Comments on: When it’s not glamorous

By: Ben

Ben — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 03:48:38 +0000

Hey dude, you know I’m just a snap-shooter and not the pro insight you may be looking for, but what keeps me going photographically through the crap times is getting out by myself with my camera at evening/night, having a drink or two, and then going and shooting the urban gritty details that make life here less sterile than life in the west; and then trying out shots with angles and light and movement that I just wouldn’t otherwise shoot. Sometimes I end up with nothing, but sometimes I end up with some portraits of life and some images that just capture the essence of the city better than I normally would. Then I come home tired and go to sleep.

By: lane davis

lane davis — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:34:26 +0000

haha… yes you nailed it. single guy over here. ha.

I’m not sure if i’m understanding your question exactly. I agree, family really helps you get through the hard times as a person. but photographically… as a photographer… maybe it’s not so different

I know for me… I’m three months into a nine month trek going from project to project all for one organization. This is a pretty new to me to do a trip like this. And it’s come with it’s challenges as well as it’s exciting times. Now, fortunately, the hard times have been more aligned with work and how to capture stories well, nothing along the lines of a personal loss (although there is always that fear that phone call will come when you’re stuck on the other side of the world).

The last few weeks have proven hard from a creative/photographic standpoint. Seeing and visiting many projects that are all real similar in scope but in different places, different people, different stories. each story deserves to be told and told well. But how many ways can you take photos of people in the bush of Africa who have been taught how to grow gardens or received micro-loans?

You see as a photographer as a visual artist or a visual storyteller, we have to search and dig deep to find the right way to convey a story just like a writer searches for the right words. It can be hard to find the right way to capture something. it take discipline and drive. and traveling alone, sometime it becomes even harder.

I’ve become more convinced over the last few days and being able to communicate and talk with friends (skype) and brainstorm that there is a connection between community and creativity.

I had hit a creative road block, the road had begun to wear me down. I had hit a hard spot and didn’t know how to carry on and improve my work. But even just talking with friends for several hours i found myself refreshed.

I think there are things and places that give us inspiration, challenge us, push us on and it is important to know what those things are for each of us.

So, this is different than the original blogpost… but i feel goes along with “as a photographer” part. there are many types of hard times and road blocks that come are way. but at the end of the day maybe family and friends are really a key factor in every area… not just in personal hard times.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:34:38 +0000

I feel your despair, remembering how much I loved my grandfather and having to deal with my own loss. You chose to make a difference, and I’m sure he was (is) proud of you and what you’ve sacrficed for the good you’re doing.

By: bhirschy

bhirschy — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 02:00:51 +0000

Hey guys thanks for the kind words. Some great thoughts here.

@Barry – Loved your comments on calculated risks vs. uncalculated. I think that because I never really planned to be in this kind of photography, though I love it dearly now, I was assessing risks in a different manner, but at the same time, was able to see some that others might not have.

@Lane – dude, 9 months straight – those are the words of a single man? Am I right? Good luck on your travels

@Heber – dude, having kids – I know THAT is going ot change things for the better, but makes it hard to figure out how I do my job!

Again, thanks for all your comments on this, it’s always interesting to see the different perspectives on this subject as well as how people go about COUNTING the risks

I do want to ask you guys, what actually DOES get you through the hard times as a photographer? I know for alot of us its our family, and it should be – but PHOTOGRAPHICALLY, what makes it keep going

By: Barry Sherbeck

Barry Sherbeck — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:38:45 +0000

Thanks for these words. There are calculated risks in any creative endeavor, and there are other sacrifices too — not all of them are “calculated” or even known up front. Most can’t be changed or undone. The challenge is determining today, this week, this month: what risks and sacrifices should I make, and for what gains?

I feel your pain, and also the pull that draws you to do what you do. Take time to reflect, grieve, remember, and move forward when you’re ready.