Recently I created the personal success mantra, “Just keep saying yes to the things that feel right.”
Since that time, I find myself in front of a lot of new photography opportunities.
One opportunity is to be a backup photographer for a friends wedding next month.
Flipping through some bride magazines for research on current wedding trends, I found the following quote by someone named deGriff:
“There are times when you will be in the field without your camera. You will see the most glorious sunset, or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don’t be bitter because you can’t record it. Sit down, drink it in and enjoy it for what it is”
The message here is that sometimes it’s better for us to be present and experience the moment. Live our lives in real time, rather than rush to capture the moment in images to look through later.
He’s speaking directly to photographers here, but we can ask that question to anyone following their dream and it would apply.
Reflecting on it even more I think this could be the key to my own recent ‘photography dream blahs’.
To build technical skill and practice I’ve attended so many events lately – shooting literally hundreds of images at time.
I have been so busy trying to get the shots that I forget sit down and drink it all in.
I forget to enjoy the event for what it is. I forget to be present and in the moment.
You’ve been there, right?
So, what is it that prevents us from hearing the dream voice inside of us and being fully present in our dreams?
1. It’s possible we aren’t challenging ourselves enough
We choose to play it safe, stay in our comfort zones of what we already know. We settle instead of taking risks. And because we’re playing it safe, we start to fall asleep. We are on auto pilot, and entrenched in our daily routines. Nothing feels special.
My dream voice says, “I am not challenging myself enough creatively – I shoot photos of places I’m familiar with. I use lenses that always capture the scene the way I want to. Instead of being patient and setting up the shot in the moment, I take multiple shots, and walk on – hoping one will just turn out.
There is no learning or exploring, or wondering “what if.”
2. It’s possible our dream is changing
We started off wanting something, and now that dream has gone off in a different direction. It’s morphed into something else – maybe your dreams aren’t as clearly defined as they once were, and its’ not clear on what choices to make next.
My dream voice says, “I originally wanted to be a well known and respected photographer. I wanted to sell my images, tell my own story. But I realize now that is shifting. My dream is becoming something bigger, different – and it’s not just about me. It’s about helping others get what they want as artists.
It means, “I’ll have to reach out – I’m not sure what steps to take next.”
3. It’s possible we just don’t want to be present in the moment
With so much happening in our lives, being open, vulnerable and totally present is not easy. It may just be easier to keep things on the surface. Unfortunately, others may misread our actions, and label our limited participation as passive, shallow, or noncommittal when we may just be out of practice or lack basic communication skills.
My dream voice says, “As a photographer, it’s easy for me to attend parties, weddings, events – and hide behind the camera. I also have a false belief that I’ll be able to replicate the experience later on through the photographs I take. The reminiscing always falls short of expectations.
If I want to engage with people and truly be present, I need to put the camera down and just live the experience in real time.
Is it hard for you to stay present and focused on your dream progress?
What is your dream voice saying to you – and how are you going to answer it?
We’d love to hear your dream story.
Until next photo,
Rem
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a photographer … then the world. Remy is CEO of CornerstoneCreative, a business consulting company in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Friday
Remy’s dream is creating opportunities for photography showings and public displays of her work and to ultimately be recognized nationally as a respected photographer . . . then the world. Remy is CEO of Cornerstone Creative, a business consulting practice in Northern California. Remy’s post day is Wednesday. +Remy Gervais
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