Letting Some of it Go

www.dennismook.com

I used to only be satisfied with perfect images, or as perfect as I was capable of making them, and only perfect images.  I used to only buy the best equipment.  I only used the latest generation of equipment--top of the line.  I used Leica rangefinders and Leica SLRs for years.  I don't even want to remember how much the bodies and, especially, the lenses cost.  I used only name brand (OEM) accessories with my gear.  I used to get very frustrated and angry with myself when I couldn't make the image I wanted to make.  I would get angry with myself if I couldn't go out and make images when I wanted to go.  My automobiles were always, clean, waxed, and parked in my garage when not in use.  I had 20 laundered and pressed with starch, white dress shirts that I wore with my crisp business suits when I went to work.  My shoes always looked new and highly polished.  My yard did not have a weed in it.  Everything about my life was choreographed and as perfect as I could make it. How obsessive/compulsive is that behavior?

Several years ago I finally saw the light and have changed my ways.  It took some years to learn to tone it down and not demand perfection from everything.  But, I don't do any of those things anymore.  It was self-destructive behavior and I found myself having less enjoyment with my photography and everything else in life because I tried to have everything perfect.  Being a perfectionist is a good way to put a lot of unnecessary stress on oneself.  I wish I would have changed a lot longer ago.  I wish I would have known then what I know now.  But, such is life.

Now, I also have to say, I rose to the top of my profession and, some of the reasons why, were my attention to detail, a lot of preparation, working really hard, working smart, doing more than I had to do, taking the initiative, seeing the big picture, planning extensively and keeping a positive attitude.  But, at the same time, I was driving myself, and somewhat driving my family, a bit mad.

Over the years, I've come to realize my perfectionist tendencies were degrading my enjoyment and satisfaction, not only with photography, but in other areas of my life.  I set such high standards for everything I did, and for others who worked for me, that I would actually redo their work myself, if others' work did not meet my standards.  Crazy stuff!  Just a crazy way to be.

Now, I mostly "let it go."  That is that I don't demand perfectionism from myself or others and I am satisfied with my images, even if they don't turn out exactly how I visualized the final images before making them.  I am fully satisfied with photography gear that is not "top of the line" and accessories that may be from other than the camera's manufacturer but work just fine.  I still strive to do the best I can, but I no longer obsess over perfection.  I strive for enjoyment and satisfaction.  I have achieved that.  Heck, and don't tell anyone ever but, sometimes I even put my camera's mode dial on "P".  Heresy!  But, as I said, I have really eased up and am enjoying things much more now.  (You would be surprised at how well the camera manufacturers have nailed shutter speed/aperture combinations as well as their metering that one can sometimes use "P" and get away with it!)

Let me tell you how liberating "letting it go" is. Being a perfectionist is not a strength in my eyes.  It is a weakness.  You can be efficient getting 95% to where you want to be.  But that last 5% takes an extraordinary amount of time, effort and money to the point where it is no longer cost beneficial in time, health, effort as well as payoff.  At some point, you have to realize that 95% or 98% or wherever is a better place than 100%.

My advice is enjoy your life.  Enjoy your photography.  Don't obsess over being perfect.  Do the best you can.  Buy quality equipment, but you don't need only the best.  Do you really need that $5000 Leica Summilux lens?  Do you really need that top-of-the-line camera with functionalities that you will never need?  Do you need that $900 carbon fiber tripod?  Do you need that $400 ball head?  Or will lesser but just as high quality gear meet your needs.  Look for gear that will fully serve your needs, is well constructed and a good value for you particular uses. 

Don't take your photography too seriously.  Don't take your gear too seriously. Don't take yourself too seriously.  Lighten up and have fun.  You will do much better than if you are too driven.  Don't be too competitive because you are only in competition with yourself.

Give your efforts 100%, but if you don't achieve perfection, don't worry about it.  When it comes to work, work hard, work smart, do more than you have to do, take the initiative and keep a positive attitude.  You will rise to the top as everyone will recognize your talents, commitment and your willingness to be optimistic.  You will be fun to be around.

Thanks for looking.  Enjoy!

Dennis Mook


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