The Philosophy of Creation
One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot over the past two years, since adopting my new workflow for photography and video-making, is the philosophy of creation. Why create? How do we create? And what does it all mean?
I believe that when you disconnect from an audience—removing likes, comments, and analytics—you enter a flow state of creation. This state brings a deeper sense of meaning to life. Without the need for external validation, you create a space to play, a process that imbues life with purpose. However, when you start to create content with feedback in mind, you end up feeding the algorithm. You start making pictures or videos for others rather than for yourself.
“Without the need for external validation, you wind up creating in a spirit of play, in a way that gives your life purpose and meaning.”
Why Make Videos?
Making videos is more than just content creation for me. It’s a way to relive raw experiences and flush out my thoughts. Using my GoPro as a visual diary, I’m able to speak out loud, candidly, and uncut. This allows me to explore my philosophy, my creative process, and my worldview in real time.
“Speaking out loud, raw, candid, uncut, helps me uncover hidden truths and gives me a sense of purpose and duty in the day.”
The GoPro POV feels raw and visceral—like you’re in a first-person video game. It becomes:
- A way to remember
- A means of exploring my mind
- A tool for sharing perspective
Whether I’m walking through nature or navigating city streets, I use this process to dive into ideas about philosophy, street photography, or life itself. Speaking out loud helps me challenge myself and instills a sense of purpose.
Creating with urgency—capturing an idea as soon as it strikes—feels deeply rewarding. Sharing my thoughts out loud transforms the act of production into a form of play. This is why I’ve created over 1,200 videos in the past two years. Disconnected from outcomes like likes or comments, I’m free to create for myself.
Why Photograph?
Photography is the greatest artistic medium of all time. It demands that the artist exist on the front lines of life, fully present in embodied reality, exploring the unknown. For me, this is where I thrive. I’m an explorer at heart, and the camera is my excuse to venture out and see the world.
“Photography requires the individual artist to exist on the front lines of life, in embodied reality, exploring the unknown.”
When I photograph, I’m not simply documenting the world. I’m revealing the essence of my soul—how I see and experience life. Over time, I’ve shifted away from a purely documentary approach, which often feels one-sided. While it’s important to capture what’s happening in the world, my focus has become more personal.
By embracing the snapshot, I aim to remain an amateur forever. This keeps the joy of photography alive, preventing burnout and stagnation. Each photo I take is a step in a lifelong journey, where my next photo will always be my best.
“I’m not necessarily looking to document the world around me, but to reveal the essence of my soul.”
The Ethos of Creation
As a street photographer, I’ve learned to create in an unplanned and spontaneous way. This ethos defines everything I do—whether it’s photographing, writing, or making videos. I aim to capture the raw essence of the streets, my mind, and whatever subject lies before me. This spontaneity is my ultimate creative goal.
In street photography, I’ve stopped hunting for specific pictures. Instead, I trust that life will come to me.
“Create every day as if it’s your last photo, your last video, your last thought.”
Life is short. We’re only here for a fleeting moment, so we might as well dance in the unknown while we can.
Embracing the Spirit of Play
Every act of creation is an affirmation of life. When I create, I’m saying yes to existence. Whether I’m snapping photos or recording videos, I’m engaging in a process of discovery and joy. For me, creation is about play—a raw, unfiltered way to express myself.
“Creation provides joy in my everyday life. It’s all about the spirit of play and not taking things so seriously.”
This spirit of play is what keeps me going. By letting go of rigid structures and expectations, I’ve found a flow state where I can endlessly create. My process isn’t about perfection; it’s about capturing the essence of life as I see it.
The Journeyer
At the heart of it all, I am the journeyer. Life is an endless journey, and every photograph, video, or piece of writing is a step along the path. There’s a sculpture I’ve seen, titled The Journey, and it resonates with me deeply.
“I am the journeyer.”
This philosophy of creation is what gives my life meaning. It’s not about the destination—it’s about embracing the process, the play, and the joy of each moment.