​Photographs are only part of the enjoyment of photography

In the early stages of photography, I was very concerned about whether photographs were "art". Every time I pick up a camera, I feel anxious and think I need to capture a masterpiece from the past. But I have to tell you, reality always backfires. So one of the most important lessons I've learned over the years is not to worry too much about the end result, but rather to enjoy and trust the process.

For me, the process of photography usually begins with an idea or (more often) a "mental image". For example, when I have a very specific scene content outline in my mind, I have the desire to create, but I usually think from several aspects. The first aspect is: what subject do I need, do I need a specific shooting location, a specific object, a specific color composition or type of light? Also, if My ideas are more "directorial," do I need to look for or find certain types of characters in my life?

The next aspect is more practical: What kind of equipment do I need? Does this photo need an unusual camera, lens and lighting? Do I need a team or am I "self-sufficient" enough?

Next, I imagined and thought about the final image as a film, and further thought about whether this image should be processed in a different way. This question usually comes up after the actual shooting, so don't think too much about it before you shoot.

Besides, other thoughts are more personal. Do I want my images to be open or blank? Because different compositions imply different states. If I'm shooting a very specific image, do I need to depict a lot of details? . In general, I need to keep my eyes and my heart open to all possibilities.

In fact, the job of artists is not to criticize their own work, but simply to "create work." In a photographer's job, or any job that requires the application of creativity, what you are doing is pursuing the sensuous yearning. I found that if I followed this creative process, I didn't have to worry about the barriers I'd often put up myself. Finally, I believe that an artist's job is to pick up a brush or a camera to create.

Life is about learning how to live comfortably. Life is about learning when to be trustworthy and when to be vigilant.

No longer will I say, "I need to be a great artist today! "Instead, I learned to trust and follow my creative process. Not only have I learned to focus on results, but I've also learned to look out the window on my travels, and I believe that if I follow this process, I will often create something valuable.