I’m writing about perfectionism as part of my ongoing struggle with it — my goal is a healthier outlook.
Perfectionism is marked by having high personal standards coupled with a dread of making a mistake. Demanding perfection (and rejecting anything less) breeds almost certain paralysis, especially for an artist.
The dynamic of perfectionism can be both adaptive and maladaptive behavior.
Adaptive perfectionism is akin to conscientiousness — having a keen attention to detail and high personal achievement. That can be a good thing for a photographer.
In its maladaptive form, perfectionism is akin to neuroticism — non-stop, hyper-focus on every mistake and a profound fear of failure; this person believes any of her endeavors with a less than perfect outcome (by her high standards) is a total, abject failure. This type of perfectionism can only stymie one’s growth as a photographer.
We photographers seem to be especially vulnerable to perfectionism because we create something that’s visual, something that’s shared, something that’s critiqued by others. We want so badly to create an image that everyone will recognize as “perfect,” and berate ourselves when we feel our work falls short of it.
Self-criticism and incessant worry are unproductive, and a constant sense of disappointment in oneself is emotionally draining. Why do we beat ourselves up this way?
We started photography because we love capturing family moments and the beautiful details in our world. Yet we perfectionists are so caught up in the game of comparison, in holding onto unrealistic ideals, that we lose the joy of photography we once felt.
So what can we do to let go of perfectionism? We may not be able to change our tendencies, but we can challenge them and reset our outlook.
1. What are the effects of your perfectionism?
Identify the ways your perfectionism helps or hinders your goals in photography, and what you can do about it.
For example, one of my goals is to share my P52 project (a photo a week), yet I don’t follow through because every week I’m consumed with finding the perfect photo. So I can ask a friend to hold me accountable for sharing one weekly photo, flaws and all.
2. Take a break from social media.
Taking some time off will help to center you, and allow you to be more accepting of yourself, and to recognize that obsessing over small details doesn’t serve you.
3. Join photography projects that push you to be imperfect.
A photo project that is a good example of this is a one-frame-a-day project. Allowing yourself only one shot then sharing it will force you to reveal your imperfections. Eventually, you’ll learn to embrace them and acknowledge their value to your photography.
4. Impose some rules on yourself.
You’re already pretty good at that, right? Try setting time limits for both shooting and editing, and don’t allow yourself to go back to re-edit a photo. It will force you to accept what’s good enough, and better yet, allow more time for your next project.
Imperfection is what makes us human — everyone and everything is wonderfully, perfectly flawed.
In art, talent isn’t linked to perfection. We must embrace that to maintain a healthy outlook and find our bliss!
This article first appeared in the May/June 2016 issue of Click Magazine. Order your print or digital copy from the Click & Company Store. Or better yet, get a 1-year subscription so you never miss an issue!
Oh my goodness – first LOVE the photos on this article they are sooo adorable. Thank you for putting this together. This past year has been a real challenge though. Hopefully we’ll al the shooting again soon.
To the point advice. Photography isn’t about perfectionism, it is an art. As I’m getting better day-by-day at photography, whenever I see my old clicks I realize my mistakes and what I should avoid to repeat the same. Thank you so much for your advice!
Thank you for your blog post. You make a good involvement for new photographers and increase their interest.
We usually join photography projects and that’s helpful! Joining with those projects helps us boost our skills, especially our editing skills. Thanks for your helpful blog!
I would love ro take your advice and take a break from social media but I pick work up from there. Its a catch 22. Its a lovely article and great photos too.
I to tend to only see what could of been better. But when the same photo flashes up on my computer months later I usually always think great picture. Thank you for this realistic article.
Thank you so much! Perfect timing for me !!
Thank you so much for writing this. I often have the paralyzingly type of perfectionism. It is not fun to live with. I am trying to change my mentality, but a lifetime habit is not easy to break.
Just what I needed to hear. Thank you, Celia.