Answers to our question about what is the one most important tool.

[@kenjennings9124]

I agree with being open, curious and able to objectively absorb what I am looking at. Be a child, (as opposed to when my wife tells me to grow up). I also ask myself "What is it I want to say with this image?". The science of shutter speed, aperture and other controllable things come into play only after this question.

[@colethompson1906]

"...only after this question." I like that!

[@andycakebread7663]

I'm outed! It's me with a real bonkers English name, no biscuits allowed, all artisanal carbs here boys!! Your mental brake is your tool John!! And to chip in, I went through a very traumatic period and you know I look at images from that time and there's certainly some influence.... Great show again guys 👏

[@thecoleandjohnshow7236]

Thanks for your feedback AndyBiscutsandtea.... :)

[@andycakebread7663]

@thecoleandjohnshow7236 🫡

[@SelkiiDphotography]

So glad you spoke on this topic. I've just gone through 3+ months of stress... not life-threatening, but wearing... which has left me facing a big, blank wall, where any photography feels like I'm trying too hard, like its not coming from the right place. The good thing is that this is not the first time and I know it will pass, but I am always asking, why and when? Meanwhile, I have not looked at 99% of the photos I took during that period, so who knows what they will reveal of my psyche.

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

I missed the original tool episode (that's a citation right there). But listening to your sharing here and others' comments, I would have to say my most important tool is adopting a beginner's mind. It helps me release what I know (or think I know) about a person, place or thing, drop the labels, and notice the essence. That leads to fewer assumptions, less self-censoring, more "what if?" thinking. It's the most expansive tool I can think of that activates imagination and possibility. RE: creativity during times of stress, it's definitely a go-to coping strategy for me. But what I produce isn't necessarily reflective of that stress, at least not intentionally. Although, this past week, I've been doodling to cope with anxiety, and a few ideas have taken shape that directly come from that feeling. Making photos or art puts me in a zone that releases the stress and gives me a sense of control. It's healing. Thanks, as always, for a thought-provoking episode. ~Beth B.

[@thecoleandjohnshow7236]

Hey Beth! Congratulations on the rapid growth of your excellent channel! Always appreciate your kind and thoughtful feedback.

[@colethompson1906]

If only we could all retain the passion and ignorance of the beginner!

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

I am one of three!! You both are likely the other two. 😅

[@photoguy1957]

🤣

[@PixelsHeartandArt]

So glad I was one of three so that I got your joke ;-)

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

@@PixelsHeartandArt Haha!!

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

Cole’s back on top! He must have needed a shot to his ego… no idea how it could possibly be larger! It is difficult for me to create when stressed, however, being in nature always calms me, except the alligator incident!… Anyway, I take my camera so when I calm, I can create. I do believe your mood affects your vision so both of you are correct!

[@photoguy1957]

Both of us are right!!!!

[@colethompson1906]

How am I on top? I'm feeling very persecuted lately...sniff, sniff. BIG EGO? Okay, but I'm working on it.

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

@@colethompson1906in the video, you are above John. I am sure you wouldn’t record if he were up there.

[@colethompson1906]

@@jasoneldridgephotography - I noticed that,I wonder why?

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

@@colethompson1906it just shows who’s better is all. 😅

[@ellenstoune8937]

Oh yeah, the Moth stories. So wonderful! There's a group in Charlotte, not affiliated but inspired by Moth, that hosts live stories like that and they are so fascinating. We all have our stories, times in our lives when something happened and we had to figure out how to navigate that reality, from good to bad and everything in between. And yeah, I think I'm like Cole... when things are going on that are upsetting, I have a hard time creating. Even though I know that creativity will help me feel better, even offer some perspective on whatever's going on. I'm getting better at pushing through resistance and offering that gift of creativity to myself when things go sideways. But the idea that we have to be some sort of tortured soul to create great art.... nope, I'm calling BS on that one. Great show, guys, and glad to see you back!

[@andycakebread7663]

Never heard of it, but sounds very intriguing indeed, a counterpoint to inane, mundane, insane celebrity culture.....

[@WolfgangWhyte]

“Photography is the only language that can be understood anywhere in the world.” - Bruno Barbey You can’t always be in the mood you wish for; you can’t always climb Mount Inspiration on a whiff and a whim... but you can always feel what you feel, let go and let your lens lead you where it feels you should be, and take the shots you didn’t know you wanted. How did you feel when you shot The Angel Gabriel, Cole? There doesn’t have to be a reason. You don’t have to explain it to anyone. It won’t make sense to everyone, regardless of what you shoot. Control is the enemy of curiosity. Let yourself want without needing a why; only then will you find what you seek - those are the shots that will speak for you.

[@colethompson1906]

Great viewpoint! Especially: "You don't have to explain it to anyone. It won't make sense to everyone."

[@richardgonet5725]

As another aside, I have a question for Cole. You spoke about going to a Moth story telling in your area and I wonder where that was. I live down the road from you in Fort Collins and would be interested in going to one of these. [I visited your open house a couple of weeks ago. I'm the guy you showed your photo processing work area to]. Thanks.

[@colethompson1906]

It’s in Denver, but I don’t recall the name of the venue. But I’ll bet if you go to the moth website, they will show all the cities and what places participate.