I’ve been struggling lately. Maybe its because I’m old (using anti-wrinkle cream at the age of 25 constitutes as old in my mind), or sensitive or a bit of both, but I’m struggling emotionally. I consider myself an artist (with a degree in studio art, I believe I’ve earned the title) but what do I really DO… I’m a photographer; (I hope) my images inspire, create self-confidence and radiate beauty… is that enough? I love photography, I’m passionate about my art and I’m proud of the images I create… but if no one is touched or inspired or impassioned by them- isn’t there something missing?
Is it enough to simply create beauty for the world? So many others are fixing things, making lives better- my sister, for example, is going to be a Childlife Specialist- help kids cope with their serious illnesses and he;p them understand what is happening to their bodies on their level. I’m so proud of her for making a difference.
Can portrait photography change someone’s life? Can it impact them on a deep level? Can my photography do that? I’ve been “running my business” for so long that I’ve neglected the artist in me- the voice that wants to mean something more than a pretty photograph.
Photographers/artists- what do you think? Am I the only one struggling with these feelings of un-fulfillment?
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Emily - wow Sarah. in my professional (cough, cough)
opinion, i think what you are going through is partly a phase that will probably come around again sometime.
strangely enough, i’ve had those thoughts too. and my photography is nothing compared to yours! but on days when i think i want to quit my interpreting job and really focus on getting photography going, my mind wanders to that place of – so what if i can take a picture people like. and then i think about my experiences with seeing a photo of myself, or looking at old snapshots even. Pictures are not a necessity of life – no doubt about it. but what would the quality of life be without those small pleasures?? Imagine a world where beauty held NO value. some people would say it would be better b/c then people wouldn’t have some of the issues they do. but what about a sunset, or garden. and think of the memories that photographs help secure. I have a terrible memory and really rely on my pictures to trigger those memories.
so although taking pictures may not be life altering, you are taking the basic parts of life and making it better with a simple pleasure. and that, my friend, IS important.
those are my thoughts
LITB
brenda - Dearest and most darling Sarah, the fact that you stop occasionally and review your contribution to the world says to me that you are not complacent and are striving to continually grow with your gifts and skill. You ask if your photographs can do more than look pretty and if your contribution does more? There is absolutely no question that you take beautifully artistic images. There is also no question that you have the ability to capture the emotions and personality of the people you photograph. What you may not hear when people see your images – like the times I pull up your archives and share your pictures with family, friends and acquaintances – are what your work inspires. It brings joy. It brings appreciation for beauty. It shares something with the world that would not otherwise be there.
Do you know that moms feel the same thing when raising children? There really is no way to measure the contribution of that job. There will be glimpses of things that say “well done” but there are just as many times where that voice inside says “you could be doing better”.
I hope that your self-reflection brings you some reassurance. What you contribute through your work leaves a footprint that makes a difference. What you contribute to the people’s lives you touch makes a difference. Your work will always be evolving and changing as you grow as a person. Maybe that’s what you are feeling is the growth you are doing as a person and waiting for that growth to show in your work.
Keep striving toward the goals you make for yourself. It will help make you the artist you want to be.
Much love to you! (and your work too) <3
Casey - If you knew how good I feel about myself when I see a pretty picture of me, you might feel a little more fulfilled. Espcially now, when I hardly ever get to look nice (we’re talking even doing my hair, putting on a little makeup, and wearing normal clothes), it is nice to look at something that reminds me that I am a young girl who used to get to do all of that.
Maggie | Vintage 40′s inspired Photography » New Beginnings Photography - [...] a personal note, I had been struggling in September with my purpose as an artist (which I blogged about here). This photo shoot revived my love for photography and made me feel like my art could really make a [...]