Charting My Own Course

Before I was a photographer I worked for a long time as a software/system architect. Out of the many years I did that job I enjoyed almost all of them. It wasn’t until I really discovered photography and let myself dream about what was possible for me that I figured out just how bored I was.

I liked being a software architect for a long time. But I can’t tell you I ever liked it as much as I like being a photographer. I like the collaboration and the fact when the camera comes on I have control. I like that I can take something that looks ho hum to the naked eye and transform it into something amazing in a frozen millisecond of time. I even like the creative slumps, mostly because I like it when my back is proverbially to the wall and I have to dig deeper to get out of that corner.

Even with all of that it took me the longest time to tell people out loud that I’d become a professional photographer. It just felt like a weird thing to say out loud, especially in the DC area where every third person you meet is in high tech. I felt people would either look at me like I have occasionally looked at young adults who tell me “I’m majoring in Archeology with a minor in Art History.” You know the look I mean. That one where you imagine them wearing a paper hat and asking if you’d like an apple pie with your to go order while they wait for their shift to end so they can head back to their parents basement.

Because let’s face it who really makes a living as a photographer right?

I discovered a curious thing when I was finally able to say “I’m a photographer.” without even a sliver of shame. Actually a number of curious things. I gained a whole new channel of promotion by talking about, and when requested, showing my work. People connected me to other people who needed work and thought of me when they themselves needed work. It also really cemented my resolve. Once I fully let go it was all hands on deck for this career, all oars in the water to make this work. Still clutching at the past was holding me back from being most effective in my future endeavors. And it was probably holding me back from taking the artistic chances I needed to take as well.

I think the most important thing I found was a bit of freedom. I think being committed to your dream and unashamed of it gives you a lighter spirit and it shows in your bearing and in your work. That little bit of freedom seems to have imbued my life with this tremendous source of passion. Not just my work mind you but my family life, my friendships, everything. So now I can just tell people “I’m a professional photographer, what do you do?” I still occasionally discern by their facial expression that they are imagining me pushing a shopping cart with a broken wheel containing all my worldly possessions (most of which are would also be broken) but I’m OK with that because I'm living my dream.

I’m OK with it because that spark has caught a flame and it shows. It shows in my behavior. It shows in my work.

So my simple suggestion to you is find something you are passionate about and get involved with it. I don’t mean quit your job and become a basket weaver or anything. I’m just a professional photographer, I have not gone completely around the bend and purchased an electric VW van and started wearing clothes made of hemp. I mean bring passion back into your life in as many ways as you can. You’ll be amazed at the changes it makes in you.

Dare to live your dream.