Life is a delicate balance of chaos and serenity. A never ending cycle of ups and downs, and what defines our legacy is how we make out of it. The cards we are dealt may not always be in our favor, but despite all circumstance, we should and must play with whatever is dealt to us. Wanting more gear and improving equipment is normal to any aspiring photographer.
Irregardless of how long you’re doing the craft, you would always want to buy the best cameras and accessories to help you in your chosen profession. However, being a photographer isn’t as easy as 1 2 and 3. The money we earn is channeled to different expenses. Maintenance of our tools for work, food, day to day expenses, household bills, medicines, and what not are the things that we ( freelancers, business owners or 8 - 5 employees) will always have to be responsible of. Discipline is a necessary trait for you to carry on for a long number of years, a trait that should be part of your core to be successful as a photographer.
Although success can be defined in so many ways, by many different people in all walks of life. Long term success is somewhat anonymous to discipline. One can be successful in photography by earning good money. But if you’re not disciplined, you’ll be spending it on unnecessary things (wants), and the next thing you’ll know is that you’ll be scraping the bottom of the barrel and will need to start from scratch. Well some of you may say that its not starting from zero, because you’ve gained equipment and experience, that is the passionate defensive side you speaking. Pursuing photography first and foremost is a business, and in business you do it to earn and hopefully not break even.
From a business standpoint, success is measured through numbers. One can say that there are spiritual victories, measured through likes and such. But we can’t really pay our bills through likes and spiritual victories can we? 2019 was a sleeper year for me, the year started so slow and is becoming another eye opening chapter to my career.
For the last 8 years, all I’ve ever considered was the achievements, the titles, and the rewards. What once was a whisper and advice from mentors are slowly creeping into my realizations. Look to the future, but never take for granted what you have in your present. The past may have taught us different skills, paved the way for what could be, and molded us today. But always take into account the future. Save for your retirement, prepare for your children, and build a legacy.
I thank you all to who have read my columns this year, and I am looking forward to a different 2020. Most of you have seen me grow, change and learned from all the articles that I’ve written. You all have seen my vision and the photos that I have created. The world is both cruel and kind, the ying and the yang. I may not see myself as successful yet, but I am grateful for all the blessings that I’ve received. And to all the young photographers who wants to pursue this craft, learn to move forward with what you have. Earn it. Start with the basics and never forget why you started. Keep moving forward.
