Whether we’re talking about creative photography or creative marketing I am often pained to see that so many photographers lock themselves in prisons they themselves build. These prisons are built out of one’s own fears. Familiar photography subjects and styles are tough to break free of as there is a sense of safety in photographing what people already know and like. New business models/practices, social media sites, products and technologies are often seen as threats as opposed to great new opportunities. Once you find something that works its tough to break free to try something new. I’m guilty of that as anyone else. Still I make a concerted effort to push myself to see or do something different. It doesn’t always result in the best outcome, but I’m never a prisoner of my fears and in the process I learn or discover something new that I’d never have found otherwise.
“Within yourself deliverance must be searched for, because each man makes his own prison”
– Edwin Arnold
Tourists stream down Michigan Avenue in Alcatraz prison
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Excellent observations, Jim. I will add that many such prisons are also built by editors, curators, critics, contest sponsors, and many others; and photographers will often willingly incarcerate themselves within their walls for the small benefit of a little public attention.
Guy
“editors, curators, critics, contest sponsors…”
Which is exactly why I stopped worrying about all of that, including all the social media junk. Now its just me and the camera for my personal work.