I usually don’t get too emotional on the blog, but I recently had a conversation with a friend that kind of turned into one of those ah-ha moments.
Said friend told me “Anyone can be a photographer, they just need an expensive camera and photoshop.” At first I was appalled at what he had said and quite frankly very upset. I had just spent DAYS traveling and learning how to provide better photos and a better experience for my clients. I cannot even begin to tally the hours I have spent and intend to continue spending learning and growing as an artist-not even going to mention the financial part, just the time. I pour my heart and soul into my photographs.
Then I stopped and thought logically for a second. He was right. Anyone CAN be a photographer. But you know what they can’t be? ME
No one else can be me. My clients choose me for a reason. Each person sees the world differently. You could let 10 photographers loose with the same equipment, the same subjects and come out with 10 completely different images. My eye is constantly scanning for beautiful light, relationships between people, little details, the things you will NEVER want to forget. I want you to remember the moment you first saw your groom on our wedding day, how tiny your baby was at 5 days old and how much fun you had being the center of attention for your senior portraits.
I don’t know about you, but my photos are my most prized possessions. Sure, I have lots of gadgets, love clothing and pretty things for my home, but if I was stripped of everything I owned losing my photos is the only thing that would devastate me. I am sure many of you would agree.
I want to be there to capture these memories for you-through my point of view. You might not realize how beautiful the simplest moment in your life really is. This is why I am a photographer, why I do what I do.
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Yes indeed sweetie, you had a TRUE Awha moment. You have a gift. As long as you keep your vision for why you do what you do & continue to learn, grow & mature, what you love doing will become family treasures to pass down to generations to come… (o:
Well said. It is true..anyone can pick up the camera but the work you put in to it is what separates the mice and men. Your work is beautiful and your talent shows.
I agree with you. Photography, the really good kind, has less to do with expensive gear and editing programs and more to do with your own unique vision of the world. I’ve seen people with expensive gear take crap pictures and people with a $5 disposable camera blow my mind. Recently a friend of mine saw some of my photography and said “Oh, I need to get a camera like yours.” It kinda hurt to know that someone can think it’s all in the camera and not realize all the time, energy, and effort I’ve put into learning this craft.
Your work is amazing and your vision comes through loud and clear in your photography. You are 100% correct no one else can ever be you.
Nicely stated. However, Not Anyone can be a photographer. Only those that can Walk the Walk.
haha! That reminds me of what I hear a lot.. “Your pictures are AWESOME… what camera do you use!?” haha… ohhh *sigh* You are so totally right! People hire us based on our perspective of how we see things… and no one photographer is the same… It is JUST AS MUCH YOU… the person behind the camera… as it is anything else… So preach on sister!