If you don’t know what to do or which way to go.
Move anyway.
Because even if you’re unsure of yourself and you feel you are going the wrong direction, you’ll find what you’re looking for on the way.
When I was studying at the International Center of Photography in New York, I was called to the front of the class to speak about my long term project. We all had to choose one, and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do yet. So I didn’t know what to say, or how to describe what I was going for.
My classmate says to me, “Just start talking”.
And of course, I began and even though the first few words that came out of my mouth were a little random, eventually, I found level ground and discovered the direction for my long term project.
I wanted to do a project on the role lion dancing plays on first generation Chinese-Americans. Which has since come into fruition as Inside The Lion. I’ve done two iterations of this project. One in New York City. The second in San Francisco.
Regardless of whether or not your objective is related to photography, I think this concept still applies. Often, it’s very hard to think your way out of a situation. As wrong as it may feel, sometimes moving without an idea of where you’re going or what you’re doing is precisely what you need to do.
Have a little more faith in your resilience.
by Jason Lam