I watched the movie the “The Soloist” today. It is the first time that I have enjoyed a movie as much as reading the book. I read the book this past May and it has been five months of being disconnected with the story. The pairing of the movie with the book is a complimentary experience.
The obvious connection between the book and the movie would be hearing the music and the imagery to enhance the text. There was more; life…real life not played by actors in the movie. The homeless extras were all homeless…life; not art, but real.
I like giving money to the homeless on the street, probably for all the wrong reasons. I have that split notion that goes through my head every time I give a homeless person a dollar. Is it for drugs or food? I give it not matter what and then think to myself that I would rather give and be wrong than not to give at all. Then I think about how gigantic my ego is and that Jesus is smiling down upon me or condemning me to hell for this non-altruistic act that feels so altruistic to me.
Either way go with Jesus’ decision.
9.16.2009
9.15.2009
90 days ~ Natural Method Conditioning
Part 4 of a 12 part series every Tuesday
Not much of an update. Last week sick, this week still sick. Feel good today for the fist time in two weeks. I had a good meeting about the future of my art photography, that felt natural. Till next week
Not much of an update. Last week sick, this week still sick. Feel good today for the fist time in two weeks. I had a good meeting about the future of my art photography, that felt natural. Till next week
9.14.2009
Deliberately Less
~Less driving, more walking
~Less consuming, more creating
~Less carbon, more air, water and soil
At 7:45am I was dropped off at the train for the first time. In Pittsburgh we call the train the “T” for short, not sure why. It’s a hybrid train-subway; sometimes it runs above ground and sometimes below.
I realized what a life of privilege I have when I am excited to ride the “T”. The ride was faster than driving. It takes me about one hour to drive from my home to Pittsburgh during rush hour traffic. The “T” got me in town and standing in front of the building I needed to be at in twenty-five minutes.
Mass transit, I am committed to you. I wonder if Al Gore will take my phone call now? I drive a Prius and take the “T” whenever possible; I have to be the poster boy for something.
One of my favorite observations on the “T” was the mass amount of people texting. Alone in a crowd connected to the outside world via an Internet connection.
~Less consuming, more creating
~Less carbon, more air, water and soil
At 7:45am I was dropped off at the train for the first time. In Pittsburgh we call the train the “T” for short, not sure why. It’s a hybrid train-subway; sometimes it runs above ground and sometimes below.
I realized what a life of privilege I have when I am excited to ride the “T”. The ride was faster than driving. It takes me about one hour to drive from my home to Pittsburgh during rush hour traffic. The “T” got me in town and standing in front of the building I needed to be at in twenty-five minutes.
Mass transit, I am committed to you. I wonder if Al Gore will take my phone call now? I drive a Prius and take the “T” whenever possible; I have to be the poster boy for something.
One of my favorite observations on the “T” was the mass amount of people texting. Alone in a crowd connected to the outside world via an Internet connection.
9.11.2009
9.10.2009
About Last Night
This is what I heard:
I was terrified the first time because I did not know what to expect. Second time I was terrified because I knew what to expect.
I need to create a new solution, a human solution. Desirability; why is this so hard to find?
The desire is to be healthy. Why is it technically and organizationally not feasible? Why can it not be financially viable?
Citizen to citizen healthcare; I pay my taxes for the people, I want my taxes to be spent on the people.
Develop your mindset, please…
I was terrified the first time because I did not know what to expect. Second time I was terrified because I knew what to expect.
I need to create a new solution, a human solution. Desirability; why is this so hard to find?
The desire is to be healthy. Why is it technically and organizationally not feasible? Why can it not be financially viable?
Citizen to citizen healthcare; I pay my taxes for the people, I want my taxes to be spent on the people.
Develop your mindset, please…
9.09.2009
Insanely Useful Photography Tips
Question - what's the best way to create a quick buzz in your city about your photography biz??
Answer - Volunteer to photograph charity events ~ and it’s a good way to improve you skills
Answer - Volunteer to photograph charity events ~ and it’s a good way to improve you skills
Photo of the Week ~ Ambient Art
Camera: Nikon D200Exposure: 0.3
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
9.08.2009
90 Days ~ Natural Movement Conditioning ~ Week 3
Part 3 of a 12 part series every Tuesday
Day 16, not too much of an update today. I have been sick with the flu for the better part of last week.
