Why I Value Conversation Over Content Creation
- Ramon Trotman
- Mar 21
- 5 min read
Let me say this up front. I’ve been thinking about this for a while. And yeah, it might sound a little strange coming from someone who creates content all the time. But here it is:
I care more about conversation than I do about content.
I still love creating. That hasn’t changed. But over time, I’ve realized something. The work that sticks with me, the stuff that really pushes my creative growth, almost always comes from connection. It’s the moments when someone replies with their own story. It’s the late-night chats, the DMs, the long emails, the voicemails, the real back-and-forth. That’s where it clicks. And that shift has changed everything for me.
Key Takeaways
Reflection helps uncover patterns in your creativity
Conversation creates space for unexpected growth
Tools matter, but your vision carries the real weight
Sharing your process invites stronger community and feedback
Translating insights into action keeps your creative energy moving
This Isn’t Just a Channel, It’s a Check-In
Every once in a while, I pause and do a channel update. Not because it’s trendy or required, but because it feels like an anchor. These updates remind me where I’ve been, how far I’ve come, and what I’ve outgrown.
Sometimes I stumble across an old video and realize, wow, I really used to think like that. Or maybe I see something I forgot I loved doing. That kind of reflection changes how I move forward creatively. I’m not just looking back to admire growth. I’m looking back to recalibrate.
And that’s where conversation becomes part of the process. A lot of you reach out on Instagram or Facebook instead of commenting publicly. And that’s totally fine. I actually love it. Those one-on-one chats go deeper. They feel real. Like we’re building something together, even if we’ve never met.
Why Reflection Fuels Creative Growth
Reflection isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s necessary. I do it twice a year, minimum. And when I skip it, I feel off.
When I pause to look back on what I’ve created, I start to spot things I didn’t notice before. I’ll realize that a certain approach keeps working. Or that a specific mindset keeps tripping me up. It’s like stepping outside of myself for a second, then jumping back in with a clearer sense of direction.
Journaling helps a lot with this. I’m not talking about polished essays. Just raw notes, messy thoughts, ideas scribbled down in the moment. When I look back at them, I get a clear sense of where my head was. Sometimes it’s embarrassing, sure. But mostly, it’s revealing.
I’ve also found that mindfulness practices help bring out creative clarity. Even just a quiet walk with no music. A few deep breaths in the middle of a packed day. Those little pauses create space where ideas sneak in. When I talk through my reflections with friends, that’s when things really start to open up.
Creativity Grows in Conversation
This is where the title of this blog starts to make sense. Conversation has taught me more about creativity than any tutorial or masterclass ever could.
There’s something powerful that happens when you say things out loud. Especially to someone who’s walking a similar path. It forces you to be honest. It challenges your assumptions. It lets new ideas bubble up.
I’ve had talks with fellow creatives where we didn’t even solve anything. We just shared what wasn’t working, what we were scared of, where we felt stuck. And weirdly, those are the talks that move me forward the most.
The truth is, conversation is a disappearing skill. Social media’s made us efficient, not thoughtful. We post. We scroll. We double-tap. But we rarely sit with someone’s story and ask a real question. That’s what I want this space to be about. Content that opens a door to dialogue.
Creativity Doesn’t Start With Gear
It’s funny. People assume that creativity starts with the gear. The lights. The cameras. The tools. But the gear just supports the process. It’s not the engine.
If I focus too much on the tools, I miss the point. I’ve taken some of my favorite portraits with old cameras and borrowed lenses. What mattered was the connection I built with the person in front of me, the story they were telling with their face.
There’s this phrase I say to myself a lot now: Photography is the lens, creativity is the focus.
That mindset keeps me grounded. If I can capture something honest and human, I’ve done my job. Whether I shot it on a high-end setup or something basic doesn’t matter.
From Insight to Action
Here’s the catch. Reflecting and talking things through only works if I do something with what I learn.
That’s why I build little systems around it. I’ll write down ideas that surface during a conversation. I’ll give myself one or two action steps. And I’ll share them with people who can hold me to it.
SMART goals help too. Specific, measurable, realistic, relevant, time-based. They’re boring on paper, but they work. Instead of saying “I want to improve my portrait work,” I’ll say “I’ll do five themed sessions over the next month using natural light only.” Now I have direction. I’m not floating.
Feedback plays a role here too. After finishing a project, I try to share it with someone I trust. Not just for validation, but for growth. The right kind of feedback can expose things I missed and help me level up.
Making Space for Honest Growth
One of the reasons I love longform content is because it makes space. Space for nuance. Space for reflection. Space for people to process what’s being said and come back with their take.
This blog, my channel, my DMs, all of it is part of a bigger idea. That creative growth isn’t linear. It loops. It stumbles. It reboots. And it’s always personal. The more we talk about it, the better we get. Together.
Who is Ramon Trotman as a Portrait | Headshot | Street Photographer
I’m a photographer with a love for stories. Real ones. Messy ones. Human ones.
You’ll find my creative work across a few spaces:
For creative collaborations or casual conversations, you can always reach me at perspectiveramontrotman@gmail.com.
If you're looking for polished, professional portraits or headshots, here’s where I work with clients:
Business inquiries: info@ramontrotman.studio
Thanks for reading. And thanks for being part of this community. Every second you spend here with me means more than I can explain. If you’ve got thoughts, questions, reflections, or even pushback, hit me up. I’m always down to talk.
Time is the most valuable thing we’ve got. And I appreciate you spending some of yours here.
Peace, Ramon
Comments