From passion to apathy

Something I hear very often from new photographers is how they are passionate about photography. I love to hear them talk about their goals, dreams, and excitement. What is sad is that many in a couple of years go from passion to apathy. Many give up photography completely. I have mentored and taught a number of photographers who just put the camera on a shelf or sell all their equipment. I often wonder what happened. What caused them to lose their passion? Many had a dream of becoming professionals and making photography their job. I often wonder, was that what led to their loss of passion for photography. Did the drive to become an instant fortune discourage them and crush their dream?

The movies and television portrayals of photographers make it appear like a glamorous job. Always behind the camera at exotic locations or working with beautiful models shooting photographs and collecting big paydays. The real-life of a professional photographer is much different. I’m sure it is a wonderful job, but like all jobs, there is much work as well.

I’ve been involved in photography for 40 years. The passion cools from time to time but I never let it go away. Just like any relationship it sometimes requires a bit of work. While photography isn’t like a relationship with people it is a relationship. You give yourself to photography and photography gives to you. I do a bit of something every day that involves photography. I don’t necessarily take photographs every day. I may read about photography, I may study photographs, I may talk to others about photography, or even as little as think about photography.

Do something to keep your passion alive and well. Don’t let it go.