“So what do you do?”.
“I’m a photographer, well I’ve just started my photography business….(big smile)”. (Long pause). “Photography huh? (They’re nodding). “That’s a pretty competitive industry, maybe you should have something as a back up”.
I understand, completely, really I do. Usually I respond to their doubt in my decision, with kind reassurance and leave feeling scared and unsure.
I don’t really know what fate venturing into these waters will bring, but I know that if I spend a moment of time working on a plan B, I would have missed an opportunity to make my plan A happen. There is of course huge appeal in a path that is paved with far more certainty, a pension and benefits, I get it.
I decided to be a photographer because I thought about myself 35 years from now, and thought about what that person would want me to do now. I kept hearing her say, “take a chance, who cares”, I imagined that when you’re that stage in your life you’re braver…and sassier, well at least I hope I am.
I think J.K. Rowling said it best. “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all-in which case you fail by default.”
I do my best to put those doubting comments out of my mind and wake up every morning in the hopes of making my older self proud. I’m pretty sure that when I’m older, her opinion is all that will matter.
I was going to insert a photo I had taken here, but I had seen this picture on Instagram with the caption “Destined to be an old woman with no regrets”, and couldn’t resist.
Happy Monday!
Farida
Hey Farida!
I just checked out your website which lead me to your blog. Was going through your gallery and I LOVE pictures 49, 40 and 35. Just *something* about them, like the people in them have no clue you’re photographing them. Those ones are the best 😉 and of course the quality of your pics… just great!
this blog post in particular is so true, by the way. I feel exactly what you mean, as a freelance writer/blogger. I get the same comments from people. Writing, like photography, is hard to break into (so hence the back-up gig at the restaurant 😛 ) but jeez who cares, do what you love, stick to it for long enough and you’ll find a way to make a living from it. It’s your PASSION, not your JOB, that will bring you success! Worst case just marry a rich guy right? 😛 hahaha
anyway, in case you forgot the link to my blog it’s http://www.hotandefficient.com (sometimes its slow depending on your browser)
Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and view my work. Your support is much appreciated and I’m glad you were able to identify with my blog, you seem to really get the message that I was conveying.
I checked out your work, you provide really great information on health and fitness, I will continue to check it out. Good luck with your writing, and a future as an old woman with no regrets! 😉
Farida