Ready, Set, Click

[Photogs get younger and younger...]

As I delve deeper into photography, I am growing more aware of the overall shape and state of the industry.

On one hand, I am in awe of the work that is being produced by top-notch photographers. As I grow more aware of the subtle differences that separate the best from the pretty good, I see the huge mountain in front of me that I need to climb even just to get to good.

On the other hand, I see countless numbers of clueless people with cameras and websites out there moonlighting as photographers. I feel really bad for the clients who are booking these people, even if they are looking for budget photography. (Might as well get the kid I shot in the photo above to take pictures- at least he's framing his subjects by the rule of thirds.) The hoards of bad/mediocre photographers out there make me wonder if my old-fashioned roll-up-your-sleeves approach is applicable in today's market. Am I just being an idealist?

I don't know what it is about photography that makes people think they can jump right in or believe they don't need to pay their dues. Owning a DSLR? Hypothetically, even if you had the same clubs as Tiger Woods, you sure as heck are not going to get out there and golf like Tiger out of the gate. Sorry Nike, it's also not the shoes.

At the end of the day, the only person I should worry about is me, myself, and I. So I still want to do this the right way. Yet, the right way requires lots of patience. Some days, I wish I could just get out there, set up shop, and just start doing my thing. I get antsy when I haven't shot anything in a few days as well. I know it's not 100% right, but my mentality has always been if I am not moving forward, I am moving backwards- even if I am standing still. Being still is something I have had problems with in the past. Being still gives me too much time to think...

While photography has a technical component, at its core, photography is art. Art doesn't happen overnight. Art doesn't even happen in weeks or months. Art takes dedication, sacrifice, emotion, passion, and at least a smidgen of talent. I need to keep that in mind as I continue to learn and hone my skills. I am not competing with anyone else. I am just trying to be the best that I can be, maximizing my own unknown potential.

I hope to never forget where I came from. When I first asked to join the studio, I remember agreeing to even carry bags and equipment. I hope that hunger never gets satisfied. Pride is a detriment to progress. An ample amount of hunger a day, keeps pride away.