Honesty in photography is difficult because often it goes against all the rules you may learn in school. What I’ve found helpful is to not shoot digital, but to shoot film. When you shoot film, you are more precious about your shots. One roll of 35mm only allows you 36 shots, so it’s best not to waste it on moments you don’t truly care about. When shooting digital, you have the privilege of reviewing your work immediately. This isn’t so good. Honesty isn’t something to be immediately analyzed with your brain and learned techniques. It’s something to be felt, regardless of proper exposure, composition, and focus. What matters most is whether or not something moved you. Who cares if it’s off-center? Who cares if it’s not aligned with the rule of thirds? Who cares if the subject is cut off? With enough practice, you might be able to start shooting digital again, but this time, with a stronger connection with your intuition and what you feel.

To this day, my favorite camera is still the Olympus Stylus Epic. It’s not the best, but it’s compact and easy to use. It doesn’t allow me to think too much. There aren’t too many buttons and no digital screen with a menu full of options. It’s just the viewfinder and the shutter.

Take the picture or don’t. Most importantly, don’t lie to yourself.

by Jason Lam