When the Line Between Work and Life is Blurred
It’s a good thing
When I was in fifth grade I wrote an essay about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I aspired to be a photographer — for National Geographic, specifically. Even then I knew it was a lofty goal, so I added “but I will probably end up taking pictures of babies and brides.”
And so it was.
Now I won’t bore you with the details of saving up my allowance to buy my first camera, or the hundreds of weddings I’ve shot over the years. But suffice to say, I am still a working photographer, at almost 60 years old.
But the thing is, it’s not just work. And it’s all work. Even when I’m not shooting a paying gig, I’m taking pictures of something.
It’s my vocation and my avocation.
I plan my life around taking pictures, and I fund my life by taking pictures. When I pick a vacation destination, it’s all about where I can get the best photos. And then I get on the computer and pick out the very best shots, and try to sell them.
I am not going to just lie on the beach when I take a trip — I am schlepping my camera gear and exploring every interesting bit of that location, with the intention of getting some killer photos.
