Many photographers and videographers often hit points in their careers where they're suddenly dissatisfied with their work and unsure of where to go to next. This great video talks about how to avoid that mistake so you can continue to grow and become a more successful creative.
Coming to you from Evan Ranft, this great video talks about the dangers of becoming too comfortable as a creative. If you find a style or method that works well for you and brings you success, it's easy (and even natural) to want to stick with that for as long as possible. After all, why would someone run from something that brings them success? But a lot of artistic growth is found by pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and thinking outside the box. Growth rarely happens when one is comfortable. That's of course not to say you should throw away everything that has made you successful, especially if you've built a business out of it. However, notice that most of the best artists constantly reinvent themselves, rarely repeating anything they've done in the past. Always be open to exploring more and trying things that expand your creativity and your skills. Check out the video above for more of Ranft's thoughts.
This was a great post. Thanks for sharing
I just started practice on video. I bought a new Fuji X-H1. I was amazed how it came out. Again I did not know what Was doing, I had the sound turned off . But the in camera stabilization and lens made for a smooth video. So I am giving myself permission to have fun and learn before I venture into paid stuff. It is bringing out of my comfort zone.
Yet another video, which is telling me, what I'm doing wrong! That's in my opinion the bigger problem...
Your point is well taken. Where an artist wants to go with their work is a deeply personal decision. A lot has to do with purpose. If you are making pictures for a business, you must go where your customers want you to go. If your work is personal or artistic, you have to keep learning and following your heart. If you want to listen to critics, that's also a personal decision. If you are content with your results, stay the course. If you feel stale, then change. All of these decisions are personal, and there are no right or wrong answers.
Yes you're right, there is no right or wrong. Of course, if you're doing this pro style, your customers are almost always right. It's a thin red line between no money and doing your own thing/style.
But to be more specific, what I meant. There is a trend on Youtube in the last year, where people try to tell you what are "you" doing wrong. That's quite annoying and is arrogant. Usually I try to avoid those videos.
No argument there... Social media is very loud, and sometimes you have to just turn it off....