Strong Body, Strong Photography
What’s poppin, people? It’s Dante, just getting my morning started here with some coffee. While going through old hard drives, I stumbled upon some GoPro footage from my Peace Corps days. Among the snapshots was my hut, decked out with gym equipment. It brought back memories and sparked today’s topic: strength, vitality, and why they matter in photography.
The Philosophy of Strength
In my hut, I had gymnastic rings, resistance bands made from scraps found on the roadside, dumbbells from Zambia’s version of Dick’s Sporting Goods, and even a yoga mat. Strength has always been a priority for me, even in the most remote corners of the world.
“I believe that the stronger photographer will make stronger photographs.”
Strength is foundational. A strong body leads to a strong mind. The stronger you are, the more joyous your thoughts, the more resilient you become, and the more capable you are of stepping onto the front lines of life to photograph and walk endlessly.
Movement Is the Key to Joy
As men, overcoming depression is simple: move. Embrace physicality. For me, photography is bliss because of its physical demands—marching up mountains, walking endlessly, and engaging with the world.
“The more you lift weights, the stronger you become. The stronger you become, the more you will walk. The more you walk, the more you see. The more you see, the more you photograph. And the more you photograph, the more curious you become.”
Strength and curiosity are interconnected. Without a strong body, you won’t have a strong mind. Vitality fuels the curiosity that drives photographers to explore, learn, and grow.
The Overlooked Connection Between Body and Photography
As photographers, we focus on composition and how we see the world, but we often overlook the physicality of photography. The act of walking, lifting, and moving is essential to the craft.
I’ve spent the past decade prioritizing both weightlifting and photography. This philosophy isn’t new—it’s been a part of my process forever.
“If I wake up feeling weak, tired, or disconnected from my body, I won’t be able to make good photographs.”
A weak photographer creates weak photographs. Strong bodies foster clarity, resilience, and joy. And joyful photographers create uplifting, meaningful work.
Cultivating Vitality: A Daily Practice
Every morning, I wake eager to move. I use a standing desk to avoid sitting for long periods. Movement is non-negotiable. Cultivating vitality is about compounding small efforts over time. Just like in weightlifting, consistent effort in photography builds strength.
“The goal is to increase your curiosity by 1% each day.”
No matter where I am in the world, I prioritize physical effort before creative effort. Whether it’s hanging gymnastic rings from a tree in a remote village or leading group workouts, I ensure that strength comes first.
Final Thoughts: The Stronger Photographer Wins
“He who walks the most shall win. The stronger photographer will make stronger photographs.”
Strength fuels vitality, curiosity, and creativity. To create your best work, prioritize your body as much as your craft. Walk more, lift more, and see how everything else falls into place.