PDN just published a great little article on "PDN's 30 Alumni: On Lessons Learned" Give it a read.
One of the most common threads through the photographers who were in the article was that they keep shooting. Striving to make better images and shoot personal work keeps you fresh and helps you hone your vision. So many times photographers get so caught up in well... making a living(that's not a bad thing). Shooting only paid assignment work is what we all need to do, but if it's the only thing we are doing, our creative vision will suffer. Making time to shoot personal work is the key, and most of the time we have to make that time for our lazy selves.
I've always lived upon this theory. I love to shoot regardless of whether or not I'm getting paid. As long as it's pushing me to hone my creative vision, explore, or learn. We need to push ourselves to expand our capabilities and develop our style. Granted, I can always be shooting more.
Happy Shooting!
I've got to say, this is the first time I've ever been compelled to comment on someone's blog. But damn does this ring true. I'm still primarily in the assisting phase of my career, and it's outrageous how many assistants I've met and worked with who spend so much time running this freelance ratrace that they literally stop shooting all together! They just figure they'll fall into shooting professionaly by osmosis or something. . .
Posted by: K. Strecker | April 01, 2008 at 11:12 PM
Speaking of better images...I just found your blog/work recently and I'm blown away man. You've such a natural and your images are stunning dude, fantastic work! I'm trying to figure out a good way to achieve a similar look, so I'm wondering if you'd share some pointers about how you get such golden, yellow and "beachy" images? Is it the whitebalance? Anyways, killer stuff! I wanna see more :)
Posted by: Bartek | April 04, 2008 at 10:15 AM
happy shooting indeed! nice post
Posted by: jay | April 04, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Have you ever had a topic to write about that seems too big to tackle that you can’t even begin to write about it? Well, welcome to my world. I need to send educational supplies to Africa. I know! You have so many questions racing through your head right about now. Let’s just say – all of your questions will be answered in due time. For now, listen to my heart and my passion
Posted by: Timberland | January 12, 2012 at 09:40 PM