A Photographer's search for Reason

In many the ways that a man’s meaning isn’t derived from his worth, a photographer’s isn’t derived from his portfolio. The images one shoots may convey composition, or light, but absolute meaning exists only in their reason. Ad campaigns are great and there is often a lot of money to be made in them, but like all things, they must be balanced with other work.  My reference is not alluding to editorial or personal work, rather to work thats soul intent is to help the many, rather than the one (or the one’s book for that matter).

I’ll put this as a challenge to photographers, a competition if you will. Unlike many photo competitions where the winners can be picked just for their name or other politics that block the art, this one guarantees a win and a prize much greater than your name in a magazine. The rules are simple… You take pictures for someone that needs them rather than wants them. I don’t mind if you take photos for a family that can’t afford them, shoot a wedding for a military couple or photograph handicapped children to help a charity, you will all win.

After all, what is the point to walk this earth with a talent if it only gets used when enough money is on the table?  Doing so only guarantees that your art will only last as long as the shutter was open, and when you are gone, your importance is as well. So easy it is to get caught up in the now, that photographers seem to promote their success rather than their work. Screw it and the mockery it has made of the passion that exits in this medium.

In short, are you creating an image, or are you creating a legacy?

My assistant at the Miami airport (shot with the iPhone)