Tonight, I'm sitting here pondering a question. It's a question that haunts my thoughts when I lie awake at night. It clouds my mind whenever I try to think about something else. Why am I a photographer? Why did I choose this over teaching, or the medical profession..or even a car salesman? Why have I decided this for myself? Well, I'll tell you.
Some photographers never get to know the people they're portraying in their photos. They may just see their clients as walking stacks of dollar bills. I think that's just, well, extremely unfortunate. I haven't set out on this endeavor just simply trying to grab as much cash as I can. What about the things that matter more? What about forming actual relationships with the people you share the moments with.
That's why I've set out on this journey. Not to become rich. We all knew that wasn't gonna happen when I decided to be an art major. (Which, trust me, I've gotten a lot of flack for) I've had people tell me I'm not going to make it. I've had people say I'm going to fail like most other business do-and within a year. But I say they're wrong. Who's to tell someone else they won't be successful? I digress... Being a photographer is about capturing moments in time. Frozen little memories that you can keep forever. Of course, forever is a term that is loosely interpreted. Eventually, pieces of paper are going to fade. Those cd's from your wedding are going to collect dust. But the time that you're here, gracing the Earth with your presence...to me, that is forever. Little frozen icecubes of moments that are going to float in your mind until your last day.
That is why I want to be a photographer. I could have been a chef; I love food. We all know it. Anyone who knows me well can tell you that I only watch the Food Network and Travel Channel. But it's not my passion. I don't live and breathe to make the perfect brie en croute. I don't value getting the glistening sheen of a rich chocolate sauce. Those are just some of life's simple pleasures I indulge in from time to time. I value making something that will make another human's heart happy. I want to capture their face as they look at the person they love most in this world. Those glances are something that we take for granted each day. If every single one was captured, you'd have endless photo albums bound and scattered through your home. Which, let's face it, is a liiiittle bit unpractical.
So I'm here. A new face in the photography world. I'm ignoring everyone who says I won't make it in a saturated market. I'm blocking out the thoughts of failure. If I end up changing my path in the future, well, that's okay. Life isn't one straight road to the end. It's a series of paths that twist, turn, and take you up mountains. But you'll always come to the bottom of that mountain. And there will always be a new pair of shoes to replace your worn out ones. (speaking metaphorically, of course) But one thing is for certain.. I never think life will bring you to a dead end in your journey. There will always be another path.
If worst comes to worst, you can channel your inner driver's ed teacher and do a 3-point turn until you get to your next destination.
(I know, I'm super sweet for including a guide for those of you who didn't take that class)
With love and best dishes, (I watched Paula Deen this afternoon..)
-N :)
