I love photography. I have my whole life.
In high school I won photo contests. That was back in the days before digital when you had to either really plan your shots…or spend a ton of money developing film.
During my wedding planning I budgeted more for photos than any other area.
I still have my film cameras (2), my first digital camera from 19 years ago, and my most recent mirrorless camera.
I love photography. No. I shouldn’t make it a career.
Love, or passion, for a subject is not enough of a reason to jump in. Otherwise I should consider a career as a chocolate-taste-tester, travel writer, latte-art-critic. (By the way. I believe you could make a career out of all three of those if you really wanted to.)
So why not photography for me?
I’m a fair weather photographer. Not ‘weather’ in the sense of come rain, snow or hail…although you won’t find me shooting in that either.
I mean fair weather in the sense of when I feel like the conditions are favorable.
Maybe a better way to say it is, I haven’t gone deep.
I don’t use the manual setting on my camera. I don’t google how to improve my photos. I don’t enter small local photo contests to let someone else critique my stuff. Yes, my mom loves my photos….but if I want to improve I would need to look for outside sources a little less bias.
Does this mean that I could never be a ‘real’ photographer. Yes and no.
Yes, I could dedicate time, effort and energy. I can be pretty stubborn aka persistent when I want to. But…
No, I probably couldn’t. The fact that I can put my camera away for months without a thought of improving creeping into my head…it is a sign. I can choose to ignore it but it pretty clearly points to the fact that I lack the true, committed passion that creates both success and fulfills my purpose.
I do have a passion for horses. I do have a passion for business. And I do have a passion for helping people decide it they should have a career with horses, what steps to take, and how to grow their equine businesses.
If this subject interests you, check out this page. If not, still consider finding your passion…your purpose is tied to it.
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I believe that what ever you put your time and energy and heart to, you are going to make a career out of it.
I for example, love many things in life, but the one I love the most is being with horses and working them. And I choose that to be my career. But before that I had a different career, and I might have it because I love it too. I did websites, love programing them. Also I use to be a baker, I worked for three years at my sister’s bakery. I was her main baker and business manager. And before that, I study Digital Animation because I love drawing and creating new characters. And I study that so one day I could do this really cool video game about horses and sports that you can do with them. I guess one day I will do it!!!
My point here is that no matter what you choose, the time you choose it, if you put your energy, passion, heart, and time, you will make it your career.
For example being a mom. My mom choose staying home and raising us, and take care of the house. Now that my brothers and sisters and me we are old enough, and she doesn’t need to take care of us ( she still does!!) any more, so she started looking for a “new career”, and she found that cooking is some thing that she really likes.
Hope you guys like this!! Cheers and have a wonderful day!!1
Hello Stacy
As a photographer & photo restorer, I really enjoyed this post. I agree that passion alone is not enough to make a career of something. In this day and age, it takes passion, perception and preparation to be successful in our career choices. Perception is the “know-how”, “nuts and bolts” and the “what to expect” attitude that helps us decide if the career choice is right for us. Once we discern through our perception that it’s a good fit, we begin our preparation. By careful planning we equip ourselves for success. Finally, passion is what makes the difference when times get tough. With any career choice, there will be hard times. If we’re not passionate about what we do, we will likely want to give up when times are tough. Passion produces perseverance.
Thanks for posting. I’m glad I stopped by to browse your blog. It’s been fun!
God Bless
I like your three ‘p’ idea. I talk about the nuts and bolts all the time! What I really want to pursue is teaching the art…the higher up. Nuts and bolts are required but the beauty comes when you build on that foundation.
I’m curious…as a photographer and photo restorer…how did you end up on this blog? Curious minds would like to know:)
I agree. I used to live to write. I got published all over the globe. Then I got a job with deadlines and I had to perform. The gift was stripped of me and I haven’t written since. I have two unfinished books. I will go ish them, except I hate deadlines so much now, I don’t want to answer to anyone. And now I don’t have to. It ruined me. At least for now.
I hope with time you get those finished! It is interesting to do a self study on what recharges a person. I know I’ve been doing that myself.
This is exactly why I’m getting out of the guided trail business and sticking with where my heart is and that’s the horses.Originally my plan was to share all my rescues and learning experiences with the public to help educate how really nice horses get dumped without even a chance at life or a little TLC but it then took a turn and became something great as far as travlers wanting to ride horse’s but I lost my personal goal and took to much time away from my animals and passion to please people that just wanted a horse ride.It was great for the past 6 years and everyone thinks Im crazy but its not something I want to treat as a business yes I get to ride horses everyday but that also comes with alot of hard work and trying to please everyone who takes a trail ride.While I myself didnt feel pleased watching those who have seen to many westerns ride my horses my pride and joy my best friends… SO…..Off to new adventures….
To new adventures! And riding together sometime:)