December 26, 2014

Easter Island – Excited and Nervous

Monolith No. 33

 

I’m heading out for Easter Island Sunday morning and I’m both excited nervous.

Excited because I’ve wanted to visit Easter Island ever since I was 17 and read the book Aku Aku by Thor Heyerdahl. It really captured my imagination and I would dream of the Moai and those unknown peoples who created them. Going to Easter Island has long been a dream of mine.

But I’m also nervous because when I go on a trip like this I worry that I’ll come home empty handed and not meet people’s expectations. And each time someone says “I can’t wait to see what you get!” I become even more apprehensive.

And the more apprehensive I get, the more pressure I put on myself. And the more pressure I put on myself, the less creative I am because I’m focused on what others expect and not my own Vision.

So here’s what I have learned to do, to minimize that apprehension and maximize my creativity:

First: I remind myself that I’m visiting one of the most exciting places on earth and a top destination on my bucket-list. That alone is enough to make this a successful trip, no matter what.

Second: I tell myself that if I create just one image that I love, I’ll be happy.

Third: I will not look at anyone else’s work from Easter Island. I do not want to have any preconceived ideas of what I should create.

Fourth: I’ll spend a lot of time alone contemplating the Moai. I am confident that if I can relax and spend time with them, my Vision will appear.

And Fifth: I will keep reminding myself that I am creating for myself and I’ll put out of my head any internal or external expectations.

What I have learned is that worrying is not only ineffective, it’s actually harmful to my creative process. I just need to relax, enjoy the trip and have faith that something will come to me. 

See you in a few weeks!

Cole

 

24 thoughts on “Easter Island – Excited and Nervous”

  4. Sometimes when I hear of someone getting to go somewhere that is really fabulous I think, “they are not worthy, they are too young, they don’t LOVE that place like I love it, they don’t even KNOW how cool that place is and won’t appreciate it.” But hearing that you get to go to Easter Island I am nothing but completely HAPPY for you. You are worthy, you will love it and you will come home with an amazing memory from having been there. (you will have terrific images, you always do) But, even if you don’t share any of them, I know you will have had the perfect time there. Congratulations and enjoy!

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  5. What a great opportunity.Have a wonderful time.I know you will. You will get wonderful photographs from this trip.

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  6. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and apprehension, Cole. I often wrestle with that myself. I need to remember your words, “I just need to relax, enjoy the trip and have faith that something will come to me.” (But it’s so tough sometimes.)

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  9. Cole, Can’t wait to see what you come home with!! 🙂 No pressure.

    Seriously, have a relaxing and visionary trip exploring Easter Island. You know, there is also a Christmas Island? Is this your next trip?

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  14. Cole, That’s terrific!! Rapa Nui bound! As you already know, it’s one of the remotest places on earth, so it’s hard to get to-but so worth it!

    I was there about 6 years ago, and felt an energy from the Moai. I think you will, too. They will tell you how they want you to tell their story. For me,they were particularly talkative at pre-dawn.

    Your comments today couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I leave myself New Year’s eve for 5 weeks using San Miguel, Mexico, as a base camp. I’m feeling the same anxiety.

    Your comments are incredibly helpful about being happy with bagging only one winner, and for shooting for internal rather than extrinsic rewards.

    Thanks for that, and Bon Voyage. Into the Mystic.

    Sam

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  16. “My pictures are never pre-visualized or planned. I feel strongly that pictures must come from contact with things at the time and place of taking. At such times, I rely on intuitive, perceptual responses to guide me, using reason only after the final print is made to accept or reject the results of my work.” (Wynn Bullock). Whether it’s one, none or many you will have a great experience I am sure. And since Easter Island is a place I am very unlikely to ever visit, my photo celibacy can be turned off and will permit me to see the one or the many (or none and, therefore, just your words which will be more than sufficient). Have a great time.

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  21. Hi Cole,

    Happy travels……Looking forward to seeing what you feel if you choose to share it…..All the best and more!

    Cheers!

    Claurissa 🙂

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  23. Have a great trip and all the best in 2015.
    I also have trouble with people who say that where you are going is a great photo op – it all comes down to your mood, connection and other factors – enjoyed your five point system.

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