The Masters

There are some great photographers out there who blog. David Hobby AKA "Strobist" has a world famous tutorial blog that will make any novice photographer an advanced amateur. Chase Jarvis is one of my favorite current commercial photographers and is on the cutting edge of the industry. But Joe McNally is one of the best storytellers in the business. He's been there and done that. He admittedly has been fired from every job he's had but is arguably one of the most successful photographers of his generation.

He has a lengthy blog post this morning. He starts with quip about the economy and being a creative type in a down market. He goes on to talk about some of the jobs he's been fired from and ends with quite a profound conclusion:

"It ain’t the way it used to be, but what is? There’s never been any guarantees, or forgiveness, or for the last 10 or more years, fairness, in this industry. But here’s the thing.

"...We make pictures. At the end of the day, we create something potentially significant that did not exist at the beginning of the day. We go forward, despite the uncertainty. Because this is an act of love and passion, which defies reason and prudence.

"And we make that occasional good frame, the one that sings, the one that lifts our hearts and the hearts of everyone who sees it. That well and truly is as good as it gets."

I know some people don"t share my love for photography, but I count my blessings everyday that I'm able to do my work through a lens. I cant imagine it any other way. It may come at the cost for my family of a more lucrative traditional career, but enjoying what you do with a wonderful family who supports you, is truly as good as it gets.