The Hidden Danger

The fact is that relatively few photographers ever master their medium. Instead they allow the medium to master them. —Edward Weston It is the habit of most photographers who write about photography to extoll the medium’s virtues and positive affects—all of which may be true, but none of which are guaranteed to occur. It’s not often acknowledged that the pursuit of photography may also have downsides, some of which may be severe. Often, what tips the odds in favor of photography being a positive, rewarding avocation is not anything having to do with the mechanics of the medium, subject matter, travel budget, or social dynamics, but the photographer’s attitude. No doubt, photography may be an immensely rewarding pursuit: a source of—or at least a catalyst for—enjoyable, elevated, and meaningful experiences. But, if one is not mindful of the possible pitfalls, photography may also unwittingly become a source of pervasive anxiety and stress. Photography may sharpen a person’s capacity…