In today’s fast-paced world of instant gratification, it’s easy to get sucked in and join the rush. And although being in a rush can help you get a lot of things done, it also makes you miss out on truly experiencing moments. It’s like you moved so quickly that you were never really “there.”
Lately, I’ve really tried to slow down in a lot of areas in life in order to be more present and experience moments more fully. I’ve slowed down my normal hiking pace and I’ve been stopping more frequently to take a look around. As a result, I feel like I’ve seen many places more deeply and have seen things I wouldn’t have noticed at all if I was in a rush.
I often see people walk up to a flower, quickly take one photo, and then move on. And this is perfectly fine if you’re just looking for a record of seeing the flower, but if you’re looking to create an image that expresses something more about your subject, then consider slowing down and spending more time with your subject before you even start thinking about taking a photo.
Being in a rush can make it seem like you’re more likely to “get the shot,” but rushing will make you overlook so many opportunities. Many times, when you start slowing down, you’ll start off wanting to photograph one thing but then as you spend more time exploring that subject you notice something even more interesting to photograph.
When you’re in a rush, there’s more mental pressure to get a good photo. When you choose to slow down, and just be present in the moment, then the photo becomes secondary — just as it should be. In photography (and any form of art), if you really want to capture the beauty of a scene, you must first really experience it. This leads to you really “seeing” your subject for what it really is, and helps you determine what you want to say about your subject.
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About the Author: Steve Berardi is a nature photographer, web developer, and founder of PhotoNaturalist. You can usually find him hiking in the beautiful mountains and deserts of southern California.
Very timely, at least for me. Thank you.
I take a pad and pencil and sketch the flower before the photo.
It quietens the mind and you see a different perspective.
That is an amazing idea because it requires looking closely at the details of the subject for a period of time. And it takes time to perceive the nature and subtleties of an subject matter.
Sage advice my friend! Can you imagine Rembrandt rushing into any of his paintings? Thoroughly enjoyed the piece. Thanks!
Love the message that applies to so much more than photography, but it is also an inspiring reminder to slow down the SHUTTER PRESSER!
Yes, I totally agree with slowing down to experience the moment, not just a record of ‘I was here!’
Great article Steve. Timely advice for all of us and not only related to photography. Life has become “stupid fast” and we’re all poorer for it.