Are you a Photographer?

Last season at WPPI, I had the pleasure of watching friend Tony Corbell give a presentation at the Nikon booth. For those of you who don't know Tony, he is incredible with light and also amazing at explaining light in such a way that everyone understands exactly what he is trying to communicate. That in itself is a talent. 

But one thing he said to the group struck home... "Are you a photographer, or do you simply make a living taking pictures?" Then he stated "The photographers at this conference were probably up at 5am on their way to the desert or working the city streets in the am hours..." We were in Las Vegas of course. It was a valid point.

There isn't a lot of time in the days. If you are indeed a successful photographer, quite often you are caught up in what it takes to run your company. Things like accounting, client meetings, marketing, etc... lead to being busy. So busy in fact that you can't imagine going out at 5am or 1am with a camera and taking pictures for fun. But, I am going to go out on a limb here and say you have to if you want to grow artistically and enjoy your time as an artist. While client jobs are certainly where you need to shine creatively, they are also complimented by deadlines, carrying equipment, carrying backup equipment, etc... They count and often you don't have a second chance.

Personal work is stress free. It is freedom just to create. If you aren't doing it, your really missing out on what being a photographer is really all about. Even if you plan a huge personal production, it is still freedom. You have to find a way to make personal time, and find the energy within to get out into the world and create for the sake of creating. Take on one less assignment per week and dedicate those hours to the trill of photography. If you aren't busy, starting living your dream and take pictures! Become that photographer you want to be personally. This mindset is exactly what will allow you to evolve into the artist you want to be.

I've always been an explorer with the camera, but that statement made me aware that my camera once again should go everywhere with me. Today, if you see me in public, chances are I have a camera in hand. I don't go too many places without it. If I do, I always find myself in a situation where I regret not having it. I've also dedicated more time to personal projects, and planning ahead to things I want to create and capture. Images are everywhere, and I'm now taking the time to share the images I create in my personal time on the PhotoBlog section here as well as in Social Media, etc..

Thanks Tony for saying it so perfectly.

You can catch Tony's presentation and learn from him and other amazing friends and talents from around the world next at Skip's Summer School in Las Vegas August 8-11th at MGM Grand. We spoke there last year and it was a great experience for everyone who was present.