The world moves fast, and many of us try to keep up by seeking shortcuts, especially in creative fields like photography. We want quick results, but the truth is, mastering any art form takes time.
Coming to you from Christian Irmler - Landscape Photography, this insightful video challenges the idea of shortcuts in photography. Irmler emphasizes that there aren't just five steps to becoming a world-class photographer. Instead, there might be 5,000 steps. Learning the technical aspects, like using a camera or understanding light, can happen relatively quickly. But mastering composition and storytelling takes much longer and requires practice. Irmler shares that while it's easy to download an eBook or watch a tutorial, these resources are only useful if you apply the lessons over time. It’s not enough to just consume content; you need to practice consistently and allow the learning process to be a long-term endeavor.
Irmler then dives into one of the most critical but often overlooked aspects of photography: storytelling. He explains that while many people focus on technical skills, few truly engage with the art of telling a story through a single frame. Storytelling is what brings life to your photos. It's not just about capturing a beautiful scene; it's about conveying a narrative that resonates with viewers. Without a story, even the most stunning image can feel empty. Irmler urges you to consider why someone should care about your photo beyond its aesthetic appeal. The story is what will make your work stand out.
As the video continues, Irmler discusses the importance of living a creative life. He explains that many of us hinder our creativity by letting external circumstances dictate our emotions. Whether it’s frustration from a missed train or guilt over unmet goals, these negative feelings can block creativity. To live a creative life, Irmler suggests that you need to separate yourself from these external influences. He advises focusing on maintaining a positive mindset, regardless of the situation, to keep your creativity flowing.
Irmler also mentions an interesting practice: minimizing external influences, even seemingly positive ones like music, when you're in a creative process. By avoiding the emotional influence of music, for example, you allow your true emotions to surface, which can lead to more authentic and impactful photography. He emphasizes that the integrity of the artist is key in any form of art, including photography. By staying true to your own emotions and not being swayed by outside forces, you can produce work that is genuine and emotionally resonant. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Irmler.
