The Infinite Game

Originals

Feb 21

In game theory, there are two types of play: finite and infinite. A finite game is played to win; it has rules, a clock, and a clear end. But an infinite game is played for the purpose of continuing the play.

For the longest time, I treated photography like a finite game. I thought there was a "score" to reach or a trophy to win in the form of a perfect portfolio. But lately, I’ve realized that photography is actually much more like surfing.

The Ocean and the Light

A surfer doesn’t go to the beach to "finish" the ocean. They don't paddle out with the intent of "defeating" the waves so they never have to surf again. They go because the ocean is an ever changing variable. No two waves are identical, and no matter how skilled you are, you are always at the mercy of a force much larger than yourself.

Photography is the same. Light is our ocean. We don't "figure out" light; we learn to ride it. Some days the light is flat and uninspiring; other days it’s a "rogue wave" of drama and contrast that catches us off guard. We aren't in control we are just responding.

The Wipeout is Part of the Ride

In surfing, you’re going to fall. You’re going to misjudge a swell and end up underwater. In photography, we call these "failed" shoots or "lost" frames.

But in an infinite game, there is no such thing as a "bad" wave if it teaches you how to handle the next one. The "wipeouts" are where the learning happens. I’ve learned to value my mistakes as much as my successes. They are proof that I’m still out in the water, still trying to catch the next moment.

The Goal is to Keep Paddling

The beauty of surfing, and photography, is that there is no finish line. You don't "win" photography. There is no point where you are "done."

If we shoot because we love the process, the search for the frame, the anticipation of the shadow, the quiet of the morning, then we’ve already won. The goal isn't to take a photo so perfect that you can finally stop. The goal is to take a photo that makes you want to wake up and do it again tomorrow.

A Community in the Water

We are a collective of people paddling out together. Some of us are experts at reading the "swells" of light, and some of us are just catching our first shadows. But we are all in the same water.

Let’s stop worrying about the "destination" of our art. Let’s just enjoy the fact that the game never ends. As long as the light keeps changing, we have a reason to keep playing.