My Breakthrough
Recently I’ve noticed how much depression had started to affect my work over the past few years, and it’s been a real eye opener. Not creating with the same level of care and passion, thereby reducing the overall quality of my images has been an extremely disappointing discovery. I was literally making photos, doing very little post production, then posting to my social media accounts. I was totally frustrated, burnt out, and I just couldn’t make myself care like I use to. It was honestly a dreadful time in my life. Looking back, my work really suffered because of my attitude.
I’m happy to say that I’m rectifying my mistakes and I’m officially back on track. I can’t tell you how good it feels to thoroughly care again. To find myself again. To do the hard work to achieve the results I want. To be back on point and creating my way. Reviewing my work from the past 6 years makes me want to completely re-edit almost every single photo I’ve made. But I’m going to be realistic and selective with the images I choose to reimagine moving forward. As long as the end result makes me happy, I’m good.
If you’re suffering internally as I was, I highly suggest that you make the time to do whatever it takes to bring yourself back to a state of normalcy. Trust me, the difference will be shocking! But it’s definitely worth the effort to reinvigorate your life as well as your creative energy.
The first photo is the original that I posted back in 2021 when I initially created it. The second photo is my most recent edit, which I feel represents her skin, the overall scene, and my work far more accurately! When comparing the two photos side by side I was very emotional. I couldn’t believe just how far I had slipped away. Regaining my mojo makes me truly thankful that I’m back on the road to recovery.
A Night Of Fun
Happy New Year!
Know you, a large portion of photography historically focuses on human suffering and atrocities. One aspect of being a photographer is documenting all sides of life, the good the bad, and the ugly. Throughout my career I’ve photographed a variety of situations, including those that aren’t pretty or positive. But these days I tend to move away from negative imagery. Even if I feel compelled to photograph something that could be considered negative, I often choose not to share those images for public consumption.
Having suffered a number of tragedies in my personal life, I’m at a stage where I feel I just want to immerse myself in positive energy only. So I love to photograph candid moments of people just being themselves. I love to see people enjoying themselves, going about their daily lives. My favorite subjects to photograph are those that depict joy. And I know happiness in “serious” photography still seems to be frowned upon, but it’s what I like to see, and more importantly, it’s what makes me feel good inside.
With that out of the way, here are some photos I made at one of my favorite places to hang out and people watch. Here you’ll notice ordinary moments of humor, fun, and details you might otherwise miss.
Moving forward I will continue to photograph any and everything that sparks my interests, but I will consistently share work that promotes positivity. I hope in some small way I inspire you to do the same. There’s NOTHING wrong with being happy. And it’s certainly nothing wrong with photographing people who AREN’T suffering. Believe me, choosing joy will help lift your spirits as well as add some much needed variety to your portfolio. If enough people adapt this mindset maybe we’ll finally start to make some positive changes in the photography community.
Peace and blessings!
Versatility By RNJ 