Last week Scott asked what it is I struggle with most as a photographer. Im going to answer this in two parts, because of what I am trying to accomplish as a photographer is very different than what I struggle with photography wise.
The hardest thing of what I do, meaning this blog, video/content production (DVDs/Lessons), the forums, and other projects that I am working on is that I really, REALLY, struggle to find enough time in the day to get everything done I need to. While I work for myself, sometimes this is not as luxurious as it sounds because most days, I wake up, put out any fires, (too long to explain) and then spend the rest of the day in a small room editing my latest video. I will take a short break in the evenings to go workout, grab a bite to eat, and then I am usually back in the editing room until 1- 3am. Part of my problem is that I set extremely high levels of standard for myself, and this means I will re-edit or re-shoot until I am satisfied. I cannot say how many times I will work several days on a video, edit it, watch it a few times and think: I can do this better, throw that first video out and redo it. The lesson on How A Pixel Get’s its Color is a good example. Its a short 5 minute video, but it took 3 versions and 7 days to make. I will say this though, once it is done, I feel deeply satisfied.
I also find it very challenging sometimes to find worthwhile things to post about on this blog every single day. Dont get me wrong, I love blogging. But every once in a while, I really dont have anything interesting to share, so it takes some time to research an idea for a post.
What I struggle with in terms of pure photography is simple: Finding new ways to grow and stay fresh. This takes a conscious effort to seek anything and everything I dont understand about photography and can be very challenging. Its easy to feel like you know a thing or two about something and stop growing. I noticed this on another photographers website once (considered one of the top 10 in the world), while they were very good, all of their images looked exactly the same, and it bored me.
Photographically, I want to diversify as much as possible, learn everything I can, then choose the best parts of what I learn and find an interesting way to combine them.
Variation is required for growth.
You are your very own Jeff Buckley. Jeff Buckley was very much like you are. Always striving to be better, to far surpass his own standards of perfection. I commend you for all the work you do and all that you are accomplishing not only for yourself but for your clients and students who admire your work.
Wonderful insights. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Your attention to detail, and high standards show, Michael. You always deliver more than expected. I know it might seem like a superficial example, but yesterday I was shooting against a light background, and for the first time noticed specks of dust. I remembered that you covered sensor cleaning in your 40D DVD, and it had the perfect information, at just the right time! I mention that because who would even PUT that information in a DVD about a specific camera? You even included all of the lessons from your photo school. In my opinion, you could charge $100 or more for this, and your other DVDs. But you go the extra mile because it means something to you to help others, and I think it just has to do with your own standards. Anyway, I agree that many photographers find their groove, and just do the same things over and over. I guess it pays the bills, but gawd, how boring it must be. Thanks again!
As most of the people who read your blog, understand how hard you work.
We all get to see the finished product (photos, blog,DVD’s…) and form opinions of it. Mostly all positive opinions too! 🙂
Now knowing how much time you have dedicated into just a five minute video really puts things into perspective. It makes me appreciate what you do and what you have created that much more!
Perfectionism….
Is it a gift, flaw or curse?
The videos are awesome and reflect your work ethic. Can’t wait to see whatever else you got cooking…