The Road to Fulfillment
I’ve heard it said: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” I was born on a Tuesday. It was a very good day for me because I had been living under very strict quarantine for 9 months in my mother’s womb and frankly, I could not wait to get out and join the world, and make something of myself.
The day I found out why I was born was much more somber. A good friend suddenly stopped breathing at the young age of 50. He left behind a grieving widow, a bunch of kids and a notebook full of dreams and plans for the future that he didn’t live to achieve.
My life was full with my career and raising kids of my own, but my plans for a fulfilled life were also untouched. Sure, my career afforded me a very good income, money I spent on a home, nice cars, nice clothes and fancy vacations, but we all know; it’s very often not the material things in life that bring us the most meaning and I knew deep in my heart, I wasn’t happy.
When a close buddy suddenly passes away, it forces you to take stock in your life and what you do with the time you’re given. We all know life is too short. The time was now for me to make the rest of my life the best of my life. I’ve always had cameras in my life–my first at age 5 was a Brownie Hawkeye that my Grandma gave me. Bless her heart for paying to develop those countless rolls of film while I “created” art. Rocks, trees, rivers, ponds and the family dog were my specialty.
As time passed I continued to hobby with my camera. My photo stints included shooting for the high school newspaper and yearbook. My family happened, my career happened and my photography, while still a major part of my life, was only just a hobby–until the day I got the call about my friend. I always loved taking great photos, but honestly, my “great” photos were few and far between. I needed to study and learn the craft and art of photography. I devoured books, magazines, newsletters and any material I could get my hands on to learn how to use my camera once I took it off “Auto”. And then, I went out to shoot. I photographed anything and everything. I’ve never felt more alive. If it would let me point my camera at it, I would shoot it. I shared my photography with anyone who would give me the time of day and one day, someone offered to pay me to shoot. I earned $100. My client was thrilled and I was hooked, but you can’t feed your family and pay the bills with $100.00. I needed to be a photographer.
To be a successful full-time photographer, you have to understand the art, the camera gear, the post processing photo software, and all of the other things that allow a business person to be successful–marketing, accounting, bookkeeping and so much more. For five years, I ran my regular business and a side photo business while I honed my craft, built contacts and organized my business. And then the day finally came. I put my key in the lock of my old business for the last time. It was scary, but I kept going and have never looked back.
I am now a full-time photographer and have never felt more fulfilled in my life. I’ve also never worked harder, but as they say, “choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”