Photography matters. It can be emotional, personal and deeply important. But taking yourself too seriously is a quick route to a joyless experience, alienating others and becoming pretentious. A sense of humour is is a superpower; not only does it keep us going when snow and ice fly sideways into our face, it also heals the soul.
When you pour your heart into your work it is easy to become defensive. Criticism stings. Gear fails. Other photographers can be unpleasant or act like gatekeepers. But most of it is noise. The moments that actually matter are the ones that create memories that last a lifetime. Out on the hill with a mate, laughing at the madness of it all, when suddenly light so beautiful bursts over the distant mountain and makes all the struggles worthwhile.
Have fun on your shoots. Spend time with good people who raise you up. Be willing to make mistakes and adapt when things go wrong, because they will. Laugh at yourself when you forget a lens, a memory card or a filter. Don’t be easily offended, you’re not in control of what other people say. The photographs are important, but the experiences behind them are what stay with you. If you can protect that joy, you protect your photography and your well-being too.
Find out more about Mali – https://maliphotography.co.uk/
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