I’ve heard of Seth Godin for years and I’ve read his blog off and on. But I’ve recently begun reading his books- starting with Tribes, now Linchpin. Soon I will be buying every one of them.
My point here is that his work is changing me. It’s making a difference in how I see & how I think and it’s challenging me to want to be ME in the most remarkable way possible.
If you are a fan I think you would agree that it feels as though he is speaking right to you- like that feeling of “Where have you been all my life?” The concepts he articulates feel almost like my own- I just never had words for them before.
So I just want to give credit where credit is due and encourage my visitors to check him out. But also to give warning: if I start to sound a little like Seth on this blog it is because he is inspiring me. Thanks Seth.
The Aftermath Project is an organization committed to telling ” the other half of the story of conflict”. I love it. And they are offering grants to photographers who cover post-conflict situations. Go here to learn more.
I wrote this in response to someone on my facebook page recently and I think it bears repeating here…
FOLLOW YOUR PASSION AND THE WORLD WILL BENEFIT.
I believe this.
I believe our passions are god-given for the very purpose of bringing us joy AND making the world a better place. Not to mention we normally excel at the things we love. If not at first, eventually. Because we put our soul into it.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything to the “questions answered category.” But I recently responded to an email that I thought I would post here. Perhaps it will help someone else who is wondering similar stuff. Of course these aren’t new questions, but my perspective IS always developing….
I just wanted to ask you if you had any advice for a young photographer attempting to head down your path.
It’s really hard to give advice because everyone’s path is so different. But I’ll give it a try…The closest thing I can compare it to is being an entrepreneur. Because there are so few “jobs” out there in this line of work, each person has to create their own plan and model that works for them. (I think it’s fair to say that I got really lucky, although I don’t technically believe in “luck”.) With that said, the only way to really get started is to get out there & begin building a body of work. That could take many different forms- like volunteering as a photographer with an aid or missions agency or finding a paid position doing other relief & development jobs in order to pursue photography in your spare time. But in most cases you must have the work to show before anyone will pay you to do photography for them. You can also start locally with non-profits in your community/region.
Would you advise jumping in at the deep end?? or completing some study first??
From everything I have seen in the photo world a degree does not necessarily help. But it certainly can’t hurt- (unless you’d rather be living/shooting in Africa at the time). But generally speaking I think it’s your business skills that will carry you- in addition to your photo skills. If you want to teach or you want to be in management at an organization eventually, then a degree will be important- but as far as just getting started as a photographer I think your shooting experience and your portfolio is what it comes down to. In other words- just jump in.
On the other hand, I’m 33 now- I’ve been doing this for nearly 10 years and I’m considering going back to school for a masters in photo or video- just becasue I eventually I want to have a different lifestyle then I currently have- particularly for the sake of my children. I may want to teach in a university or find a job in photography management, and I think a higher degree will help me achieve that. Of course I will always continue shooting….
I commend anyone who wants to do this- it’s a good thing to devote your life to- just know that it won’t be easy- especially if raising a family is also a priority.
I’m spending 2 days this week learning about cinematic storytelling from the guys/gals at Stillmotion. They not only produce amazing work but are doing a fabulous job teaching this event. It’s a Canon sponsored event too so there’s an unlimited amount of gear to play with and learn about. Lots of fun! I’ll try to do a write up when it’s over. Here’s the caravan blog and here’s some of the promo videos about the event…..
My Lightroom catalog is getting huge. And as I was browsing some old files yesterday I found these pics from the island of Sumatra. I’d love to have a house like that. Wouldn’t you?
Some travel out-takes from an assignment to Cameroon in December of 2009. A beautiful country. All of Africa in one place. The music they played was intense- will try posting some video of that soon.
