lead to an individual quitting photography before they’ve really even given themselves a chance. You have to become aware of your frustrations and learn to channel it as inspiration.
When you look at an amazing photograph, first, be happy for the individual(s) who created it. They probably put a great deal of effort, planning, and work into creating the shot. Secondly, appreciate the quality of the photo and begin to develop a desire to go out and create something similar in quality. Let it push you to a higher level of thinking and creativity instead of it making you want to give up all hope in yourself. Now that you’re inspired, develop your own ideas and maybe even share them with a team for them to expand on. Once you’ve got your ideas all down on paper or in your head, go out and make it all happen!
The end product you get from being inspired is much more rewarding than what you get by allowing yourself to become frustrated. Instead of a negative attitude and wasted time, you’ll have a new photo that you can share and inspire other photographers with.
