Glad to be a turtle

“In existential mathematics that experience takes the form of two basic equations: The degree of slowness is directly proportional to the intensity of memory; the degree of speed is directly proportional to the intensity of forgetting.” – Milan Kundera, Slowness

Photography was a slow and deliberate medium requiring a great deal of patience, technical expertise, and expense before the introduction of digital photography. Nowadays our smartphones are equipped with such astonishing digital sensors technology, making a properly exposed, in-focus photography is no longer a challenge. Our approach to the craft evolved from an approach that was slow and meticulous to one that is fast and instant.

I remember when I first started out in digital photography, I was usually in the company of fellow photographers who would fill two or three memory cards during a two to three hours’ outing. They were so busy taking pictures, keeping one's finger depressed on the shutter release buttons. I had doubts they had put many thoughts into composing the images they made, let alone considering what their intents were by being in such a rush.

I admit I was once in the mentality of working by the law of averages, shooting plenty of images, hoping there would be a few “winners”. As time goes by, this “spraying and praying” strategy no longer feels satisfying. Such speedy race to the end point process left me with a big void. I had no recollection of what motivated me to take the image. Was there an intention? What drew me to the scene? What was my message? Most of the time, I failed to answer those questions. The lack of connection to the moment made me think there is something more than to snap the button mindlessly.

I am more mindful when I approach photography nowadays. I like to work at a slow pace. Traditionally slow photography is about using film cameras. Working with film inherently slows down the entire process of taking a photograph, forcing the photographer to take their time studying the subject and making creative decisions before releasing the shutter and exposing a precious piece of film. While I don’t use film cameras, I believe there are lots of benefits from embracing the slower, more deliberate approach and it is not limited to the type of camera one uses.

Slow photography is about regaining that precious experience – connecting to that one moment we deem precious that is worth remembering. When we bring a camera along on our journey, we can easily end up experiencing our world through the back of our camera and missing in front of us the very thing we are there to admire. Working at a breakneck pace can also lead to disappointment if results are always the primary goal. A planned trip to photograph the beautiful scenery at some exotic locations may end up in frustration if the conditions are not ideal and the elements don’t align perfectly as we wish, which from my years of experience of photography, can well be the case.

To me, the process itself is central to the joy of the activity. The result, if I am lucky, a beautiful photograph made is secondary. It is the icing on the cake. When I think about my creative endeavors, such as writing this blog, I don’t care if no one reads a word of what I write. I enjoy the pleasure of going through the thinking process, nonetheless. The same goes with photography. After I have gone through the thinking and planning an image taking process, the thrill of excitement of finally triggering the shutter is just that little extra thrill I get to enjoy.

That’s why with today’s advanced digital camera technology, I know there is not much need for using a tripod or bringing any filters along. Yet, I still choose to do so because I love the slow process of setting up the tripod, moving it about, trying out different filters to see how it helps strengthening the message I wish to convey. Instead of seeing the extra time spent as laboring process, I gain a lot of enjoyment through the process, and because of it, I remember more vividly this moment I wish to capture.

When I am engrossed in the creative process, time seems to stand still. It’s akin to meditation, I am fully open to the moment. This act of creating in the field opens my creative streak. It doesn’t end at the capturing stage; it leads to further steps of post-production and finally the making of the print.

Creating a great photograph is satisfying, the process of creating is no less satisfying. That’s why I love to practice photographing slowly. It improves my quality of the experience. Instead of taking an image, I like to think I make an image. I cherish the time and effort I devote to honing the art of making each piece.