Every now and then, I make a point to revisit old folders, rummaging through pictures and files lost to the hands of time. It’s always a nice trip down memory lane, and somewhat of a nostalgia rush to me. I use that time to reflect, see what and who I used to be, and evaluate my progress. This specific instance though, I focused on finding where I stored the pictures from my first camera.
In my experience, all creative skills lack that linear progress of proficiency; instead, we see fulgurant growth one week and stagnation for the following month. This makes for a very unsatisfying feeling of inadequacy when we reach those plateaus, where we seemingly linger on and on. It is easy to get stuck there and lose all motivation; to see the lack of clear skill progression as a lack of advancement.
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I remember seeing the wood and its pattern, it attracted my eye instantly as I held the camera. Shot in 2012.
For my photography, I felt stuck at the beginning, stuck at amateur level for years. I couldn’t see myself getting better at all. I would drop the camera for months, and pick it up a few times per year. I toiled through it but much to my surprise, I always came back, looking for more. I always felt like I didn’t have it in me maybe, that I didn’t have The Eye, the passion in my heart.
Today, as I look at those old pictures, I can see and reminisce on those moments where it all seemed impossible. I can vividly remember the feeling I had when I took a specific photo, what I was aiming for, what I saw. I certainly didn’t succeed in achieving my vision back then, but I can now say with utmost certainty that I had it in me. The vision was there but the skills weren’t up to snuff for me to express it perfectly. I’m not saying my photos are perfect today, as it is highly subjective, but I achieve what I see in my mind. I express what I want to express in the way I want to do it.
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Same place, same scene, but 10 years later. There is a clear progression in my skill level. A more compelling and accomplished shot is the result.
Now, what I want to pass on is that we always progress; we always get better, faster and more efficient. There are plateaus, there are struggles, and it is certainly not easy, but we can always achieve our goals. It is okay to feel overwhelmed and to take breaks; we all have our own way to get there. What we cannot do is to give up, to do so is a great disservice to ourselves.
Lastly, before closing this post, you are not alone. We’re all in this together, be it artistic goals like me or more practical skills and challenges. We all need support from time to time, and if you ever need encouragement please reach out to me using either the comment section, or the contact form on the main page (Reach Out button). My art may not reach you in the way that I hope it does, but I am always there for a fellow human in need of help.
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