I find I do my best work when I’m by myself as well. I take two week vacations by myself and solely focus on my art (something that I never seem to have the time to do, because of work). I do like the camaraderie of a workshop as well!
I definitely do my best photography alone. I can't even listen to a podcast or music - it interrupts my connection with the world in front of me. There is quite a bit of sports psychology around repeatable processes to get in the right mental state for performance.
I teach photography at a local college. I’ve taken some great shots on field trips but my best are either with a non-photographing friend or myself. It’s hard to ask others to stop regularly or be quiet and wait for 20 minutes while I get a shot. It’s even harder to get someone to go out to shoot with me at 4:00 a.m. 😁
I have 2 hobbies - woodworking and landscape photography. Both are solo activities, so I guess I fit the current discussion! I do my best photography when I am by myself, or when I wander off on my own when in a small group workshop setting. I recently had that "flow" feeling, really for the first time in photography, and it was exciting. As you said, the photos almost took themselves, and I knew what I wanted to shoot next, almost before finishing the current shot. The group leader recognized how I was feeling, and told just to stay out there for and go with it, not to rush back to the van. I thank him for helping me feel that flow for the first time. The camaraderie of a workshop is great, and I think it helps me "get in the floe".
It depends! I love photo walks with groups even just 1-2 people. Adds a nice bit of social interaction and it’s always fun to see what others see in the same space.
I find that I get into a state similar to what you describe when I'm busy drawing or painting. Time flies away and it's only me and my drawing, painting or photographing in the veld, far away from people. I find a great deal of peace this way.
Bryan, your topic today is right on par with a book from my book club, “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I would guess you are familiar with this author’s work. If not, I recommend the read. 🙂
I made a great friend through one of your workshops.
But to the point of your post, I prefer to make photographs alone. I find the presence of others distracting in the sense that I feel obligated to engage with them and not delay.
Totally agree with you, Bryan! I don't see how anyone could enter the flow state if you're out with anyone who doesn't understand and isn't committed to the flow state as well. Not to say you couldn't possible take some nice photos with friends around, but that won't be as good as the flow state photos. Hard to zen with nature when you have loud music and friends, chatting, and other distracting activity.
I definitely prefer to be solo when taking photos; however, that’s often not possible - like when on vacation. Being with others is distracting and my attention is split between being fully present in the moment with them (which I clearly am not) and making photos. Plus who wants to hang around a guy who spends most of his time waiting for “the good light”?
Interesting post. I am struggling to rediscover some of the drive I used to have with photography. Between hurricanes and other life interruptions it takes more effort. I relate to feeling more creative and connected when I was solo...I guess that was my version of flow. I yearn to find it again. I'm my biggest roadblock. I changed systems a couple years ago and have neglected the practice you describe that is necessary so you can flow unhindered.
Thank you for your post...a gentle reminder...to take some action. I signed up for a workshop mid May mostly because the instructor is an expert in the system I switched to (and Jekyll Island is only a days drive away)...and have already chatted with him regarding specific settings I want assistance with...so maybe there is hope for me yet! Lol ...thanks again.
Christine, I think we may have met through kayaking? Or maybe just obliquely connected on social media. Anyway, I can appreciate how equipment changes disrupt flow, I have been practicing using my equipment in the dark as a way to become fluid in its use.
I understand your comments on flow. I definitely get into a flow state when at work or writing. I put in my AirPods and listen to BrainFM tunes that help me focus and I can lock in for a while. With photography it definitely only happens when solo. Most of my photography is solo and I enjoy the freedom of spending as long as I want in one location or quickly moving on if I don't find a composition I like ...but I also get good work in a group setting so long as it is a photography focused outing. I have a small group that I have shot with for a long time, so we know what to expect. We can also feed off of each other as we shoot and find new compositions. I am a bit mixed on workshops because you are on a schedule with a new group of people and it takes a little time to settle in.
I like the pictures more that I create when going alone and get into the flow.
But I don't want to miss going with a group for the camaraderie and to see the pictures of the other photographers later on. I'm always impressed how different their pictures are from mine, although we went down the same path and often stopped at the same spots.
I find I do my best work when I’m by myself as well. I take two week vacations by myself and solely focus on my art (something that I never seem to have the time to do, because of work). I do like the camaraderie of a workshop as well!
