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.
While in Nairobi we took a visit to the local Giraffe center. It’s a fun little place where you can get up-close & personal with giraffes. It’s definitely the closest I’ve ever come. One licked my face (see the video at bottom) and another came within inches of successfully head-butting me into the street as I was photographing him. Evidently they prefer food to pictures. Fascinating creatures! Heading into to The Sudan tomorrow….
Amazing Giraffe Facts
Giraffe saliva really is antiseptic. They eat acacia trees, which are covered in thorns, so their faces get cut a lot, so they’ve evolved antiseptic saliva to deal with it a little. Also some of the trees they eat have a symbiotic relationship with ants where the tree produces sugar for the ants and when the giraffe tries to eat the leaves, the ants run into the giraffe’s mouth and nose and sting it. One of the reasons giraffes have such long tongues is to lick the ants out of their noses.
A new born giraffe measures about 6 feet.
A giraffe is one of the animals who is born with a horn.
Each giraffe has a unique coat pattern.
The tongue of an adult giraffe measures 27″.
Giraffes are vegetarians and live on the leaves of the baobab tree.
Every step a giraffe takes is 15 feet in length.
The giraffe is able to grasp objects such as leaves with the help of its tongue.
Giraffes sleep for no more than 5 to 30 minutes in 24 hours.
Luckily, giraffes have elastic blood vessels in their necks, this makes it possible for them to drink water from a stream, without fainting.
Neck wrestling matches are often held to show authority in their herds.
After the earthquake in Haiti I had the experience of working alongside photographer David Uttley. David & I had spoken over the phone before, but this was my 1st chance to meet him in person. You see David grew up in Haiti as a missionary, and after the earthquake he returned to freelance for Samaritan’s Purse. His fluency in Creole made him an invaluable resource during the emergency phase- as did his incredible photography skills- and this made for a compelling documentary video series produced by Samaritan’s Purse. I encourage everyone to watch….
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I want to notify my visitors about a new blog on humanitarian photography started by Heber Vega.Heber is a humanitarian aid worker, photographer (and now blogger) based in Northern Iraq. He kicked things off with an interesting series called 10.Q, which will consist of 10 interview questions posed to a different photog each week. It seems to have already galvanized a lively community of readers.
Here’s my 10.Q interview. Check it out and bring your comments/questions. And check out Heber, better yet, add him to your blog roll.
