Familiarity makes us feel comfortable. We have the ability to relate and it allows our tension to be relaxed. There is a gravitational pull towards it, where we find ourselves automatically going towards the familiar. It is a space that we enjoy being in because it can provide security, especially in uncertain times.
This comfort has a downfall though. We shut down the possibility of growth. Shouldn’t growth be something that we strive for in our lives? Or is being stagnate and just okay acceptable?
In the last few weeks I have taken the time to go shoot twice. That number hurts my heart. I was mad that I could only shoot my car and not others. Mad that I felt so uninspired. The days that I did go out it wasn’t even my idea to go, but when I did I loved every minute of it. It felt like home. It was almost dare I say normal.
Magic happens when you are in a moment that you love. Any problems or concerns that were on your mind before disappear. Your focus is changed. Nothing else matters. It feels comfortable. Now there is nothing wrong with feeling comfortable, but I have been looking at my photos from these last shoots. I noticed similarities between each shoot. Last minute decision to shoot, check. Shot at sunset, check. Location with the mountains, check. Location within minutes from home, check. Shooting into the shadows, check. All of these boxes that I have checked are ones that I am familiar with. They provide a level of comfort. They provide pretty pictures, but lack the creativity and growth I desire.
What would be the complete opposite? Shooting with intent. Shooting at sunrise or night or gasp midday. Industrial location. Traveling outside the 5-10 minute mark. Not shooting backlit. None of these things are hard to accomplish. None of these things fall outside of my capabilities. They just don’t fit my normal bubble, typical “style” or follow my standard routine. It oddly makes me feel uneasy. It makes me feel uncomfortable.
Now I have the ability to continue to follow my cookie cutter pattern I have set out for myself. I will progress some simply with the practice makes perfect mentality. It would be fine. I was not meant for fine. I was meant for continual growth and innovating every field I work in.
It is time to strive for uncomfortable.
Always,
Heidi