I seem to experience flow in both my photography and writing. My best work comes out of it. I think it’s a fairly familiar feeling for most artists.
I definitely do my best photography alone. I can't even listen to a podcast or music - it interrupts my connection with the world in front of me. There is quite a bit of sports psychology around repeatable processes to get in the right mental state for performance.
I teach photography at a local college. I’ve taken some great shots on field trips but my best are either with a non-photographing friend or myself. It’s hard to ask others to stop regularly or be quiet and wait for 20 minutes while I get a shot. It’s even harder to get someone to go out to shoot with me at 4:00 a.m. 😁
I have 2 hobbies - woodworking and landscape photography. Both are solo activities, so I guess I fit the current discussion! I do my best photography when I am by myself, or when I wander off on my own when in a small group workshop setting. I recently had that "flow" feeling, really for the first time in photography, and it was exciting. As you said, the photos almost took themselves, and I knew what I wanted to shoot next, almost before finishing the current shot. The group leader recognized how I was feeling, and told just to stay out there for and go with it, not to rush back to the van. I thank him for helping me feel that flow for the first time. The camaraderie of a workshop is great, and I think it helps me "get in the floe".
It depends! I love photo walks with groups even just 1-2 people. Adds a nice bit of social interaction and it’s always fun to see what others see in the same space.
I so understand the solo experience
I find that I get into a state similar to what you describe when I'm busy drawing or painting. Time flies away and it's only me and my drawing, painting or photographing in the veld, far away from people. I find a great deal of peace this way.
Bryan, your topic today is right on par with a book from my book club, “Flow” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. I would guess you are familiar with this author’s work. If not, I recommend the read. 🙂
I made a great friend through one of your workshops.
But to the point of your post, I prefer to make photographs alone. I find the presence of others distracting in the sense that I feel obligated to engage with them and not delay.
Totally agree with you, Bryan! I don't see how anyone could enter the flow state if you're out with anyone who doesn't understand and isn't committed to the flow state as well. Not to say you couldn't possible take some nice photos with friends around, but that won't be as good as the flow state photos. Hard to zen with nature when you have loud music and friends, chatting, and other distracting activity.
I definitely prefer to be solo when taking photos; however, that’s often not possible - like when on vacation. Being with others is distracting and my attention is split between being fully present in the moment with them (which I clearly am not) and making photos. Plus who wants to hang around a guy who spends most of his time waiting for “the good light”?
Interesting post. I am struggling to rediscover some of the drive I used to have with photography. Between hurricanes and other life interruptions it takes more effort. I relate to feeling more creative and connected when I was solo...I guess that was my version of flow. I yearn to find it again. I'm my biggest roadblock. I changed systems a couple years ago and have neglected the practice you describe that is necessary so you can flow unhindered.
Thank you for your post...a gentle reminder...to take some action. I signed up for a workshop mid May mostly because the instructor is an expert in the system I switched to (and Jekyll Island is only a days drive away)...and have already chatted with him regarding specific settings I want assistance with...so maybe there is hope for me yet! Lol ...thanks again.
Christine, I think we may have met through kayaking? Or maybe just obliquely connected on social media. Anyway, I can appreciate how equipment changes disrupt flow, I have been practicing using my equipment in the dark as a way to become fluid in its use.
Not really a kayaked so doubtful. 😉
I understand your comments on flow. I definitely get into a flow state when at work or writing. I put in my AirPods and listen to BrainFM tunes that help me focus and I can lock in for a while. With photography it definitely only happens when solo. Most of my photography is solo and I enjoy the freedom of spending as long as I want in one location or quickly moving on if I don't find a composition I like ...but I also get good work in a group setting so long as it is a photography focused outing. I have a small group that I have shot with for a long time, so we know what to expect. We can also feed off of each other as we shoot and find new compositions. I am a bit mixed on workshops because you are on a schedule with a new group of people and it takes a little time to settle in.
I like the pictures more that I create when going alone and get into the flow.
But I don't want to miss going with a group for the camaraderie and to see the pictures of the other photographers later on. I'm always impressed how different their pictures are from mine, although we went down the same path and often stopped at the same spots.
Mostly solo, occasionally with one other friend.