An article by Colton Swabb, published on Medium, explores the concept of the “golden shadow” in psychology, which refers to suppressed and underused talents as well as positive aspects of personality that often remain unnoticed or hidden. In Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, shadow work is usually associated with confronting and integrating the darker, repressed parts of our personality. However, the “golden shadow” refers to those parts of ourselves that have also been pushed out of our awareness but are positive. These may include hidden talents, unrealized abilities, or undiscovered strengths which – if revealed and developed – could significantly enrich our lives.
When science meets art: why photography can be the key to discovering your artistic soul
How many of us have given up the path of an artist in favor of a “practical profession”? This is understandable due to the uncertainty of an artistic career, yet many people later struggle with doubts about whether they chose the right path and feelings of regret.
In the hearts of many engineers, scientists, and other “technocrats,” the souls of artists are hidden. Every day they wrestle with equations, data, and logical problems, while their creativity often remains unused, suppressed under the weight of scientific precision. Deep down, many of them dream of becoming photographers, designers, painters, or musicians. They long to express themselves through art, to capture the beauty of the world in a single frame, to paint emotions on canvas, or to compose melodies that move hearts.
The consequences of suppressing the “golden shadow”
Suppressing your “golden shadow” can have serious consequences – often far greater than we realize. By giving up the development of your hidden talents, you may unconsciously close the door to creativity, self-fulfillment, and a sense of meaning. It is like deliberately giving up a part of yourself.
In the long run, this can lead to frustration, a feeling of unfulfillment, and even regret that you never tried something that could truly have been your path. You may lose the chance to be an artist – not necessarily a professional one, but someone who leaves a mark. Something valuable. A photo, a painting, a project, a story, an emotion captured in a frame.
Ignoring the “golden shadow” often means giving up the possibility of creating, sharing your perspective on the world, and building something that will last longer than the next report or work project. After all, each of us wants to leave behind something more than just a checklist of tasks completed in a calendar.
By suppressing your “golden shadow,” you lose a part of yourself – the part that wanted to speak, come out into the open, and show the world what it is capable of. This part carried the potential for joy, fulfillment, and real benefits: a sense of purpose, pride in creating, and sometimes even new professional or financial paths.
When you silence it, you not only give up your talents but also the opportunities that could have emerged because of them. It is like closing the door to your own growth before you even see where it might lead. The “golden shadow” does not want to shame you or put you on trial – it wants to give you something. A new quality of life, a deeper connection with yourself, and the feeling that you are living in alignment with who you truly are.
What about me? Do I have a golden shadow – unused talents? (exercise)
(You will need something to write with – ideally a sheet of paper and a pen.)
First, make a list of people or characters you admire. These can be real people, artists, cultural figures, movie characters, or even completely fictional ones.
Got your list? Now write down what you admire about them. What traits do they have? Which ones have you observed, and which ones are you imagining?
Next, list the talents you used at some stage of your life but later stopped using. Or perhaps something you dreamed of but never pursued beyond dreaming. This could be an artistic activity, a technical interest, or even a sport.
Write down all your thoughts, ideas, and intuitions. Note the feelings that accompany making this list.
Finally, make a list of how you could bring these talents into your life at its current stage. You may discover that you do not have to give everything up to do this. For example, if you are a geologist who never worked in the field, you could start photographing gemstones.
Photography
For those who want to discover their artistic side, photography can be an ideal starting point. Why? Because photography combines scientific precision with artistic expression. It does not require years of study or expensive equipment. A basic course, a camera, and an understanding of light are enough to create something magical.
Photography allows you to explore and experiment, to learn through practice, and to make mistakes that become part of the creative process. If you dream of painting, drawing, or interior design, photography can also be a great path for you. Nothing teaches sensitivity to color and perspective like taking photos.
For everyone who uses mostly “hard skills” in their daily work and longs to express their artistic side, I recommend individual photography workshops.
Individual photography workshops
Individual workshops offer a unique opportunity to develop these skills. I recommend this form of learning because of:
Personalized approach
Everyone has a different path and style. Individual workshops allow the pace and content to be tailored to personal preferences and skill level.
Direct, personal guidance
Working one-on-one with an experienced photographer is invaluable. A mentor can provide direct feedback, which significantly speeds up learning and development.
Focus on practice
Workshops focus on practical aspects of photography, which is crucial for skill development. Participants learn by doing, not just through theory.
Exploring your creativity
Individual workshops create space for experimentation and discovering your own style, which is essential for artistic expression.
Motivation and inspiration
Direct contact with a mentor and the opportunity to share your work can greatly increase motivation and inspiration.
For those who work daily in the world of science and technology, photography can be a bridge to the world of art – without the need to quit everything or give up a stable source of income.
It is a chance to express yourself, discover hidden talents and passions. And when you realize that every frame reflects your inner world, that every photo tells a story that had previously remained unspoken – and that you can even earn a living this way – then it may be time to throw your regular job aside 🙂
But it is not an easy path. Photography is not just a skill; it is a journey inward, a dialogue between science and art, between logic and emotion. It is a chance to discover that within each of us lives an artist, waiting to show the world a unique perspective.
What next? The choice is yours!
It is always worth asking yourself:
What are your hidden talents? Consider which positive aspects of your personality you may have suppressed or ignored.
How can you integrate your “golden shadow” into everyday life? Think of ways you can start using your hidden abilities and strengths.
What are the consequences of ignoring your “golden shadow”? Reflect on how neglecting these positive aspects of your personality may affect your personal and professional life.
I wish you inspiring explorations and, of course, warmly invite you to visit my workshop website – Creative Training
Additional sources:
Colton Swabb – The Golden Shadow: hiding your best from the world – hellolife End Self-Comparison by Integrating Your Golden Shadow (Medium)
