Not too long ago, our Gear Editor, Feroz Khan, penned an exceptional piece that discussed aphantasia, a term that describes the inability to visualize images in one’s mind’s eye. Today, I am here to discuss another term that can help modern photographers strike a balance: Wasatiyyah (وسطية) or Wasat (وسط). So, what does it mean? And how can photography benefit from this? Let’s have a look.
Wasatiyyah (وسطية) or Wasat (وسط) means moderation, centeredness, or the middle path. This philosophy may seem redundant today, but it is far from it. In today’s world of extravagance, we have forgotten what it means to walk the tightrope between excess and emptiness. With more images floating today on the web, Wasatiyyah offers a way to prioritize harmony, nuance, and thoughtful restraint.
Social Media Obsession
An example is the culture of social media. Today, platforms are inundating users with endless content, which means photographers feel pressure to post daily or risk being forgotten. There are certain shooting trends that have emerged, and they continue to produce images that appear repetitive. Some are already switching to video to stay relevant or gain more followers, which will, in turn, help one get more gigs. In this regard, Wasatiyyah pursues modern hhotgpaher to choose intention over speed, integrity over aesthetics, narratives over likes. Whatever you post will now urge photographers to show restraint. Not to buy into the fad culture, and even push them to feel deeply before they choose to make images of their subject.
Hyper-perfectionism
Like social media, AI-generated images and hyper-perfection are another wave of change that modern photographers need to ride, or they stand a chance of drowning. However, while they compete with Midjourney on a daily basis, they often overlook the fact that embracing imperfection is a fundamental aspect of the truth and moderation. The middle path demands that you let go of the need to compete with clinical images today. Sure, it can be used for certain genres, such as fashion or commercial photography, but often than not, we have learned that imperfection, the intentional grain, blur, pores, and wrinkles help to showcase humanity.
Gear Addiction
If you spot a group of photographers at a party, the conversation will inevitably turn to cameras and lenses. Modern photographers worship their equipment. That is understandable given the nature of the medium. However, if one can’t see past gear as a mere tool, then we seriously have a problem. Wasatiyyah emphasizes balance, and achieving balance in this matter involves focusing on one’s vision and creativity. One’s images are as good as one’s imagination. And if one can’t think for themselves, they will always find fault in the works of other photographers who are trying to be different.
The Ego of the Photographer
Even before social media messaging, photography has often been about showcasing one’s greatness. It is like the camera gives one the freedom to do as they please. After all, the gear has always given one the privilege to pry into others’ lives. However, if you remove the “I” when creating images or interacting with other photographers, you are likely to learn more and grow. Listening is just as important as seeing, and it is a trait that people seem to be losing.
Wasatiyyah, thus, will help you to bring back the foundation to the medium:
- Seeing, not performing
- Listening, not projecting
- Meaning, not aesthetics
- Steadiness, not excess
Going against a tide may not be easy, but this is a start that can help shape your photography for the better. Until then, practice balance that most photographers today seem to be missing.