Good photographers are inquisitive , curious folk who try to reflect and connect to their everyday in positive ways !
This positive mindset is becoming harder to find for most nowadays and searching for it everyday can become a heavy load !
The current climate of fear , uncertainty and social restrictions is effecting the mood of us all , one way or another , as each empty day passes its getting harder to find motivation , I feel best out in rural open spaces these days rather than empty city streets , big skies and local woodland has a special appeal to me now .
Strangely I enjoy the luxury of NOT photographing my favorite places these days , I want to enjoy these places first hand rather than filter the experience through a lens !
Separating myself from my inner photographer helps me to relax and enjoy just being !
I wonder if the committed relentless visual engagement with our everyday makes photographers especially vulnerable to the dark mists of depression ?
When times are good its good , but on the other hand …
It’s our job to look deeper and visually interpret the effects of the times we live in , social sensibilities can increase our vulnerability, finding a calm mental and physical space is important to staying in good shape !
I’m still managing to make pictures but its getting harder to find the positivity I have maintained for most of this year , these sinkhole pictures have become my visual metaphor for 2020 , holes appearing everywhere while being careful not to fall in !
I came across this blog by Alaister Campell this week and thought I would share it here , worth a read !
TWENTY TIPS FOR GUARDING AGAINST DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN THE ERA OF SELF-ISOLATION AlastairCampbell.org
Most of you reading this will be familiar with a form of creative block and may have developed solutions that help overcome the insecurity and challenges of hitting the buffers , my solution is to go out and make pictures in the belief that bad captures are better than the disengagement of no captures at all !
A determination to keep tripping the shutter will eventually kick start the flow of positive creative juices and thoughts which in turn will initiate the first steps of recovery from the dreaded photographic “Blackdog” !
Sometimes the mental activity of looking and seeking is more important than the pictures themselves , good pictures will turn up sooner or later !
I’m pleased to report that many of the perceived dangers and threats of this crisis can be reduced with support ,consideration and care , a realistic sense of perspective and risk is important to avoid becoming overwhelmed !
Seek help and talk to someone if your struggling !
Take care & stay safe …
Keep on , keeping on and don’t fall down the hole , do what’s best for you …
David Barrett is now following the pandemic crisis from a personal perspective with the Testing Times project .
The State Of Britain series is now complete, it explores everyday life during the Brexit era and gives visual insights into British identity, aspirations and post-truth uncertainty .....
He is based in the South West of England .