More than a day out with a camera

Some photography days are memorable because of the pictures you take. Others stay with you because of the people you meet, the conversations you have and the ideas you bring home.

This day managed to give me a little of everything.

I had gone along to a photography roadshow, partly to listen, partly to learn and partly because it felt good to be doing something photography-related away from home. Two of the speakers were people I know, Glynn Dewis and Stephanie Thornton, so there was already a personal connection to the day.

It was good to see them both doing what they enjoy, sharing their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with a room full of photographers. Listening to people you know speak about their work gives you a different perspective. You notice not only what they are saying, but how their own photography journey has shaped the way they think and create.

The talks were only one part of the experience, though. What I enjoyed just as much was meeting other photographers, chatting about what we do and exchanging ideas and experiences. Photography can sometimes become quite a solitary activity.

We spend hours behind the camera, editing at a computer or thinking through our next project, often without realising how much we miss simply talking to other people who understand the same enthusiasm.

Those conversations do not need to be deep or technical to be worthwhile. Sometimes, a passing comment about a location, a lighting setup or a photograph someone is planning can be enough to spark a completely new idea.

There is also something reassuring about hearing that other photographers experience many of the same uncertainties. We all have days when inspiration is easy, and others when we wonder what to photograph next. Sharing those experiences reminds us that creativity is not a straight line. It grows through trying things, talking to people and allowing ourselves to play.

Turning a visit into an opportunity

After the roadshow, I spent some time in the grounds of Yorkshire Sculpture Park and had a small, informal photo walk on my own.

It was not intended to become a major project. There was no pressure to produce a portfolio image or prove anything. It was simply an opportunity to use the surroundings, experiment with a few ideas and enjoy making photographs.

That, perhaps, was the most important part of it. Photography is at its best when it becomes something you are doing rather than something you are endlessly planning. It is easy to convince yourself that you need the perfect location, the right weather, better equipment or a carefully organised shoot. In reality, some of the most enjoyable experiences begin with nothing more complicated than turning up with a camera and seeing what happens.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park is particularly suited to that kind of photography. The landscape, the changing light, the sculptures and the people moving through the grounds all offer different possibilities. You could visit several times and find something new on each occasion.

Giving myself permission

Before leaving, I signed up for a year’s membership.

On the surface, that is simply an annual ticket, but to me it felt like something more. It was a way of giving myself permission to return regularly, to get out of the house and to spend more time doing photography simply because I enjoy it.

Membership removes one of the little barriers that can stop a good idea from happening. I no longer need to wonder whether a visit is worth the cost or whether I should wait until I can make a full day of it. I can go for a walk, take a few photographs, try an idea or simply enjoy being in a creative environment.

Even better, the membership allows me to take a friend along for free.

That opens up the possibility of meeting other photographers there for a relaxed hour or two, or a full day out with our cameras. No formal workshop, no competition and no pressure to come home with award-winning pictures. Just two people walking, talking, exchanging ideas and enjoying photography together.

There is something rather appealing about that.

Photography does not always need to be productive in the traditional sense. It does not always need to result in a finished project, a blog post or a collection of images ready to share. Sometimes its value lies in the day itself, in the company, the conversations and the feeling of having gone somewhere with the freedom to look, notice and create.

So, over the coming year, I intend to make good use of that membership.

Perhaps some visits will result in strong photographs. Others may simply provide fresh air, good conversation and a welcome break from routine. Both are worthwhile.

And if you fancy joining me for one of those visits, bring your camera and a comfortable pair of shoes. The entry is already covered if you join me as my guest.

All we need to do is turn up and enjoy the day.

Today's takeaway from my day out:

Today reminded me that creativity doesn't always need a goal. Sometimes the greatest reward comes simply from exploring, experimenting and enjoying the process without worrying about the outcome.

Question for the future:

How can I give myself more opportunities like today, where the experience itself is enough and success isn't measured by what I bring home?