Solitude, Socialisation and Collaboration
In my previous article, “Landscape Photography - Solitude or Isolation?” (On Landscape Issue 280), I presented a view that there is a tangible difference between solitude and isolation in the context of landscape and nature photography. I suggested that there are times when being alone in nature is not always a positive experience, particularly for those people who suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
I have given this topic further thought both during and after a recent trip to visit a very close friend, Klaus, in Germany. We spent a whole week together, spending hours every day out in the field, sometimes creating images while stood a few yards apart, other times in the same general area but not within sight of each other. Reflecting on that time I have recognised, and appreciated, just how positive and valuable the experience was. My overall feeling is that I experienced a mix of solitude and socialisation, both positive from my perspective. Each of us could choose to spend time alone, taking ourselves away to search for a composition without any input or influence from the other. Equally, we could choose to spend time together working in the same area, enjoying the environment, sharing some friendly banter, and providing each other with valuable and objective feedback on composition, technique, and individual creativity.
During the week I did not experience one moment of isolation. I could choose to be on my own, to have periods of quiet solitude and reflection, or I could choose to spend time in the company of my friend. Even in those times I still experienced a sense of solitude when working on a specific image. Composing the image, considering the technical requirements, and then finally the act of reviewing the image is a complete process that stimulates solitude, that feeling of timelessness when you are completely absorbed in your practice and when the world outside of your own mind is temporarily switched off and forgotten. Between images I benefitted greatly from the social aspects of practicing my photography alongside a special friend, a like-minded person with aligned values about nature, the environment, and our approach to photography. The practice of seeking critical feedback from someone you respect is incredibly valuable and rewarding, and in my case only served to stimulate my creativity and willingness to adopt techniques that previously I might have been closed to.
Spending time practising photography with another person can simply represent an act of socialisation. However, it can also mean so much more. It can lead to a longer-term collaboration with a much deeper and rewarding relationship. Sharing your creative process, your ideas, your images, and offering critical feedback are all advantageous but rely upon a great deal of trust. Trust that the feedback you offer, and that which you receive, is given with the best of intent and will result in learning and insight rather than a loss of confidence. In my experience a high level of trust is needed for a collaborative relationship to work, therefore it is very important to ensure your values and motives are aligned.
Over time a collaboration can grow beyond the simple act of spending time together in the field. My friendship with Klaus started when we met on a workshop in Torridon in 2019, and the friendship has grown since then but also has developed into a photographic collaboration. In addition to meeting up to take photographs, or attend workshops together, we have a regular video call where we take the opportunity to review and critique each other’s images, shared in advance. I personally have found this practice incredibly rewarding, receiving feedback which often has resulted in minor changes which have improved the photograph. We know the feedback is given with good intent, and the trust between us means that we can offer opinion without fear of upset. Equally, we both know we can agree to disagree.
In conclusion I stand by my assertion that the solitary practice of photography is not always beneficial to our wellbeing, and that there are some significant benefits to be gained from spending time with other photographers in the field, or in the wider aspects of photography. I know that there will always be days when that feeling of isolation will visit me and will fill me with sadness, anxiety, and possibly temporary depression. That is simply the way it is, and the challenge is to manage and minimise those occasions in whatever way possible. For me personally I will look for more opportunities to spend time out in the field with others, not at the expense of seeking solitude, but as an antidote to isolation, and for the undoubted benefits of friendship, support, and personal development.
