Introvert
Hi, my name is Mike and I’m an introvert. Why do we feel compelled to proclaim being an introvert as if it is something we should strive to overcome? It used to be that being introverted was admired. Being a person of “quiet strength” or “thoughtful leader” or a “deep thinker” were once compliments. Now, our society values influencers, celebrities and men/women “of action”. We consider them role models and want to be like them. We do this in spite of many of them being famous for simply being famous. Sadly, despite one-third to one-half of the population being introverted it is often looked on as something that needs to be fixed. The truth is the world needs both introverts and extraverts.
Photography is often a solitary vocation that I believe is well suited for introverts. Oh sure, we go out shooting with others. However, the bulk of our best work is done when we go out alone. We like the solitude and lack of interruptions. We like being able to shoot at our own pace without consideration for companions. It gives us the freedom to work a subject as long as we like whether it is hours or minutes. Likewise, we can edit photos for hours and feel energized by our activity not despite the lack of human interaction but rather because of it.
Quiet
The basis for this post started when a friend recommended a YouTube video by photographer Sean Tucker. , Why no one cares about your Photography. In this video Tucker discusses a book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain.
Cain does an excellent job of leading us through how society’s perception of being an introvert has changed. The books contains some great insights into how introverts and extraverts can recognize the strengths of each other and build stronger relationships and achieve better outcomes.
Being introverted is often confused with being shy. Shyness is the fear of interaction with people. I’m afraid to go out; I’m afraid to speak up. On the other hand being introverted means you don’t need to interact with other people to feel fulfilled. I’m very comfortable with solitude whether it’s photography, reading a book, or just enjoying a beautiful scene. Those of you that know me also know I’m not shy about speaking up when I have something to say. I just don’t need to be the dominant speaker or to be the center of attention.
I highly recommend both Tucker’s video and Cain’s book. Both are well worth the time. It will give you something to think about. I should point out I don’t receive compensation of any kind for this recommendation.
The Advantage Of Being An Introverted Photographer
All this is not to say there aren’t extraverted photographers. There are. Photography takes many forms and can be very social if you choose. Cain indicates findings “don’t mean that introverts are always more creative than extroverts, but they do suggest that in a group of people who have been extremely creative throughout their lifetimes, you’ll likely find a lot of introverts.” Cain talks of times when an introvert temporarily becomes a pseudo-extravert to perform certain activities. This allows us to act in an extraverted fashion to complete a task before we revert to our true nature. I presume extraverts can also be pseudo-introverts when needed.
The one particular trait of introverts that I feel serves them well in photography is persistence. Introverts (and occasionally pseudo-introverts) tend to spend more effort than extraverts to successfully complete a project. They are more likely to put in the time, try new approaches, and return multiple times to the scene to get the right conditions. Cain referenced Einstein’s quote below in regard to persistence which reminded me of a similar quote from concert pianist, Ruth Slenczynska, that I wrote about previously.
It’s not that I’m so smart. It’s that I stay with problems longer.
Albert einstein
If I were talented, I wouldn’t have had to work so hard.
Ruth Slenczynska
As luck would have it, last week I saw a new YouTube video from landscape photographer Gavin Hardcastle. In this video he was talking about the things that make photographs from professionals stand apart from amateurs. He didn’t mention editing technique, training or even equipment. Hardcastle said it all boils down to dedication. He asked, “what are you willing to do to get the shot?” How much time, effort, discomfort, etc. are you willing to take on to get the shot? Sounds a lot like persistence to me. So introverts, maybe we just need to let ourselves be ourselves to unleash our talent.
Are You An Introvert?
There is an important element in the sentence I used to start this post in which I paraphrased the famous AA way of introducing your self. It’s the proclamation, “I am an introvert”. The importance is in the saying it out loud. It’s about accepting and more importantly embracing what you are. There no point in trying to be something we’re not. That’s a sure way to frustration.
When I described photography as being a solitary vocation I saw it as being particularly appealing to introverts. Given that most of my readers are photographers I’m willing to bet that most of you are also introverts. So, are you an introvert?
Leave A Comment And Share
Do you feel being an introvert helps your photography? I’d love to hear your comments and feedback. Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
