I spend a lot of time on the web, some (<– meaning my wife) think too much time, researching all things pertaining to photography and, more recently, video production. I do this because I have a real interest in these creative outlets. As a part-time wedding photographer and full-time technology & gadget geek, I find keeping up with the latest gear and techniques to be very interesting. I’m an avid learner and researcher, but unfortunately that does not translate into being an avid doer and practicer. I spend too much time thinking and dreaming about the activities I am interested in, rather than going out and participating in them. As it relates to photography, this means that I have an excellent collection of great equipment, but little work to show for it.
There seem to be a great deal of people who have been striving to combat and squash the very condition I’m living with. Seth Godin writes often and brilliantly about the need to identify, develop, and whole-heartedly pursue one’s passions. In his post entitled ‘Seven years gone’, Seth asks the question ‘Seven years from now, what will you have to show for what you’re doing right now?‘ If I continue to do what I’m doing right now, in seven years I may well be a marginally better photographer and have a lot of useless knowledge about gear that will undoubtedly be of zero consequence. If the status quo remains, I’ll also be working in a field which does not fulfill one iota of my creative desires. So, what am I going to do to change that? That is the question I am currently tackling head-on.
Chase Jarvis, the phenomenal photographer, entrepreneur, and motivator, has been a great source of inspiration recently. Chase’s ‘Create.Share.Sustain’ post provided another kick in the pants to get out there, shoot, share, and keep creating. Chase states that ‘…making stuff over and over is the key creativity. And especially the key to creativity to the next era of media. And especially for creatives.’ If this is true, and I believe that it is, how can I expect to stoke my creativity and pursue my dreams if I am unwilling to create, create, and create some more?
It is everywhere, the encouragement to pursue your passions, the words to inspire your drive to create, and the individuals willing to help you along the way. I’ve found myself surrounded, both virtually and physically, with people willing to invest in others in order to help them explore their God given gifts and talents. I’m so very thankful to have married a young woman that believes in me and does all that she can to help me access the tools and talent to pursue my passion to create. I just hope that I can free myself enough from my own fetters to actually take advantage of all the opportunities before me.
To all you creatives out there, those of you who are pursuing your dreams daily, how did you overcome the self-imposed stagnation?
What resources have you found useful to spur creativity and provide motivation? Please feel free to share them in the comment section below!
Below is a brief list of resources that have encouraged and motivated me recently.
Resources:
A short video that reminds me to enjoy life, be myself, and unapologetically live the life I’m intended to live…
‘The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun’:
Chase Jarvis : Living the life and sharing the experience.
Seth Godin : Need I explain? Seth’s wisdom is far from being limited to marketing. My question is: How does he write so often and always manage to share new insight and vision?
Nick Onken : I find Nick’s photography, tips, practical advice, and willingness to give of his time and talent inspiring.
Scott Bourne’s PhotoFocus : How Important is it to Have a Photographic Goal
F-Stop Beyond : Ron Dawson’s interviews with well known individuals from around the globe offer tons of inspiration and insight into the world of creatives and their individual paths while pursuing passions. Ron and his wife Tasra are also inspirational themselves, as they’ve dedicated their lives to developing their own talents & gifts for the benefit of their clients, friends, and community.
There are so many photographers whose work inspires me, not only because they produce incredible imagery, but because they left the excuses behind and went out to shoot. I’m going to make a point of sharing some of these individuals with you going forward… watch for it!
