This exact photograph was from the first batch of images I ever shot with my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel T2i. It was in June of 2010 and I remember getting a ticket on my parent’s front door that they would send out for delivery tomorrow. We literally missed the delivery by a few minutes. They need a signature to be able to leave it at the address.
I drove as fast as I could over to the distribution center to see if I could still pick it up. I even called them on the way there. Once I got there my package was literally being taken off the truck to stay locked in the warehouse for the night. I was able to grab it and head home.
It was one of the coolest feelings ever. I never owned my own camera before that exact one. Adrenaline and high hopes were pumping through my entire body that evening as I waited for my batteries to charge so I could go outside and shoot. It began to rain while my batteries were charging, but by the time they were ready to go, the rain had subsided. Even if it was still raining, I would have went out to shoot anyways.
I just wanted to go out and shoot.
I didn’t even have a tripod yet and since it was already dark outside I decided to have some fun and shoot long exposures by placing my camera on the ground. They turned out to be some of my favorite shots with that camera. Even to this day. I gave up a pursuit of music for a pursuit of photography and video production. I sold my expensive guitar amp to some guy in california on ebay just so I could buy this camera and start my journey into digital media.
Ever since then I have been restless in learning more about photography and video production. I never stopped learning and trying new things.
I don’t think there was a moment where I wasn’t afraid when trying something new. I’d rather learn from my mistakes and failures then have nothing to learn at all. I value personal experience above all other forms of education. I hope you do to. It honestly changes you. Everything I have done through photography and video production has landed me a full time job with full benefits and a retirement plan.
If I would have been to afraid to try the pursuit of a career in media I would still be that guy working in a freezer at a grocery store. If you’re that guy, like I was, I challenge you to pursue something great with your life. I think the greatest thing about pursuit is that it never happens how you plan it out in your head. It usually ends up even better in the end. It’s never easy, but it’s pretty awesome.
If you’re standing still, you should be scared. I bet you’re more scared than I am and that’s ok. You don’t have to change your life dramatically. Aim to be a better “you” first and then go from there.
Just don’t fear what lies ahead. Fear being exactly where you are and who you are in the future. Gain wisdom through experiences. Gain humility by helping others for the sake of helping others. Develop strong relationships with those that lift you up and help you become a better “you”.
You can live in fear, but just make sure you are trying to do something about it.
