Shojiwax.com on Nostr: A pretty good manifesto. Over at his Substack blog, photographer Wesley Verhoeve has ...
A pretty good manifesto.
Over at his Substack blog, photographer Wesley Verhoeve has written a manifesto for 2025 to promote creativity and connection.
I think it is pretty good and even if you are not into photography (everyone takes photos no?), you can substitute the words ‘my life’ for the word ‘photography’.1. Resist the Algorithm
Photography isn’t data or content, and it’s not made for clicks or likes. We reject the sameness algorithms demand and the obsession with “engagement.” True creativity doesn’t come from feeding a machine—it lives in discomfort, challenges, and unpredictability. Photography should move and speak to people, not platforms.2. Say No to Gatekeeping
Photography is for everyone. Market value or institutional validation? Can be amazing in so many ways and we’re grateful for it when it happens, but it’s not the point. The power of photography lies in its ability to inspire, and provoke, and to make us feel connected.3. Collaborate Across Borders
Photographers, writers, musicians, painters, filmmakers—let’s blur the lines. Creativity doesn’t care about boundaries, and collaboration makes the work better. Breaking out of silos is how we amplify our voices. Work with others, lean into play, adopt the beginner’s mindset.4. Get Physical
We’re not anti-digital, but we are pro-human. Technology should serve the art, not the other way around. Let’s meet in person when we can, talk over video or phone when we can’t, and make work that exists beyond a screen. Print zines, hang photos, hold exhibitions—create things people can actually touch and feel.5. Celebrate the Raw and Real
Over-polished photography kills its soul. We’re here for the messy, the imperfect, and the intuitive. The joy of creating without overthinking.6. Push Back Against Sameness
Photography isn’t supposed to blend in. It’s supposed to move, challenge, and inspire. In a world obsessed with trends, let’s make work that is authentic to who we are, embrace differences, and chase truth.7. Build Community, Not Ego
We don’t create in a vacuum. It’s a conversation between creators, collaborators, and audiences. Let’s build spaces—online, in person, wherever—for learning, critique, and encouragement.8. Rethink and Rebel
Creating is an act of rebellion against the status quo. Let’s challenge ourselves to think differently and create boldly.
Go read Wesley’s full post to get the complete picture.
#creativity #photography
Over at his Substack blog, photographer Wesley Verhoeve has written a manifesto for 2025 to promote creativity and connection.
I think it is pretty good and even if you are not into photography (everyone takes photos no?), you can substitute the words ‘my life’ for the word ‘photography’.1. Resist the Algorithm
Photography isn’t data or content, and it’s not made for clicks or likes. We reject the sameness algorithms demand and the obsession with “engagement.” True creativity doesn’t come from feeding a machine—it lives in discomfort, challenges, and unpredictability. Photography should move and speak to people, not platforms.2. Say No to Gatekeeping
Photography is for everyone. Market value or institutional validation? Can be amazing in so many ways and we’re grateful for it when it happens, but it’s not the point. The power of photography lies in its ability to inspire, and provoke, and to make us feel connected.3. Collaborate Across Borders
Photographers, writers, musicians, painters, filmmakers—let’s blur the lines. Creativity doesn’t care about boundaries, and collaboration makes the work better. Breaking out of silos is how we amplify our voices. Work with others, lean into play, adopt the beginner’s mindset.4. Get Physical
We’re not anti-digital, but we are pro-human. Technology should serve the art, not the other way around. Let’s meet in person when we can, talk over video or phone when we can’t, and make work that exists beyond a screen. Print zines, hang photos, hold exhibitions—create things people can actually touch and feel.5. Celebrate the Raw and Real
Over-polished photography kills its soul. We’re here for the messy, the imperfect, and the intuitive. The joy of creating without overthinking.6. Push Back Against Sameness
Photography isn’t supposed to blend in. It’s supposed to move, challenge, and inspire. In a world obsessed with trends, let’s make work that is authentic to who we are, embrace differences, and chase truth.7. Build Community, Not Ego
We don’t create in a vacuum. It’s a conversation between creators, collaborators, and audiences. Let’s build spaces—online, in person, wherever—for learning, critique, and encouragement.8. Rethink and Rebel
Creating is an act of rebellion against the status quo. Let’s challenge ourselves to think differently and create boldly.
Go read Wesley’s full post to get the complete picture.
#creativity #photography