Photography as a Passion

Point Reyes Contemplation, by Reed A. George

Nikon D70, Sigma 600mm f8 Lens

iso 400, f8, 1/640 sec.

 

I took the shot above ten years ago. I remember the thrill of getting my first DSLR, the Nikon D70. Quite a machine it was. I also remember the feeling of hiking at Point Reyes, California on that day.

 

Eric Kim has posted 35 Magnum photographers' advice to aspiring photographers. I haven't read them all yet.

 

(Click Here) to read the full post on Eric Kim's blog.

 

Here's the one that will be my thought for the day, by Alex Webb:

 

"Photograph because you love doing it, because you absolutely have to do it, because the chief reward is going to be the process of doing it. Other rewards — recognition, financial remuneration — come to so few and are so fleeting. And even if you are somewhat successful, there will almost inevitably be stretches of time when you will be ignored, have little income, or — often — both. Certainly there are many other easier ways to make a living in this society. Take photography on as a passion, not a career."

I do feel that I "absolutely have to do it." I find that part of the quote very interesting. Taken out of context, that could mean that photography is your career, thus you have to do it. I think the follow-on is important: "...the chief reward is going to be the process of doing it." Certainly true for me. The process is the thing for me.

 

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