Images shot with Super-Takumar 28mm f3.5
‘The process is the result.’
I love that statement.
I first came across it in one of the most memorable articles I’ve ever read online. In the years since, I don’t recall any article or maxim that has stayed with me in quite the same way.
We all know how hoopla works. Bear with me.
You pay your money and you get some hoops. You wonder how hard this can be and you throw them at the prizes. You win nothing and the man collects them up off the floor.
You got nothing tangible for your money, but because you did this with your partner, kids, family, parents, whoever – and you all had five minutes of fun – it’s time well spent.
That makes it money well spent.
You don’t care the hoops are just a little bit too small to give you a fair chance. You lost, but you might do better next time. And you’ll all smile even if you don’t.
So you play again. The process alone is enough to make you do so.
I’m not sure if the process is the result is indicative of the instant gratification culture we’re now in or not.
I don’t know if people who can’t wait for success subscribe to the theory of the process being the result, but they probably should.
Because if you only see the process as a way to get your result, then good luck with your instant gratification. If you want to be good at anything, it’s going to take time to get there. It won’t be instant.
Change your thinking.
You want to get better at photography because it’s something you enjoy? Go out with your camera as soon and as often as you possibly can.
You’re going to improve in time, but that’s not what’s important.
Camera over your shoulder. Be mindful of the process and the moment you’re in. Be present. Shoot. Enjoy it. Always enjoy it.
There’s your instant gratification.
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