Co-creating
As in any job, there are things we enjoy doing and others we disdain, those which we like to procrastinate, and that gives us that little turn in our stomach when we are asked to do.
As in any job, there are always positive elements, as well as challenging and tedious tasks.
More and more, I am realizing that which gives me drive at work. That which puts me on flow, where I could spend hours exploring, forgetting about everything around—forgetting about food (which is rare for me 😅), forgetting about worries or even physical necessities (and when you suddenly ”come back to reality”, you have to run to the loo 🙈).
Creation. Capturing new perspectives through photographic lenses. Sometimes alone, sometimes as an outside observer documenting reality and sometimes through co-creation.
Alone usually entails trying new methods, exploring the camera and the self.
Documenting reality entails showcasing the world as it is, with a focus on the beauty of the details, the beauty of spontaneity, the beauty of people inserted in their daily lives, jobs, realities. Telling (real) stories - revealing ”la bella vitta”, giving people new perspectives to that what would otherwise be defined as mundane - to show how pretty the little things can be.
Co-creation, on the other hand, involves synchronization with the individual standing in front of the camera. Where both parties (the photographer and “the model(s)” come into harmony and conjunct their ideas and visions to create a mutual result. Converge experiences, concepts and ideas - co-create.
With a few individuals who I have photographed before, intimacy is existing, and both know how to synchronize in harmony. It goes automatically, with no preparation needed, the flow starts occurring for both sides already in the second we meet. We spend hours co-creating and forget about time altogether.
But occasionally I also meet random “models” who, even though no intimacy yet exists, things flow smoothly and lightly. Creativity starts flowering from the other side of the lens in a way that inspires me. They bring their own ideas to the table, their own vision, without fear of giving inputs, suggesting new methods and thinking outside of the box. And together, we reach fun results. It is an enjoyable way of working together, sharing different views of the world and learning through each step.
Co-creation enables expansion, enables sharing and connecting to others differently; it allows enrichment and joint invention.
These moments give me the necessary energy to continue moving forward even if lack of sleep is existing or if stress starts creeping in. It is that which drives me and ensures that the positive energy maintains.
What is that which brings you to the state of flow, which makes you forget everything around and focus solely on the present moment?