I imagine there is quite a bit of nervous tension in the air today as kids go back to school. I remember when I was in grade school, I would lay out my “first day of school” clothes and wake up early to do my hair. As I grew older all seemed to matter less and less, and nowadays I am lucky if I even do my hair if I am not going to a photoshoot. Somewhere in the midst of this traverse of time my priorities were diluted leaving me lethargic in the responsibility I have to looking “presentable.” Is this lackadaisical approach the inner peace needed to produce strong imagery or rather the excuse that answers such circular reasoning? The answer could cause more tumult than needed, so we can omit this question altogether.
With vacations ending, and people returning to jobs, I find those in my profession poised with cautious optimism of the industry’s return. My viewpoint somewhat mirrors this agenda, but my fiscal responsibility digresses from the word optimism, leaving me cautious in the meantime. What has changed though is my resolve to make other photographer’s lives easier. Those who may have been competition before are friends, as competition has dissolved, and left is one’s inherent need to matter. Such needs transcend pride, and reach from a person’s inner self, grabbing on to any branch offered. I have seen firsthand the despotism of our community, and I can only ask of those blessed enough to carry such clout. Let your pride down and embrace what comradery can exist in out industry. Too many times have I found photographers choked by pride to speak of incredibly busy schedules only to break down in seclusion from the truth that they haven’t worked in months, and for them I pray. For if there was ever a time to call another photographer and offer a cup of coffee, this is it. We all have the right to complain and stress for the hand that said economy has dealt. But at then end of the day, we are every bit as entitled to make this the time that we reached out to another…