Identity and Shooting for the Right Reasons

Welcome back. I mulled over what to discuss next as we go forward in this curious little journey. On occasion, in my own experience, the journey feels like that crammed station wagon on the way to Florida for summer vacation. Feeling the desire to get to the destination is overwhelming. Become artistically aware, however, I have learned to pay attention to what you encounter on the way. Writing about the creative process has made me aware of my apparent philosophical side. I am fighting the urge to sit in the park in clothing made of hemp and play a flute I carved from a piece of bamboo. Yes, that was sarcasm. If you feel philosophical and/or artistic, go with it. There is absolutely no need to “dress the part” for any reason. I’ve encountered too many people who continuously announce, “I’m a writer, painter, musician, or photographer.” Let people find out what you are by experiencing your work. Above all, being an ego-maniacal and pretentious ass bag does generate artistic talent or merit. Be approachable and be gracious. Doing so will make people remember you as the artist as much your actual art.

If you shoot for profit or as your primary source of income, that’s perfectly fine. Just remember to set time aside to shoot for yourself. Creative photography should not be a “job” that pays the bills or buys snappy new clothing. It should be something that is done on your own terms and at your own pace. I do have respect for those who are full-time photographers. If you have great marketing skills or a solid client base, you should be able to separate the work from the art. People who hire you for your services tend to fancy themselves as directional professionals, given that their artistic exposure was a paint-by-numbers set they got when they were six years old. This why it’s so important to shoot for yourself when you can.