Living a Satisfying and Fulfilling Life Won’t Improve Your Photography
Recently, I have seen a number of misconceptions floating around regarding the best way to improve oneself as a photographer. As a highly experienced photographer whose photos have been on the bottom of the Flickr Explore page on numerous occasions, I feel qualified to correct many of these assumptions and damaging tendencies.
Indeed, the best way to become a better photographer is to sit in a dim, empty room for 8 hours a day with nothing but your camera, and hone your skills as a visual storyteller.
At first it may seem counterproductive, but trust me, immersing yourself in a world with no interesting subject matter and no dynamic light and no compelling stories is definitely the quickest way to transform yourself from a mere shutterbug to a full-fledged artist. Genuine human interaction and leading an interesting life that satisfies one’s curiosity and desires is counterproductive to becoming a truly transcendent photographer.
After spending the last four months in my basement perfecting my photographic technique, I have really begun to see significant improvement in my photography. Before, I was merely taking pictures I thought would look interesting. But now, I appreciate the hidden artistry behind every piece of carpet fiber, every square inch of beige drywall. Sitting in an empty room has truly transformed the way I go about the photographic process.
To reiterate, experiencing the world might be a somewhat valid way to live out meaningful experiences and meet interesting people for some, but just because you’ve experienced life beyond the scope of your 200 square foot fluorescent-lit basement does not mean you’re a better photographer because of it.
Indeed, living a real, fulfilling life might somehow be attractive, but true artists are made not from real world experience, but from sitting in a dark, closed off room for 56 hours a week honing their photographic skill in isolation.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. Literally.
About the author: Duncan Mullen is a Seattle-based photographer and social media influencer best known for his 100+ follower Instagram presence through the @self_defenestration brand. He enjoys long walks on the beach and browsing the Insta explore page for fresh PNW heaterz.