Design & Style, Arts & Entertainment
Conclusion: Be Present on Your Journey
Lesson time 03:52 min
Jimmy wraps up his MasterClass with a few encouraging words on the importance of valuing the process over the final achievement, living in the moment, and pursuing your passion.
Students give MasterClass an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars
Topics include: Conclusion: Be Present on Your Journey
Teaches Adventure Photography
National Geographic photographer teaches his techniques for planning, capturing, and editing breathtaking photos.
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For much of my career, I was chasing the achievement. I was chasing the biggest climb, the biggest ski descent, the biggest job. And oftentimes when I got there, that moment of feeling the reward or feeling the achievement was really fleeting. And there was always kind of this downside on it. You know, after a big expedition, I remember-- after skiing Everest-- there was this huge high. And then you kind of dropped off the back end of it. And the way I dealt with it was that I was planning the next big thing. What I've realized over the years is that there's always going to be the next big thing. And you can chase it endlessly. But the realization is that the best moments are when you are in the process of moving towards that achievement. It was the moment where you were in the trenches, where you were in the work. What you come away with from that is that, you know, we play so much on the achievement and less so on the work, and the moments when you're fighting your way there. I think it's important to recognize that. You know, you can chase achievements like you can chase money, you know. It's like it will never be enough. But if you embrace the process of getting there and find that as your award, then you're in a really good place. And I think for me, that's the best place that I've found. Which ultimately means that, you know, you need to set goals, but you also really need to appreciate being in the moment, being present with what you're doing. You know, once I kind of shifted my gaze towards that idea, it really helped me, you know, be focused on the work, which at the end of the day is what's important. Now that you've finished my MasterClass, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to join me. I hope you can leave here with a new perspective on your work, on photography, and have some new practical skills that you can apply to your work. And I think if you find something, like photography, that gives you meaning and purpose, you should consider yourself lucky. My good friend Jon Krakauer once told me that there are two great risks in life-- risking too much and risking too little. And I've always thought that we spend a lot of time focusing on risking too much. But if you found something that you're passionate about, that is the place to take the risks. So have fun out there. Enjoy the process. And good luck.
About the Instructor
Jimmy Chin has built his career taking photos at the top of the world, earning him the cover of National Geographic and multiple awards. Now he’s taking you on location to teach you techniques for capturing breathtaking shots. In his photography class, learn different creative approaches for commercial shoots, editorial spreads, and passion projects. Gather the gear—and the perspective—to bring your photography to new heights.
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Jimmy Chin
National Geographic photographer teaches his techniques for planning, capturing, and editing breathtaking photos.
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