Focusing on discipline: A photographic journey
After purchasing my camera I have immersed myself into everything photography. The camera is almost always by my side, almost being the operative word here and because of it I've missed some photographic opportunities. When I have gone out the last few times I wasn't happy with my results. Not that they were particularly bad but not up to my standards, maybe I have set unrealistic expectations and I'm not there yet. Either way I beat myself up about it. I lack discipline and that lack of discipline is evident in the inconsistency of my work. Realistically, I know the difficulties I face trying to develop my skills as a photographer while maintaining a full time job, all while simultaneously juggling your home and social life. Which leads me back to discipline and the lack there of, last year I started a workout regimen first thing in the morning with positive results. After a few weeks my days got easier, I was more focused and productive, due largely in part to discipline.
It has been a few weeks since I've posted on Instagram and amazingly enough I seem to be handling the social media black out in stride. I think I've made peace knowing the art comes before the likes. How can I develop as a photographer when I put the cart before the horse. Truthfully, I have content, but I am trying to focus on the direction I want to take as a photographer. One morning as I sat down having a cup of coffee, contemplating my future as a serious photographer, I glanced over at the book shelf and there it was staring right back at me, The Book of the Five Rings written by Miyamoto Musashi, a samurai during the Edo period in Japan. The book was gifted to me by one of the smartest people I know and very dear friend who explained that the book on samurai strategy was used in the business world, replacing the battlefield for the board room.
The samurai to me exemplify discipline and dedication, it not only describes what they did but who they were, with Musashi as the apex of the samurai having remained undefeated throughout his life. Although I will not face death when I pick up my camera, I know that I could only benefit from the main tenets of strategy. Starting with 1. Do not think dishonestly. I feel that if I am truthful to myself and my subjects through my photography I can capture the true nature of things. 2. The Way is in training. I should spend equal time studying theory as I do photographing. 3. Become acquainted with every art. If I learn to look through the eyes of other artist to reveal the beauty that they saw. 4. Know the Ways of all professions. Everyone has a role in this world and what they do plays a big part in who they are. 5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters. Focuses more on the value I get by taking a photo. 6. Develop an intuitive judgement and understanding for everything. Learn your environment and the people in it. 7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen. Simply wants us to look passed the obvious. 8. Pay attention even to trifles. Explains that you should keep one eye on your subject and the other on everything else going on around you. 9. Do nothing which is of no use. If you pick up your camera then make it worth your while. With discipline I hope to bring value to my photography, with value I hope to produce a body of work that I can be proud of. I look forward to applying all that I learn from The Book of the Five Rings to my photography.
1. Do not think dishonestly.
2. The Way is in training.
3. Become acquainted with every art.
4. Know the Ways of all professions
5. Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
6. Develop an intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.
7. Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
8. Pay attention even to trifles.
9. Do nothing which is of no use.