Dear friend,

I (and you) are philosophers— not philosophers in some pretentious way, but we are philosophers because we LOVE WISDOM.

1. What is philosophy?

Philosophy just means ‘love of wisdom’.

And what is wisdom? Knowing the difference between right and wrong. Wisdom is having a strong moral and ethical framework in which we can navigate the world. Wisdom is magnanimity — rising superior to your pains and struggles in life, to become stronger, and more beneficent towards other people.

I am not wise, and I will never be 100% wise. However, I am certainly a lot wiser now than I was 10 years ago.

2. What is happiness?

The biggest obstacle from achieving wisdom was confusion. Confusion of what is right and wrong in the world— and what would bring me true ‘happiness.’

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in photography regarding happiness is that happiness isn’t a feeling. Rather, happiness is a state of mind. Happiness is a state of being. Happiness is active.

I like the Greek definition of happiness which is ‘EUDAIMONIA’ (human flourishing). Human flourishing — means you are using all your skills as a human being, to become the best version of yourself. You are developing all your skills to the next level, and constantly growing, evolving, and changing for the better.

In photography, we should seek ‘human flourishing.’ Are your photos a part of you? Do your photos reveal your soul to others? Do your photos cause you to find joy in the smallest little leaf? Does photography help you keep that innocent eye, to see the entire world without prejudice?

3. Learn from the masters of the past

To find (some) wisdom in photography, it is good to find, discover, and learn from the wisdom of the past. I have personally learned a lot from the dead masters of the past in photography.

I learned from Henri Cartier-Bresson that photography is nothing but zen meditation— except with a camera. I learned from Josef Koudelka that you can live your life 100% to your own standards, without compromise for your art— and to live life however you want. From William Eggleston, I learned that even the most mundane thing can be beautiful — a colored texture wall, or leftovers in your fridge.

From Garry Winogrand I learned that photography is about curiosity. As he said, ‘I photograph to see what the world looks like photographed.’ Which means, when you photograph the world, it looks different than the actual ‘real’ world. And that is what makes photography interesting (one of the reasons I like shooting film — you never know what the final product is gonna be).

4. Know yourself as a photographer and human being

In photography, the biggest step to wisdom is knowing yourself as a photographer. What do you like to photograph, and what do you not like to photograph?

What photos bring you joy and meaning in life— and what photos bore you to death?

Avoid any type of photography that bores you. Only photograph what interests you. And use photography as a tool for self-discovery.

Photograph yourself by shooting self-portraits. Photograph your loved ones. And always meditate on the fact that your loved ones will one day die — some will die before you, others will die after you. But for me, photography gives me a chance to appreciate my loved ones, and to remind myself: “Eric, never waste even a single day in vain.”

5. Your eye and mind are the most important tools

I’ve also learned the wisdom that you don’t need expensive cameras or equipment in life to be the most self-realized artist. I do truly truly truly believe that photography and art can change the world for the better.

For me, I know that I don’t need no expensive camera to express myself. In-fact, it doesn’t matter what camera I use to express myself and how I see the world. Because the number 1 tool I have is my eye, my sense-perception, and my mind. If my eyes cannot identify significance in the world, then not even a 100 megapixel camera can help me find significance through my viewfinder.

6. Strip away the veil of ignorance

I’ve studied a lot of philosophy, and my single goal in life is this: everyday be a little less ignorant. I know that even when I am on my deathbed, there is a lot of shit I’m not going to know.

But if I strive to climb that mountain of wisdom, I know it won’t be an even path. It will be hard. Fucking hard. I will climb to the highest altitudes, low on oxygen, barely able to breathe. I will feel frostbite in my toes. I will feel pain in my ears, cheeks, and nose.

Who knows, I might die trying to make it to the peak of the mountain.

But, the search is what makes life worth living.

7. How to become more wise in photography

Some tips:

1. Always ask yourself, ‘Why’ do I make photos? The why of photography is far more important than the how or the what.
2. Photography isn’t a competition: Photography is meditation, self-therapy, and self-discovery. You get to know yourself through photography, not to compete with other photographers. Real life isn’t a competition.
3. Trust yourself: Know you’re heading in the right direction. Always trust yourself, and your own gut. You don’t need the approval of others. You know best.

Be strong,
Eric

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