More than just camera stuff

So far, this blog has been the photo story of my son, Jaden, who is now 18 months old and has such a passion for living, learning, and loving (or being loved). And for the last 18 months, my dedication to (semi-)professional wedding and portrait photography has been a roller coaster with plenty of ups and downs and a number of twists and turns.

As a photographer, I read the gear reviews, lurk photography forums, stalk photographer blogs, and buy lots of camera junk that eventually disappears in a box in the closet. There are SO many wedding photographers now and every one of them trying to teach a workshop, sell some actions, or some light modifier. Why are they trying to sell all these things? Because there is so much you have to learn and do to be a successful wedding business.

I just got back from WPPI a couple days ago, and my mind has been racing with ideas and todos and it has been so inspirational to see where people have come from and what they have been doing. But as I get back to day-to-day living, I slowly start to feel overwhelmed by what it takes to become someone in this market. I have God. I have a wife. I have a son. I have a family. I have church ministries. I have a full time job. I have a part time job. I have other part time jobs. And then I have my photography and the workflow and the business. I often don’t know where to put my priorities. I get lost in this sea of stuff and I don’t know where I belong.

Last night I saw this video by Zack Arias on Scott Kelby’s blog. Zack is a photographer I admire, not just for his exceptional portrait photography and One Light workshops, but because he is so honest about everything. This video really nails it.