The Passion Behind My Life as a Photographer
It's not just being a photographer, it's a lifestyle.
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NOTE:
I am adding an audio version to this post that is a bit longer than the written one below. Let me know if you like this format. I have it scheduled for the next dozen or so posts, so I am hoping it is well received.
The Passion Behind My Life as a Photographer
Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut? Like your job’s just a series of monotonous tasks?
I get it. But for me, life as a photographer is anything but boring.
I thrive on creativity. From building competition-class model cars as a kid to playing drums in a rock band that toured the Caribbean, I've always craved creative expression. I’ve conducted my original compositions for orchestras and jazz quartets, played at iconic venues like the Playboy Clubs, and led a jazz quartet. Yet, it's the act of making images that holds some of my greatest memories.
Photography is powerful and exhilarating. It captures a moment in time, forever. It’s ego-driven yet selfless. It’s a way to share my unique perspective of the world. Imagine capturing a laugh, a glance, a fleeting moment that will never be seen again. I do that.
Most people see the world around them, but photographers take it further. We show others what we see. We capture the essence of a place or moment and present it uniquely. "Hey, I know you’ve seen the Grand Canyon a dozen times, but look what I saw."
I once read, “Anyone with some knowledge of Photoshop can take any old, crappy picture and make it great.” Seriously? That’s like saying, "Anyone with some knowledge of ProTools can record a hit song without practice." "Anyone with some knowledge of Word can type a bestseller." "Anyone with a wok can cook gourmet food." Real artists – musicians, writers, chefs – practice relentlessly.
So do photographers.
I use cameras, lenses, lights, and other tools to make images. But the tools are just that – tools. Any camera can capture a photograph I love.
The intentional act of making photographs is what matters.
Malcolm Gladwell says it takes 10,000 hours to achieve expertise. But it's not just about the hours. It’s about focused practice. It’s about striving for excellence every single day.
Focused practice means constantly asking, "Am I getting better?"
Identifying areas for improvement.
Trying new things to push the boundaries.
Being great at something isn’t easy.
It takes impressive effort, perseverance, and talent.
There are two types of photographers. The Technical Photographer loves the gear and the process. Strives for technically perfect images. Often excels in commercial photography. The Artistic Photographer seeks unique, emotionally engaging images. Wants to connect with the audience. Excels in editorial, portrait, and fine art photography. Most of us switch between these roles, depending on the job.
Great photographers are always learning:
Studying photos.
Taking and giving workshops.
Practicing new techniques.
Striving for excellence.
At the heart of it all is passion. For the medium. For the captured moment. For connecting with people. For the craft.
Photography as a profession has its challenges.
Competition. Changing technology. Market demands.
But those with passion and commitment won’t be easily stopped by these obstacles.
It's about making images that resonate, whether technically perfect or emotionally engaging.
I make images because I love it.
I practice because I strive for excellence. I capture moments because they matter.
Do you have a passionate desire to make images?
Can you embrace the process, the challenge, and keep striving for better?
That’s what it takes to be a great photographer.
And trust me, it’s worth it. I love what I do.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
When you are ready, here is how I can help you succeed.
Group Mentorship: a small group of photographers who meet to show images, work on their portfolio, and build their businesses with help from a wonderful group. Lifetime membership for one fee.
One-on-one Mentorship: You and me - working together in an intense 6-month push to get you on the way to over $30K in additional revenue. The work we lay down will help you increase and scale your business for years ahead.
And the brand new P52 one-year masterclass.
In the mid-2000s, I started teaching photography online: first through Flickr, and then through a variety of websites called Project 52. I would create 52 real-world assignments, give them out with professional briefs, and give them the kinds of instructions real clients would throw our way as commercial photographers.
The students would spend a week on the assignments, create the image, and meet back a week later for a LIVE group review. I had it down to a science by 2015, and the classes were full of amazingly talented, hard-working photographers. We established a Private Facebook Group and that has become a valuable arena for ideas, strategies, and peer-to-peer help in commercial photography. I am thrilled to be a part of this no-troll, highly engaged group.
I put Project 52 on hiatus last year, taking 14 months to work out what I wanted to do next, and have totally redesigned this reboot of Project 52.
Commercial photography is going through a lot of changes, and I want those changes to be reflected in the kinds of assignments and projects the students work on. I have saved a few of the previous assignments, but nearly 30 assignments are brand new, with new parameters, client needs, and more. Project 52 Pro is designed for 2025 and beyond.
(Available in three equal payments. Just let me know.)