Me Getting “pulled over” during a shoot in Chag. Apparently Chag is a Sovereign state…NOT
The instant follow button. Nice.
Misplaced Photography Passion
Do photographers start off their career thinking that they are always going to be on their own? Or is that even a thought in the mind of the hobbyist photographer? When you first start shooting do you even think about what will happen in three years? Or are you just content with the simulated shutter sound and beeps of your prosumer camera?
Everyday I see a new one. John Doe Photography, Jane Doe Photography. Almost always in a sans serif and then script font (or sometimes vice versa- but always two different fonts). They they have blog or a template website: insertmynamehere.com
Now I’m happy people are discovering photography and giving themselves a chance to grow in something that they like but I often wonder if John or Jane ever thinks about anyone other than themselves? OR, is it a case of shoot as much as I can, hob-nob with photogs who are better than I am and get better because after all, “photography is my passion”.
Does anyone stop to think that its not about your “passion” for photography? How can releasing a shutter be your life? I mean think about it. Are you willing to tell brass faced lies, steal, speak ill of others with no basis, be filled with envious thoughts, undercut, block another photographer’s development, rant, rave and be profane, threaten the career and limb of others and hoard knowledge or worse yet, live the life of a photographic charlatan by feigning interest in others to benefit yourself. (What I like to call, deception of magnanimity) because I’ve seen all these things done by ACTUAL PHOTOGRAPHERS in the name of their “passion”.
So my question is, if your passion is causing you to be like this, then maybe your passion isn’t photography after all? Maybe your passion is just…YOU.
Fact is, not everyone who wants to be a photographer will actually end up paying the bills solely through photography. Not everyone who has a blog, a flickr account and passion will be here tomorrow. Very few will live their dream of a studio and a (fairly) stable lifestyle.
BUT
If you live outside of yourself and move past the hidden, unspoken reality of “its all about me” then maybe you can do this with some dignity and self respect even while watermarking your photos for facebook with your first and last name in a sans serif and script font followed by the word PHOTOGRAPHY.
So be encouraged enthusiasts, hobbyist, prosumers, amateurs and semi-professionals because you may yet be untainted and have a genuine opportunity to exercise real passion.
Juma
P.S. For all the pros with bills to pay and families to support. This means you too. Your career is a choice, your character is a choice.
@AyindeRl8 If I don’t get an assistant I may end up like this.
Interview with Kevin Khelawan of Teleios Systems. One of the best leaders in the tech industry in the Caribbean. I know I used to work there. I love his quote on what we value in the Caribbean.
Knew this song before the BB Playbook but had to post it because its a rough chune.
Irwin Tries to run on water after Sheldon and Wanda’s wedding in Antigua. (oldie but a goodie)
If #Caribbean #photographers want to be respected globally. 1. Respect Yourself 2. Foster true collaboration. 3. Endure.
There is no 1st, 2nd or 3rd world disaster.
