encouragement

All posts tagged encouragement

A Word of Encouragement for Photographers Who Find Themselves on Hard Times

Posted by scottbourne on February 11, 2011
Posted in: Opinion, Technique & Tutorials. Tagged: .

Copyright Scott Bourne 2008 - All Rights Reserved

EDITOR’s NOTE: Cross-posted at GoingPro2011.com

Is there a bear sitting between you and your boat? Be patient. Things change.

I spent a few hours with a friend last week who has fallen on hard times. He’s lost his job, his home and his girlfriend. Many of his old “friends” have abandoned him since he no longer can afford to take them out for fun. In short, he has every single reason in the world to be depressed. To my surprise, he was in a great mood during our chat. As we talked more and more, it became apparent to me why he felt that way.

He said he’d come to realize that his wealth wasn’t in fast friends or cars or homes but rather in all the people, places and things he’d photographed during his lifetime.

As photographers, we have a unique view of the world. We capture moments in time that non-photographers rarely notice. In these moments, we have treasures that are far more valuable than gold. When you think about it, we get a double blessing. We’re allowed to capture these moments. Whether they be special occasions like weddings or sporting events, wildlife in their natural habitat, or majestic settings like the Grand Canyon or the Colorado River below it, we get to be there. That alone gives us riches that many with money never find. In addition to just being there to record our own memories, we get to record them for posterity as well. This is a true gift.

We have our memories and nobody can take them from us. These tremendous experiences are our treasure, regardless of our financial condition. We get to share these memories with others. We get to preserve them for those who come after us. In effect we get to “will” these memories to the next generations.

If all your “wealth” is tied up in land, property and toys, yet you never get to know what we photographers know – i.e., the pure emotional high of being at a moment that we captured forever, then you aren’t as rich as you think you are. We have our memories of living these moments with the people, places and things we photograph. No matter what happens to us financially, those memories, and the pictures that preserve them – they are invaluable.

My friend taught me a valuable lesson. I hope it helps you too.

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Sponsored by CLIQ Photo Community

Share The Love

Posted by scottbourne on February 2, 2010
Posted in: Technique & Tutorials. Tagged: .

Copyright Scott Bourne 2010 - All Rights Reserved

I did something I’ve been meaning to do for a while yesterday. I contacted a photographer that I admire and told her I was proud of her. It was a small thing. A simple thing that took 60 seconds. But I think it was an important thing.

As a lifelong photographer, I’ve faced many challenges. Like some of the students I teach, I had parents who didn’t support the idea of me wanting to be a professional photographer. My “friends” all told me I should get a “real” job. Most people who knew me assumed it was a hobby or a “phase” I was going through.

More than 37 years later, I’m still stuck in that phase. And part of the reason is that just at the right time, here and there I received a tiny bit of encouragement from just the right person.

We live in a world that can get ugly very quickly. The Internet seems to make it easier than ever for people to hate. So I want to start a trend. Let’s love some folks up on the Internet. Take just one minute today to tell a photographer you know that you are proud of them. Let them know you appreciate their efforts, their dedication, their hours spent practicing, and their skill. Find someone with a camera in their hand and give them a word of encouragement. Blow someone away by simply “lovin’ em up.” (Thanks Grandma.)

YOU may be the one thing that keeps that photographer going. You may make a difference that will contribute to someone else’s story being told, important moment captured for posterity or memory protected. Amazing power lies in this simple act of appreciation.

I know some of you will think this is corny but try it. You’ll find it costs you absolutely nothing to be nice, but it’s an act that is priceless.

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This post sponsored by the Digital SLR Store