Doing Deep Work
Honing Craftsmanship
(click on images to view them full size)
I’ve been doing some reading (shocking I know) about a concept referred to as Deep Work. Cal Newport digs into this concept in his book of the same name and I found myself fascinated with exploring this further (there’s some irony in doing deep work on deep work, but I digress).
The idea of deep work is spending focused and significant time on substantial efforts of craftsmanship - and the idea of craftsmanship is not restricted to things that you make by hand - it refers to any endeavour. In our current culture there is so much emphasis on productivity and efficiency with praise going to “multitaskers” and those who can juggle multiple projects or concepts at the same time.
The fast pace of our modern world captured with multiple exposure technique. EXIF data 3 exposures superimposed in camera f22, 300mm, 1/2s, ISO100).
I have come to be quite skeptical of multitasking - I used to think that I was proficient at juggling and completing a variety of tasks simultaneously, but I’ve come to recognize that it likely took me longer to complete any given task than it would have it I’d put in focused attention. I feel like multitasking is akin to the distraction tactics my brain likes to use to help me avoid things that I find difficult, boring or unpleasant.
This got me to thinking about why I seek this shallow fast paced distracted approach to life rather than a slower deeply focused and meaningful existence. What is the lure and draw of this superficial world?
Purpose of the Superficial
I often think that living in today’s distracted state helps to keep me in a bubble - one that convinces me that I’m producing and busy. When I pause long enough to contemplate what I’m actually doing and achieving it becomes clear that these are mostly distraction tactics - ways of convincing me that quantity is more important than quality and volume speaks louder than substance. Slowing down - really slowing down and digging in deeper allows me to recognize the flimsiness of this perspective.
Being busy has become a national pastime - an excuse to not do what is unpleasant or uninteresting - I have come to the conclusion that there is really no such thing as being too busy or not having time for something - it is that I’m not prioritizing said thing or person and that may be the right answer for me at the moment, but I need to own it and not hide behind “I’m too busy”.
Slowing down - there it is again - when I make my most meaningful images is when I slow down - when I really focus on what drew my attention to a subject or a scene - what am I trying to convey/express? Is this the best angle or position/light to give the best expression of this subject?
This is when the real work and magic of photography starts to happen for me - getting curious and peeling back the layers of my perception. The alternative is me bouncing from subject to subject - rather like FOMO (fear of missing out) - as if running around like a chicken is going to ensure that I make images that I’m proud of.
Autumn vibes in Jouvence Quebec - Multiple exposure ICM (intentional camera movement) to capture the magic and mystery of the scene (EXIF data f18, 1s, 124mm, ISO64).
I recently spent a week in Jouvence, Quebec and it was magical if not challenging. I was at a self directed retreat with three other photographers and I found it fascinating to observe each of our photography workflows. Everything from choosing gear to bring along - to scouting outings - to subject selection and even processing and editing images. Each of us had unique habits and focus.
I found myself constantly challenged with not getting the conditions that I expected and having to pivot to using what conditions I was given to make impactful images. The deep work concept helped me immeasurably.
Using Deep Work in Photography
I find that I am more of a spontaneous photographer and I could probably benefit from a more measured and disciplined approach. Heather and Jean-Pierre tend to go out and scout a scene before shooting - looking for shapes or colours or subjects that catch their eye and then working the scene - sometimes without ever making an image.
I tend to find something catches my eye and capture images more spontaneously. Does it work? Sometimes, but I wonder how often I’d get a stronger image by taking a more measured approach. When I have taken more time and explored a scene or an idea - I’ve found a depth to the experience - whether or not I create something more impactful or not - I find that my experience is more impactful for me.
“Willpower is limited, ritual and habit will get you into deep work.” (Deep Work - Cal Newport)
Honing in on the details of deep work reveals wonderful surprises or “you can’t see the forest for the trees”. EXIF data f8, 1/250s, 600mm, ISO200.
