I am a Photographer…
October 22, 2009That’s it. That’s me. I am a Photographer. I capitalize it, because it’s a title. And I say it because I believe it.
I am reading a blog post, by way of the exceptional Zack Arias on FB, by Cheryl Jacobs. Okay, well - I have not finished reading it yet, but that is because I got stopped in my tracks. I got stopped at the part where she wrote:
“Learn to say “I’m a photographer” out loud with a straight face. If you can’t say it and believe it, you can’t expect anyone else to, either.”
I’m a photographer. Many of you know me as such, and not by my day job. I have all the “stuff” that is a photographer. I have studio lights, flashes, big and small. I have stands and booms, and softboxes and dishes. I have cameras as well - two of them to be exact. I have all the gear - and even the “duct tape” that the professionals use (Called gaffers tape). I am legit……ummm…right?
A few months ago, my family and I were having a mini vacation in the Collingwood area of Ontario. While the kids slept in the hotel room bed, I started this exact same blog post. However, I never finished it. I guess deep down - I was not convinced. I knew I wanted to be a photographer, but I was not ready to call myself one…regardless of how many “paid” gigs I was getting. I guess I thought I was faking the funk.
So then today - I read this blog post here. There is tonnes of advice in this article, that could almost make me cry. It is hitting home. I am done worrying about finding a style, or about what gear I DON’T have (Except for this). I am only going to worry about taking my pictures, and hopefully people love them. What does that mean? For me - personal projects. Lots of shooting. New ideas. Investments into new concepts. Meeting people. Finding people. Shooting people. I am not a guy with a camera. I am a photographer. Anyone want their picture taken? 
However, the biggest thing of this entry is simple. Be what you want to be. Convince yourself of that, and make it happen.
Maybe I always was…..but today, I am a photographer.
Brianna Phelan: Awesome post. The article was powerful, huh. I really found myself moved by it and sat up a little bit straighter in my chair afterward. Glad you wrote this today :)
William "Proud Dad" Belnap: Glad you finally woke up and smelled the flash powder. You are a Photographer and an Artist. I so enjoy your pictures and comments from your fans. I am proud of you and Krista for the niche you are creating and filling in this area of your lives. Good Luck on this new beginning.
Diana Antony: Adam, your blog really touched me, and I just wanted you to know that not only are your pictures beautiful and always catch my breath, its your passion that is truly inspiring. You're a fantastic photographer and it was amazing seeing you in action. If only we all had the courage to seek out and be what we want to be.