Achievement vs. Serenity in Modern Life
You know that we teach that photography is as much about the moment and the process as it is about achievement. It’s also about the story, and telling the story around the image you take is an equally important part of your creativity. Here I climbed down a steep slope at Cape Point to sit drenched by the breaking waves. Watching how the waves broke was cathartic and healing, and I left that place happy.
Achievement vs, Serenity
We live in a world that measures success by output, accolades, and tangible achievements. This drive for “more” seeps into all corners of life, even into the arts. Photography, too, can become a performance, a constant striving for the perfect shot, the perfect edit, or the next viral image. But what if the most fulfilling part of photography isn’t the achievement? What if true joy lies in embracing photography as a peaceful, contemplative practice—a praxis—rather than a pursuit?
Achievement Culture in Photography: The Pressure to Produce
It’s easy to see how achievement culture influences photography. Everywhere we turn, we’re encouraged to improve our skills, accumulate likes and followers, and create technically “perfect” images. For many, these goals are fulfilling. Yet, they can also breed pressure, burnout, and a loss of connection with the very practice that once brought joy.
These little circles of light, otherwise known as Bokeh, are wonderful additions to any photographic artwork. To find them in nature, look for a background that shows the light coming through as pinholes, open your lens wide and shoot. Like intentional camera movement, the image is transformed into a champagne party in nature.
Does photography have to be this way? What if, instead of being an act of “getting it right,” it could be an invitation to slow down, observe, and immerse ourselves in the present moment?
Choosing Praxis Over Perfection: Photography as a Practice of Mindfulness
Praxis is an ancient Greek word that refers to engaging in practice with purpose, presence, and thoughtfulness. Photography can embody this idea beautifully when approached with mindfulness. When we photograph to experience rather than to produce, we shift our focus from the result to the journey itself.
Consider this: What if the next time you take your camera out, you set aside any goals for the “perfect” shot? Instead, allow yourself to wander, observe, and respond to what calls to you, fully present. This act of observation can become meditative, allowing for a deep experience of serenity and mindfulness.
Its the “Moment” thing, watching and waiting for the perfect light and then the decision to press the shutter. This is the best therapy I know and it doesn’t cost a thing being out there in the early morning - no worries if medical aid will cover it - just you and your camera and nature - the best of all psychotherapists.
Reframing Success: The Rewards of Choosing Serenity Over Achievement
When we let go of achievement as the ultimate goal, we begin to see the hidden rewards of a more serene approach. We find joy in small, intimate moments—like the texture of a leaf, the patterns in tree bark, or the dance of light on water. These are moments that may never translate into a “perfect” photo, yet they enrich our lives and open our eyes to the everyday wonders that surround us.
By choosing serenity, we also create space for self-reflection and connection, which can have transformative effects on our personal lives. The images we capture become less about performance and more about deep, authentic expression.
Further Reading to Deepen Your Journey
For those who want to take this approach further, I’ve created a course that guides photographers in cultivating mindfulness through their craft. Join me, and let’s discover together the peace that lies within a mindful photography practice.
For readers who resonate with this approach and want to dive deeper, here’s a suggested reading list:
"The Zen of Creativity: Cultivating Your Artistic Life" by John Daido Loori
A blend of Zen philosophy and creative practice, Loori’s work explores how art can be a path to mindfulness and presence."The Art of Noticing: 131 Ways to Spark Creativity, Find Inspiration, and Discover Joy in the Everyday" by Rob Walker
Walker’s book offers practical exercises to cultivate mindfulness and awareness, making it an ideal complement to a mindful photography practice."On Looking: Eleven Walks with Expert Eyes" by Alexandra Horowitz
A beautiful exploration of the art of observation, Horowitz’s book reminds us of the wonders that await when we slow down and truly see the world around us."Photography as Meditation: Tap Into the Source of Your Creativity" by Torsten Andreas Hoffmann
Hoffmann combines meditation principles with photography techniques, showing how photography can be a form of meditation in itself."The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes" by Andy Karr and Michael Wood
Focused on seeing with awareness, this book dives into contemplative photography techniques, perfect for those looking to deepen their mindfulness in photography.