I find that I can become so focused on the end goal that I miss the journey - as though I’m more worried about what I produce as opposed to enjoying the experience and gaining insight from the steps I take. Newport’s idea is that we can change our experience of life by focusing on the steps along the way and not just the end goal - that this will enhance the richness of the experience and make it more meaningful. This approach aligns with my mindful photography where slowing down and digging in deeper leads to more meaningful images and a more fulfilling experience. Taking snapshots is fine for documenting life, but can quickly become boring for me. I mean how many selfies or photos can I take of day to day life without it becoming mundane. When I spend time researching ideas and developing bodies of work with common themes, I am provided with a richness of experience and a deeper meaning (such as this blog on trees).
Shaking things up
I have been making some conscious changes to the way I approach photography lately and it’s starting to have an impact. I have let go of labels and associated constraints (e.g., I used to describe myself as a wildlife and nature photographer with an interest in birds) - letting go has freed me to explore what it is I love about nature photography - the feelings and emotions that well up when I’m surrounded by the awe inspiring light or amazing interactions with wildlife. Trying to capture these feelings does not readily translate into documentary style images. So I’ve been taking some creative license and exploring different styles of photography. Tack sharp focus? Highly overrated sometimes - I’ve been having fun with ICM (intentional camera movement). Capturing a lifelike image? Says who? I’ve been making multiple exposure images and high key images and all sorts of non representational images that capture feelings rather than facts.
I’ve also been digging into things more deeply which leads to a clearer understanding of what I’m trying to create or how I might best approach creating it. I’ve been part of a group of photographers who explore different ideas and styles of photography to express thoughts and feelings. Our first challenge was liminal spaces and I had so much fun delving into this. Our timing coincided with the chaos of renovations and so I was able to express some of the feelings created from having the house in a state of in between chaos. The ability to capture thoughts and feelings in photographs was very freeing - I don’t think I’m finished with this topic yet, but I’ve been giving it a rest for a while as I pursue other thoughts.
Multiple exposure ICM of a pond at the bird sanctuary. EXIF data f7/1, 1/3s, 200mm, ISO100)
Our most recent idea is to study photographers such as Renee Lynn and Karen Divine who use techniques such as multiple exposures, camera movement and composites to express ideas and concepts as well as inner life.
I’m excited to delve into their work and see how this can inspire new directions for my photography.
How Deep Work affects creativity
Cal Newport writes that what we pay attention to determines how our brain constructs our life and this makes sense to me. The more that I seed my brain with new and innovative ideas rather than the same old same old - I find that my creative mind makes connections with apparently unrelated thoughts and ideas - coming up with new ideas that often bears little resemblance to the thoughts that led me to the new place.
Who you are, what you think, feel and do, what you love - is the sum of what you focus on” Winifred Gallagher - Rapt (quoted in Newport’s book Deep Work)
This makes sense to me in that if I want to change direction and let my creativity get bigger - then I need to focus on different things and make it all consuming. For example, after my divorce (some 28 years ago now) I felt lost and wounded - like I’d failed at something important and big in my life. I made a decision to let that go and focus on living my best life - I changed up my approach to life in small but tangible ways - I tried things that I would have shied away from previously - I got out of my introverted way and made new friends - tried new restaurants and focused on the things that brought me joy.
Sometimes creativity is resting in the shadows - waiting to be discovered. EXIF data f5.6, 400mm, 1/250s, ISO800).
By doing this I am convinced that I shifted my internal feelings of positivity and I also put out a positive and uplifting energy and as a result I found the love of my life - when I wasn’t even looking. I’m convinced that when I stop trying so hard for an outcome and I focus on all of the little day to day things that bring me joy that I flow into a more positive and creative state.
I believe that what I choose to focus on significantly affects my attitude going forward - the simple choices that I make can provide a “reset button” for my thoughts and emotions which greatly affects my positivity and opens up my creativity.
The future is bright
I’m excited to see where I’m heading and how focusing my thoughts and attention on new and creative works will affect my creativity and photographic direction. I feel like I’m on the brink of a great discovery and it is the journey to get there that feels like the grand prize.
Is your style to do deep focused work or do you have a less intense style of approaching new ideas? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below or reach out to me directly by clicking on the Connect With Me button.
The future direction of my photography feels a bit unsure and hazy - not quite coming into full expression yet. (EXIF data f4, 1/250s, 600mm, ISO1200)
I hope you’ll come back soon, share a cuppa, relax and enjoy more of my musings.
