Let Go
Not giving up doesn’t mean gritting your teeth. Creative photographic skill requires more than brute force. Photographers are problem solvers, looking for visual solutions that will enliven and surprise. Some problems require that we relax and let go.
A few years ago, a behavioral scientist put this notion to the test. She set up a study that involved two scenarios. In the first one, groups of people were asked to enter a room and solve a serious and important task. Very few groups were able to succeed.
For the next scenario, groups of people were asked to enter a room and solve a serious and important task. As they entered the room they noticed a table filled with delicacies. Next to the food was a note that said, “Enjoy these treats as a thank-you for your participation. Think of the task ahead of you as if it were a game—see if you can win. Good luck!” This time most of the groups accomplished the task and did so with great speed.
While the study isn’t conclusive, it definitely made me think. It reminds me that creative solutions can often be found in curious ways.