Feeling Lost as a Photographer? Watch This

We live in an era in which we are absolutely inundated by images every day, from every direction and in which we are often encouraged to think just as much about the tools of the trade as the images themselves. All that can lead one to feel frustrated or even disillusioned with the craft. If you find yourself feeling that way, give this insightful and motivational video a watch.

Coming to you from Maarten Heilbron, this fantastic video essay discusses what it means to be a photographer and what makes for impactful images. We are constantly bombarded, even assaulted, by the idea that we must constantly invest in the latest and most expensive gear, and while it is true there can be advantages in having modern equipment, it will not create a compelling image any more than a sharp knife will make a five-star meal. Just like the customers of the restaurant will not care or even know what brand of knife helped make their meal, the viewers of an image will not know or care what camera or lens made it. All that matters is how it captures their attention or evokes an emotion. And that should be the same reason we practice photography; that is the path to deeper fulfillment from the craft. Check out the video above for Heilbron's full thoughts on the matter.