My STRUGGLE To Create Meaningful Work

Creating meaningful work is a struggle. In photography, video, and art.

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Creating meaningful photography can be a struggle for a number of reasons. One reason is that it can be difficult to capture the emotions, ideas, or themes that the photographer is trying to convey through the image. This requires a strong understanding of composition, lighting, and the technical aspects of photography, as well as the ability to identify and capture the essence of a subject or scene.

Another reason that creating meaningful photography can be a struggle is that it requires the photographer to be able to connect with their subject or scene on a deeper level. This can be difficult because it requires the photographer to be present and attuned to their surroundings, as well as to their own feelings and emotions. It also requires the photographer to be able to connect with the viewer of the photograph, and to communicate something meaningful and resonant through the image.

Finally, creating meaningful photography can be a struggle because it requires a high level of creativity and artistic vision. It is not enough to simply capture an image; the photographer must be able to see beyond the surface and find a way to express something deeper and more meaningful through the photograph. This can be a challenging process, as it requires the photographer to be constantly looking for new ways to approach their subject and to experiment with different techniques and styles.

[gliderpilot]

Your video hits on so many points and illustrates why almost every day I see a new story about another influencer or creator who is no longer with us. Your photography, anyone's photography, when it's done for non-commercial reasons, only matters to you and those closest to you. Yes, you may have people on social media giving you likes or sharing it but how quickly does that fade? You're important for 5 seconds until the next photo hits their feed. Finding happiness because of social media feedback is a road to nowhere. Find someone to share your passion with, they don't even have to be a photographer themselves. Make memories with someone and document those memories, have fun taking photos together. Traveling alone, sitting in a hotel room at the end of what should be a great day and having no one to share it in my mind is not where you find happiness. The photos that I've taken that are hanging throughout the house matter to me because there are shared memories associated with them.

[ArleyMcBlain]

We are a story telling species, we love hearing and telling stories that provoke thought and emotion. Social media platforms provide a format of storytelling that will be finite but the infinite phase will always have stories. I hope you continue to find some great stories to share even if they aren’t yours.

[EricSnydereasphotography]

Yes, There are a lot of photographers and artist that feel this same way Taylor, You are not alone my friend. We creating art because it's what we love and live to do. I've been doing photography full time for 10+ years and Its a blessing and a curse at the same time. Bringing the business side into your art, Takes away from a lot of the creativity you could be spending creating.
One more thing, Maybe instead of calling it "creating content" We can start calling it "creating art"

[RandumbTech]

Really appreciate you sharing your journey with us. The struggle is real - I'm sure videos like this will help you better understand your ultimate goals. Until then, have some fun (even if that means putting the camera down)

[ChrisBrayPhotos]

Loved this different video from you! I think just like skateboarding, sometimes there doesn't have to be a "point" or reason for doing things like travel photography other than that it's literally just fun. We also get to meet friends who have the same interest in photography, enjoy sunsets more than the average person, and then those photos are memories that you can look back at for your own sake years from now.

[SakuraGraffiti]

I feel this resonating with me very deeply. I've been doing photography regularly for almost 2 decades and have been wanting to grow more with it but a lot of the things you mentioned in this video has been my hangups with ever pushing past a paid job here and there or just numerous free photoshoots. If anything, this video has reassured me that it's ok to feel this way.

[capecosta]

Holy cow! I’m going through this right now with my YouTube content. I hit a low this weekend and have been trying to crawl out since.

We are in it together bro! 🤙🏻

[Zoiheb]

Loved this video a lot, Taylor. Good luck on your journey.

[kvtsui]

Haven't ever run into your channel before but your struggle resonates with me. Thanks for sharing man

[GeminiCaron]

I feel your content has made such a difference to me with my depression. You have saved me and I love your work, it means x lot to learn from a true artist, I can’t afford to go to Japan, i’m 63 and feel washed out(
work gives me the excitement that there is a world
there. I’m going to buy your course when I can afford it
Xx

[thestamsvideoproduction]

Hey man, just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do. I always tune in for your content. You always provide me with something I can do to improve my photography, what i offer my clients, my business. I do subscribe to your online content and it is incredible how much is available. You help so many people with your content and advice! Thank you!!

[jamiecurrie]

Sitting in a hotel room in Paris after walking around for 4 days feeling exactly like you on the video. Not sure what the meaning of any of the photos I have taken is but maybe there will be one or two I can print and frame and have a nice memory. Since turning a pro wedding photographer I find my self taking less photographs creatively for myself. But every time I have free weekend or a few weekends off in a row then the creativity or itch to get out again taking street or landscape photos comes back to me.

[andycoleman]

I think people in all sorts of jobs have the moment when they wonder about the big "meaning" and if they're actually making a difference. IMO, it turns out, the meaning rarely comes from the job (with obvious exceptions) but rather how we interact with others. You travel and capture your experiences. On some level, you're providing entertainment for those who can't do the same or maybe inspiration for those who can. But what if your travel is just the method for putting you around other people and your interaction improves their moment, day, life, etc. Even a small amount of joy spread over thousands of people is quite meaningful. I know it's cheesy, but really, relationships are the only real thing any of us have in this life.

[isaacbeachyweddings]

Powerful video, totally agree with this, the meaning of why is deep. Thanks for all the great vids bro, cant wait for Iceland!

[photographydiscourse]

Interesting introspection Taylor - definitely kept my attention :)
-PD

[chris_eschner]

Love the philosophical approach to your video!

[nawazoTV]

Creative Block happens to all of us at some point of our lives...Keep up believing, keep shinning because its a set-up for a comeback...

[jasongreenwood]

JV&V!!!!
Nice Vid Taylor. I think that introverts struggle with this a lot. Trying to feel relevant...yet, not wanting to be the center of attention. Just that...our work is relevant. IDK.

[andrewbalcombe]

Hi Taylor, Have you ever thought about making a video documentary about what inspires you? whether it be people, things, events or places? I find meaning in uploading microstock images and videos of subjects I enjoy. It allows me to be productive and gives me a financial goal to work toward.

[williamchan]

But doesn’t have to be meaningful? Why beat yourself over basically
A
Problem
We
Create for ourselves?
Shoot what shoot do what you do don’t let yourself get the better of yourself.