Great insights as always, Alex. Do you ever find it frustrating to try and create truly "groundbreaking" personal work when there’s already so much incredible content being made all around us? It makes me wonder, where’s the balance between pushing boundaries and staying resilient through consistency?
I also have to echo your thoughts on Chris. I had the chance to meet him once during a workshop, and his energy is undeniable. But even he’s human, and he recently shared on Threads about experiencing a brief period of burnout.
It reminds me of something another photographer, Sean Tucker said: "Protect your highlights, they're like Teflon and tend to slide right off." Simply because our brains have negativity bias. I’ve noticed this myself. When that creeping feeling of doubt or dissatisfaction sets in, I revisit my portfolio, refresh a few things, and remind myself that maybe it’s not so bad after all.
Yes absolutely. Perhaps we shouldn't look at it through the "groundbreaking" prism and use the "love" prism: "does this really resonate with me?". No easy answers here but what I do know is that being in tune with how a shoot feels is a powerful to know if you're on the right path.
Overthinking … yes! Years ago I was a competitive alpine ski racer (downhill, GS, slalom, etc.). I learned the technique, but I couldn’t win races. Finally, my coach said, … “you’re over-turning.” My turns down the course, gate to gate, were beautiful! But to win a race, you need to turn `just enough’ to make the gate. Over-turning was not the fastest path down the mountain. Overturning keeps me on the mountainside. I stopped over-turning and started winning races. Now I am over-thinking. I need to stop over-thinking … and start thinking just enough to `get me down the course'.
… ‘Koan’ … never seen that word. I just learned a new word. Thank you.
LinkedIn … hmmmm … I was on LinkedIn as a professional engineer, but dropped when I retired. May get back on. Currently getting onto this Substack thing.
I'm always looking forward to reading these newsletter issues, but this one is by far my favourite. "We are a civilization of overthinking primates, endlessly dissecting our own dissatisfaction while happiness melts away." This really hits home, specially when as artists we tend to be our own hardest critics.
I've found that slowing down, practicing kindness with ourselves and gratitude goes a long way. Thank you for sharing this!
ps. Surprised there's no Daft punk in that playlist!
Nice, I like the 4 buckets to keep the work flowing, prompt card stuff right there. You’re so right though, the constant pursuit of happiness takes you on a crazy, not always good path if you let it.
This is a re:read issue for-sure! This is good 👌🏼
Also, happy birthday Mia, time is flying, 3 already 🥳
This came at a very serendipitous time - been thinking a lot about the next steps in my career as a commercial photographer. There are some wonderful nuggets in here, thanks for sharing ⚡️
Loved this issue man. Especially relevant in our current moment where it feels like everything is trying to get us to think even more about ourselves and compare ourselves to others. There needs to be more discussion about what is enough, and what can be born from that space of satisfaction and gratitude.
Great insights as always, Alex. Do you ever find it frustrating to try and create truly "groundbreaking" personal work when there’s already so much incredible content being made all around us? It makes me wonder, where’s the balance between pushing boundaries and staying resilient through consistency?
I also have to echo your thoughts on Chris. I had the chance to meet him once during a workshop, and his energy is undeniable. But even he’s human, and he recently shared on Threads about experiencing a brief period of burnout.
It reminds me of something another photographer, Sean Tucker said: "Protect your highlights, they're like Teflon and tend to slide right off." Simply because our brains have negativity bias. I’ve noticed this myself. When that creeping feeling of doubt or dissatisfaction sets in, I revisit my portfolio, refresh a few things, and remind myself that maybe it’s not so bad after all.
Yes absolutely. Perhaps we shouldn't look at it through the "groundbreaking" prism and use the "love" prism: "does this really resonate with me?". No easy answers here but what I do know is that being in tune with how a shoot feels is a powerful to know if you're on the right path.
Great post, inspiration for staying unique and and true to oneself. Cheers. R
Thanks Rob!
Overthinking … yes! Years ago I was a competitive alpine ski racer (downhill, GS, slalom, etc.). I learned the technique, but I couldn’t win races. Finally, my coach said, … “you’re over-turning.” My turns down the course, gate to gate, were beautiful! But to win a race, you need to turn `just enough’ to make the gate. Over-turning was not the fastest path down the mountain. Overturning keeps me on the mountainside. I stopped over-turning and started winning races. Now I am over-thinking. I need to stop over-thinking … and start thinking just enough to `get me down the course'.
… ‘Koan’ … never seen that word. I just learned a new word. Thank you.
LinkedIn … hmmmm … I was on LinkedIn as a professional engineer, but dropped when I retired. May get back on. Currently getting onto this Substack thing.
Love the metaphor. I could use some of that thinking too. Just think, then act.
Nice read. As a fellow photographer and filmmaker, I can relate to many of the points you made Alex.
I'm always looking forward to reading these newsletter issues, but this one is by far my favourite. "We are a civilization of overthinking primates, endlessly dissecting our own dissatisfaction while happiness melts away." This really hits home, specially when as artists we tend to be our own hardest critics.
I've found that slowing down, practicing kindness with ourselves and gratitude goes a long way. Thank you for sharing this!
ps. Surprised there's no Daft punk in that playlist!
glad this came in at the right time. You’re right, I’m adding this Daft Punk favorite as we speak.
Nice, I like the 4 buckets to keep the work flowing, prompt card stuff right there. You’re so right though, the constant pursuit of happiness takes you on a crazy, not always good path if you let it.
This is a re:read issue for-sure! This is good 👌🏼
Also, happy birthday Mia, time is flying, 3 already 🥳
I know, also a re:read for me!
This came at a very serendipitous time - been thinking a lot about the next steps in my career as a commercial photographer. There are some wonderful nuggets in here, thanks for sharing ⚡️
Hey Alex, interesting. New subscriber here. Do you have a post with advice for reaching out to brands?
Thanks for the sub! I should probably make one… I’ve talked so much about it in my workshops that I feel like I’ve said a lot already!
Loved this issue man. Especially relevant in our current moment where it feels like everything is trying to get us to think even more about ourselves and compare ourselves to others. There needs to be more discussion about what is enough, and what can be born from that space of satisfaction and gratitude.
Thanks for sharing. I feel it's the case in all industries and walks of life...
Many great insights and examples of beautiful work, the big shots and the little shots. Thanks!
thanks mate