The world moves fast, and many of us try to keep up by looking for shortcuts, especially in creative fields like photography. We want quick results, but the truth is, mastering any art form takes time.
Coming to you from Christian Irmler – Landscape PhotographyThis insightful video challenges the idea of shortcuts in photography. Irmler emphasizes that there aren’t just five steps to becoming a world-class photographer. Instead, there could be 5,000. Learning the technical aspects, like using a camera or understanding light, can happen relatively quickly. But mastering composition and storytelling takes longer and requires practice. Irmler shares that while it’s easy to download eBooks or watch tutorials, these resources are only useful if you apply the lessons over time. It’s not enough to just absorb the content; you need to practice consistently and allow the learning process to become a lifelong endeavor.
Irmler then delves into one of the most important but often overlooked aspects of photography: storytelling. He explains that while many people focus on technical skills, few actually engage in the art of storytelling through a single frame. Storytelling is what brings your photos to life. It’s not just about capturing a beautiful scene; it’s about telling a story that resonates with the viewer. Without a story, even the most powerful image can fall flat. Irmler urges you to consider why someone should care about your photo beyond its aesthetic appeal. The story is what will make your work stand out.
As the video continues, Irmler discusses the importance of living a creative life. He explains that many of us hinder our creativity by letting outside circumstances dictate our emotions. Whether it’s frustration over missing a train or guilt over not achieving a goal, these negative emotions can inhibit creativity. To live a creative life, Irmler suggests that you need to detach yourself from these outside influences. He recommends focusing on maintaining a positive mindset, no matter the situation, to keep your creativity flowing.
Irmler also mentions an interesting practice: minimizing outside influences, even seemingly positive ones like music, when you are in the creative process. For example, by avoiding the emotional influence of music, you allow your true emotions to emerge, which can lead to more authentic and impactful photography. He emphasizes that artist integrity is key in all art forms, including photography. By staying true to your own emotions and not being influenced by outside forces, you can create work that is authentic and emotionally resonant. Check out the video above for Irmler’s full summary.
