In 2007, photographer Henry Wessel filmed a series of casual, conversational videos about his work and working style with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The video below outlines his artistic process. The main takeaway from this video is that in order to take truly unique photos, you cannot take the time to stop and contemplate your shot. Rather, you must simply take the photograph, and try not to think twice about it.
Wessel tells us that he tries to work before his mind interjects, such as contemplating what the shot could look like if things were shifted one way or another or if he could approach the subject from a different angle. While there are an infinite number of thoughts that might rush through a photographer's mind before they capture their image, Wessel is insistent that "you cannot be thinking".
Wessel believes that "Once you recognize something, then you're actually less aware." Once you become cognizant of your subject matter, that is the only thing you're able to focus on, and your photographs end up looking like everyone else's. This video is a wonderful insight into how a true photographer's mind works, and we could all learn a little something from Wessel, even if it's only that we shouldn't waste our time overthinking every little detail in life.
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