27 august 2010
a couple of months ago, someone close to me asked whether i felt photography is what i’m going to to do for the rest of my life. before i get into that, though, let me preface this by saying that this someone is presently in the process of searching for something to be passionate about. so, do i love what i do? for the rest of my life? YES and yes.
i’ve had a variety of jobs in my life. i’ve held the title of busboy, stockroom assistant, assistant gymnastics coach, army medic, emt, bicycle sales associate, fishing pole fabricator, paramedic, web developer, information architect and yes, photographer. though, it seems, i’ve always been a photographer, it wasn’t until sometime during the web’s boom that i’d entertained the idea of making any money at it. as with any passion, i’d like to imagine, if i didn’t need to eat i’d have earned enough just from accolades from friends and future clients. i was never formally trained in photography but i did read stacks and stacks of books on light, composition, and anything having to do with taking a better picture.
spend any time with me and you’ll find that i think, live, and breathe photography. whether it’s planning the next shoot, researching light and imagery, or, as is my least favorite part of this job, stuck to the computer screen editing photography, i can say with a resounding yes, i love what i do. i can honestly say that i’m passionate about what i do. (the editing part, however, a vital part of this “job”, though bothersome as it takes much longer than the actual image capture, is my least favorite part of the job. but, even then, i still love that too.) i’ve always loved so many different creative endeavors but photography’s something that stuck.
i equate passion as loving something without an inkling of want for monetary gain; you do it because it makes you feel good or makes you happy. how do you find that something to be passionate about? i can only say you’ll have to keep trying different things until something captures your heart like photography captured mine.
03 sep 2010 – addition . . .
if you’re like me, a passionate person to begin with, you’ll learn that all of the rules of photography are more like guidelines in that if you work outside of them you may find what works and what doesn’t. (learn those “rules,” though!!) and, if your passion fades or needs a little nudge, don’t be afraid to try some other artistic medium to express yourself–if you’re a photographer, like me, try painting or pottery or GLASSBLOWING (something i’ve always wanted to try but you know the deal) or any other artist’s medium until something changes the flow of energy and you feel the passion embers stoke the fire.
(because i lack a backup camera these days i’m a little more judicial about shooting–which kills me as i’m always seeing shots when out and about!! these are shots from a recent trip back east.)
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- norah and her new kaleidoscope
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- not sure if this is a “prayer flag” tree but why not!?!?
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- norah looks over the railing at clifton gorge below
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- norah and the wind, clifton gorge, near yellow springs, ohio.
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- ohio blackberries, north market, columbus, ohio
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- ohio melons, north market, columbus, ohio.
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- lee and amy hammin’ it up in columbus, ohio.
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- morning shot on folly beach, sc.
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- lone bicycle, folly beach, sc.
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- reminded me of a scene from forrest gump!
