Hard work, talent, and luck. These three elements shape how successful you can be in any pursuit, including photography. But of the three, only one is fully within your control—and it’s the one that matters most: hard work.
Coming to you from Shoot On Film – by Ari Jaaksi, this thoughtful video explores the balance between these forces and why hard work stands out as the key to creative fulfillment. Jaaksi uses the example of a musician hoping to be discovered by a famous producer, emphasizing that while luck and talent play a role, neither matters if you haven’t put in the work. Even extraordinary talent will go unnoticed without the consistent effort to improve and produce. He points out the importance of finding joy in the process of working hard. If your motivation depends solely on luck or success, you’re likely to feel dissatisfied because neither is guaranteed.
The video dives deeper into the value of enjoying the craft itself. For Jaaksi, photography is fulfilling because he loves the process—rain, snow, or shine. He recounts a day just before Christmas when he spent hours shooting in bad weather, using a mix of cameras and black-and-white film stocks like Kodak T-Max 400 and Ilford Delta 320. Each choice came with its challenges, from handling different film types to protecting vintage cameras from moisture damage. Despite the effort, Jaaksi explains that he wasn’t chasing perfection or recognition. He simply enjoyed the act of creating, even when conditions were tough.
Jaaksi also touches on the importance of using tools for their intended purpose, even if it means risking wear and tear. He discusses how his Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras hold up in bad weather, acknowledging their limitations but emphasizing that they are meant to be used. He explains how he mitigates damage, such as drying focusing screens affected by moisture, but ultimately accepts that some wear is inevitable. For him, the reward of capturing compelling images outweighs the risks.
This video offers a grounded perspective on creativity. It reminds you to focus on what you can control: your effort and your passion. Luck may or may not come, and talent is a fixed variable, but the joy of the process can sustain you through the ups and downs of any creative pursuit. Days spent immersed in your craft—whether it’s film photography or another passion—can lead to fulfillment, regardless of external outcomes. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Jaaksi.
