A stormy afternoon.
Light rain fell down and this turned into a downpour which lasted about an hour; maybe two. The stormy weather rounded off the work week. Between writing I am watching Sicario. Instead of trying to focus on what’s new at the moment I often revisit some older favorites.
I’ve been thinking a lot about photography and writing.
Mostly how I can turn this into additional income. I’ve had a few internal struggles about this. Can a hobby turned job still be fulfilling? Can I handle the jump from the one to the other? Will I still enjoy photography on the days where I’m not taking photos for a client?
These are some of the questions going around my mind.
I concluded that if I am still asking questions perhaps it might not be a bad idea to at least try and see where it will lead me. Am I thinking quit 9-to-5 and hit the streets running?
No. I’m probably going to post a few cautious adverts online and see what sticks. Hand out a few business card here and there. I’ve recently connected with a business which can facilitate payments so selling photos aren’t off the table completely.
But why?
I thought about this a bit and one things keeps sticking out in my mind.
Photography makes me feel alive. Happy. Grounded in reality. Present in the moment. Feel free to use your own synonym.
Not in the sense that bungee jumping or skydiving would make you feel. It’s not a rush of adrenaline. It’s a strong desire to keep doing something I enjoy. I enjoy the moments behind the camera. What comes after is what I enjoy more: seeing the results, thinking about what I captured. It gets my brain working and thinking about the next time, the next photo. This makes me feel and think about possibilities.
Perhaps life isn’t as difficult as I imagine it to be. It might not be as overwhelming. Would I enjoy making money from the photos I take or being a photographer, even part time? Definitely. Shit, who wouldn’t enjoy their hobby making them money.
Yet the more I think about it – one thing keeps appearing to me as a beacon. Yes, money from photography will help. But at this point in my life I’m looking for some type of purpose. Go to work. Go back home. Sit in front of a computer browsing YouTube. I don’t want this type of routine.
I want to something with purpose. With passion. Something to consume me. I want to do something which matters to me.
Even if there is no financial reward involved.
Thanks for reading : )