Learning never ends and knowledge is power, therefore the Storyteller goes to photography seminars and trade shows on a regular basis. He’s kind enough to share with us what he gained from a recent seminar. Sometimes it is not what we expect to gain/learn, but what we make out of what was presented that makes it valuable.

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- Intention & Focus -

Without intention all acts are purely mechanical and robotic.

Without intention a photo can be perfectly exposed and composed, but there will not be a sign of life in it.

The intention of a photographer is not to execute all the mechanics and technicalities perfectly; a robot can do better. The focus should not be on the mechanics and technicalities after one becomes a bona fide photographer. Otherwise, your creativity will always remain on the level of a techie instead of an artist.

To help make my point clear; I would like to quote Bruce Lee from his movie, “Enter the Dragon”: “It’s like a finger pointing a way to the moon. Don’t concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory”. To be a photographer you must focus all your energy and your intensity on your intention. It does sound repetitive, but it makes sense if you think about it.

Yes, it’s the intensity of your intention that defines who you are as a photographer. Otherwise, a robot can do a better job than you. It’s the only difference. Free yourself from the constraints of the mechanics and technicalities and elevate yourself from the robotic procedures of photo taking.

You should not blindly follow “the teacher”. Find out what his intentions are. There are many proclaimed masters that set up courses and seminars to sell gadgets. The techniques you learn from them are purely set up to sell their gadgets. Do you really need the gadgets to capture beautiful photos? Don’t be a human doing, be a human being and find your intention.

Are there other ways other than their ways? One simple solution is to look at their photos. Do their photos speak to your heart? Is the talk in sync with the walk (the finished photos)?

Intention & Focus, these two words that can change the course of your life and your photography!