Relationships come with no user's manual nor a how-to guide, it is as unique as the irides of our eyes. Each relationship comes with its own experience and lessons for us to realize and learn from. Photography has its lessons to teach us as well about relationships. Before anything else, I would like to make it clear that I am no expert when it comes to the matters of the heart, but I would like to share some insights on some lessons learned.
Photography, no matter what genre you pursue, whether in wedding, fashion, commercial, landscape, portraits, macro, wildlife, or street, teaches us a thing or two about being in a relationship.
Patience. It teaches us to be patient and uncomplaining, just like landscape photography, we need to be calm and even-tempered. Setting up and getting the money shot takes tons of patience just as relationships do.
Responsibility. Photography inculcates to us a sense of responsibility in the way we decide and make our choices. In our choices of subjects and locations to shoot. We need to be responsible for our actions, and being careful of the places that restricts flash photography, use of tripod and other related restrictions. Shooting the appropriate subject that doesn't degrade nor discriminate other people but rather, taking a shot that tells a moving story of the subject.
Coexistence. The camera allows us to embody our vision and foresight. It is a tool to express our imagination, no matter what system or what brand of camera we are using, relationships should not be defined by our differences, but rather, it should complement each others attributes and characteristics. The next time you date someone who owns a camera with a different brand as yours, think again, he or she may be the one you have been waiting for.
Acceptance. We all have our unique way of seeing through a view finder or a lens for that matter, it is how we interpret and use our creativity that makes each and every moment, a moment worth telling. What you see may be different from what your partner sees. You may be looking at the same view, but what is important is we share the same inspiration from that same view.
Understanding. Oftentimes more than ever, you need to take a step back to get a bigger and better picture of what really is happening in front of you. In doing this you get to understand the totality of the situation, thus you can react and prepare accordingly.
Simplicity and Contentment. We all have our wish list of camera gears and accessories, but to others, it's a choice between putting food on the table and investing on new lenses or body. We have to be contented with what gears we have, and enhance our skills with it. We make sure that we make the most out of it. Merely buying the most expensive gears doesn't make one a PRO, it's the skills, knowledge, and wisdom accumulated over the years of experience that makes one a PRO. (special thanks to mentors)
Audacity. Everyday we take risks, risk that may or may not have positive results. As story tellers we try push the envelope of our craft, in doing so, we take risks. Taking risks in relationships is as important as risks in photography, nobody makes a masterpiece by playing it safe. Failure is very much a part of every success.
These are just some of the things that photography taught me from my experience. What has photography taught you?