“If all you did was just look for things to appreciate, you would live a joyously spectacular life.” - Esther Abraham Hicks
The journey of a photographer is often seen as a quest to capture the perfect moment. The quest is fraught with challenges, technicalities, and often, the frustration of missed opportunities.
Hicks presents a transformative perspective that expresses not only the way we approach photography but also how we can perceive the world around us. Simply looking for things to appreciate can lead to a joyously spectacular life. Exploring Hicks' statement offers insights into how embracing a lens of appreciation can enhance both the photographs we create and the lives we lead.
Photography, at its core, is an act of observation. It's about seeing the world in a frame, finding beauty, meaning, and stories in the mundane. Hicks' philosophy urges photographers to shift their focus from the grandiose to the simplicity of appreciation. Adopting a mindset of appreciation can lead to discovering extraordinary moments in ordinary settings. The impact of positive observation on creativity can lead to more fulfilling photography.
Creativity is often sparked by how we see and interpret the world around us. By concentrating on appreciation, photographers can unlock a new view of creativity. The role of appreciation breaks creative blocks and fosters a unique perspective.
About a year ago I began a project called “The Good Thing That Happened to Me Today” with the idea to make a photo of the simplest but most pleasurable moment of my day posting the photos on social media for others to see. (Facebook)
The emotional depth of a photograph is what resonates with its viewers. A photographer's appreciation for the subject matter can enhance the emotional impact of their work. Empathy, connection, and presence in creating photographs not only capture moments but also tell compelling stories.
Photos are incidental to the experience
Hicks suggests that the practice of appreciation extends beyond photography, influencing the way photographers live. By adopting the lens of appreciation, photographers can experience a deeper sense of joy, fulfillment, and connectedness to the world.
Hicks' perspective offers a transformative lens for photographers. By focusing on the beauty and value in everything, photographers not only enrich their work but also embrace a more joyous and spectacular life. In the end, it's the appreciation of the small, fleeting moments that truly defines the essence of spectacular photography—and a spectacular life.