{"id":25357,"date":"2021-05-25T10:39:42","date_gmt":"2021-05-25T19:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/?p=25357"},"modified":"2021-05-25T10:42:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T19:42:24","slug":"why-chasing-perfection-is-the-enemy-of-creativity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/why-chasing-perfection-is-the-enemy-of-creativity\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Chasing Perfection is the Enemy of Creativity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>NOTE: This is a sample lesson from my exclusive <a href=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/photography-on-the-brain-special-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Photography On The Brain course.<\/a> If you&#8217;d like to watch more introspective lessons like this and explore photography and creativity from a more cerebral standpoint, <a href=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/photography-on-the-brain-special-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">click here to get the 20-lesson bundle for over 50% off.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>In Japanese philosophy there exists the idea of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nobleharbor.com\/tea\/chado\/WhatIsWabi-Sabi.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201cwabi-sabi<\/a>,\u201d the act of embracing the flawed or the imperfect.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in our modern society, signs of imperfection are shunned. Everything from music to photography, social media, to how we look, how our life looks. In many areas of our life, perfection is an absolute must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_35969\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\"  data-relstop=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uUslMaF3E30?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;rel=0&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this outlook creates many contradictions. And said contradictions complicate our day to day lives, <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.pachamama.org\/blog\/mindful-monday-take-time-to-listen-deeply-to-someone-today\">draining the depth from many of our interactions<\/a>. We become mentally fatigued and this hollow complexity creates a repeating cycle that leaves us<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.pachamama.org\/blog\/transforming-anger-and-despair-into-compassion\"> longing for something more<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without the presence of imperfections, the wonders of the world would not be so breathtaking. After all, it\u2019s the imperfection that gives the world it\u2019s charm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In art, <strong>Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In art, a dichotomy exists between creating the perfect thing, and yet trying to create it in such a way that adds a sense of individuality so that it\u2019s truly ours and truly unique. In other words we add our style, and for the most part, style sort of implies a level of imperfection, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my latest video lesson, I explore the notion of <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uUslMaF3E30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">why chasing perfection in photography is not always the best idea. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/LND-AK-KRV-01028-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25358\"\/><figcaption>Blown histogram. Shoulda thrown this one away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As photographers, we all live this constant contraction between trying to find the perfect subject, and then photographing it with an \u201cimperfect technique.\u201d Not placing subject in the center. Using off balance compositions to achieve a more dynamic feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And we often overvalue the notion of technical perfection. The dilemma is that unlike other forms of art, with photography, we can perfectly reproduce the subject matter that\u2019s in front of the camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perfection is boring. Mistakes are human. If you\u2019re too fixated on perfection, and you\u2019ll miss the moments that take your breath away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>the more we fear and obsess over perfection, the less attention is given to making images in a way that actually connects with your viewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get away from this, one thing we do is go back to old technology, or in most cases, modern replications of old technology.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/NOV18-01010-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25359\"\/><figcaption>Blown exposure, or moody, dark image?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m fascinated with the notion that photography isn&#8217;t about reproduction, it\u2019s about representation, and when get that into your mind, you suddenly open up a lot of doors. You suddenly have a free pass to do whatever you want, because your goal is to create a photo that doesn\u2019t show your viewer what they\u2019re looking, at, but instead evokes a feeling that reminds them of what they\u2019re seeing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I consider myself a technically proficient photographer, but sometimes I love breaking those rules and seeing just how far I can go and still tell get the message across in a compelling way.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your assignment this month is to get out there and break some rules. Give yourself permission to go completely outside the box as you try and represent your subject matter with what might be considered non-traditional techniques, or else with technique or styles that you\u2019ve resisted in the past.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I know for some of you, this might be as simple as cranking up the ISO dial, which, god forbid, might add a little bit of noise. You might intentionally blur your shot, or focus on something that isn\u2019t your subject. Maybe you\u2019ll use a color palette, film simulation or processing technique that is radically different from what you\u2019re used to, that is a long way away from what would\u00a0be considered \u201caccurate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try thinking like an impressionist.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/SEP19-01239-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25360\"\/><figcaption>Damn&#8230; this one&#8217;s out of focus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This will require a lot of experimentation, and you\u2019ll probably blow a lot of frames, but I guarantee, if you keep an open mind, both during the shooting process and when you\u2019re looking at your images, I guarantee, you\u2019ll get something that works, that communicates your idea in such a compelling way that all those imperfections will simply fall away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And even if you don\u2019t plan to shoot like this all the time, playing around with this sometimes will give you one more tool to use in your quest to create unique images.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, letting go of perfectionism can help unleash your creativity and ensure that you don\u2019t miss important moments.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/uUslMaF3E30\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Watch the full lesson here:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\"  id=\"_ytid_23532\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\"  data-relstop=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uUslMaF3E30?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;rel=0&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"YouTube player\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118-300x450.jpg 300w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/WA-SEA-00118.jpg 1333w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption>What the heck is this&#8230;?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want More Cerebral Creative Insight?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/photography-on-the-brain-special-offer\/\">Get My Photography On The Brain 20-Lesson Bundle,<\/a> with over 3.5 hours of video tutorials and ideas that will help you push your own creativity to new heights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/photography-on-the-brain-special-offer\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"879\" src=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-21-at-1.23.43-PM-1024x879.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-21-at-1.23.43-PM-1024x879.png 1024w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-21-at-1.23.43-PM-300x258.png 300w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-21-at-1.23.43-PM-768x660.png 768w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-21-at-1.23.43-PM-600x515.png 600w, https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Screen-Shot-2021-05-21-at-1.23.43-PM.png 1416w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NOTE: This is a sample lesson from my exclusive Photography On The Brain course. If you&#8217;d like to watch more introspective lessons like this and explore photography and creativity from a more cerebral standpoint, click here to get the 20-lesson bundle for over 50% off. In Japanese philosophy there exists the idea of \u201cwabi-sabi,\u201d the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25358,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[176,6,718],"tags":[524,215,89,149,688],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25357"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25357"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25357\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25369,"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25357\/revisions\/25369"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25357"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25357"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/danbaileyphoto.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}