Yoga, meditation and proper diet have remained strong throughout the week. No strength workout or time spent in the woods. Today will be my first day of natural movement workout.
Reading through my journal notes I keep referring to the simplicity of diet and a life that I am enjoying. At times I think I would fit in perfectly well in a Northern European community. Walking to the post office, bank or to the corner store seems the best way to keep natural movement part of daily life as opposed to putting time aside to inject natural conditioning living.
Till next week….
Be strong to be useful ~ George Hebert
Eat food, mostly plants ~ Michael Pollan
Yoga, meditation and proper diet have remained strong throughout the week. No strength workout or time spent in the woods. Today will be my first day of natural movement workout.
Reading through my journal notes I keep referring to the simplicity of diet and a life that I am enjoying. At times I think I would fit in perfectly well in a Northern European community. Walking to the post office, bank or to the corner store seems the best way to keep natural movement part of daily life as opposed to putting time aside to inject natural conditioning living.
Till next week….
9.07.2009
How To Night Photography
Do you want to learn “How To Night Photography”? I’ll teach you for free.
This upcoming Thursday night I will be photographing Pittsburgh at night as part of my ongoing series ~ See here
Where: West End Overlook in PGH (See map HERE)
When: Thursday night, September 10th
What: Bring camera & tripod. If you have neither, that’s ok you can borrow mine (I will bring an extra tripod and camera to share with the group if needed.)
Why: Looking to build PGH photo community. Plus night photography is cool.
Time: We will meet up at dusk (approx. 7:30) and will shoot for one hour.
This upcoming Thursday night I will be photographing Pittsburgh at night as part of my ongoing series ~ See here
Where: West End Overlook in PGH (See map HERE)
When: Thursday night, September 10th
What: Bring camera & tripod. If you have neither, that’s ok you can borrow mine (I will bring an extra tripod and camera to share with the group if needed.)
Why: Looking to build PGH photo community. Plus night photography is cool.
Time: We will meet up at dusk (approx. 7:30) and will shoot for one hour.
PS. YES, it is the first Steelers game of the year and yes the city will be a glow. We should all be home by kick off…
9.04.2009
Photo of the Week
Camera: Nikon D200
Exposure: 25
Aperture: f/22.0
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash
9.03.2009
Moment
Current Reading: Shadows in the Sun by Wade Davis
Current Music: Jazz in the Garden by Stanley Clarke
Mood: Good but foggy on coming flu/cold
Sounds: Too much racket
Smells: Have a cold no smells
Temperature: 78 degrees
Thoughts: Ancient wisdom matters
Current Music: Jazz in the Garden by Stanley Clarke
Mood: Good but foggy on coming flu/cold
Sounds: Too much racket
Smells: Have a cold no smells
Temperature: 78 degrees
Thoughts: Ancient wisdom matters
9.02.2009
WORKSHOP NOW: BOOKING
After completing the research for the “HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTO 101” workshop I had the epiphany that understanding your camera is confusing. This is why:
Anything small is large, and anything large is small
Everything has two names, which mean the same thing
Everything has a dual purpose
Photograph the light first, subject second
What the...Photography jargon is confusing, repetitious and mostly not needed. I have no idea why the photography language has evolved into what it is.
Beyond the confusion lies simplicity ~ this is what you will learn in the workshop.
Using your camera in manual mode is easy, creative, fun and will open a new view of how you see the world.
What you will learn:-Understanding exposure-How to use your camera in manual mode-How to take a photo “correctly” in camera-Natural light techniques-Understanding your lens
Location: Historic North Side of Pittsburgh at Annie O’Neill Studios
Date: September 17, 2009Address: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212Time: 6pm – 9pmCost: $55.00
Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.
Anything small is large, and anything large is small
Everything has two names, which mean the same thing
Everything has a dual purpose
Photograph the light first, subject second
What the...Photography jargon is confusing, repetitious and mostly not needed. I have no idea why the photography language has evolved into what it is.
Beyond the confusion lies simplicity ~ this is what you will learn in the workshop.
Using your camera in manual mode is easy, creative, fun and will open a new view of how you see the world.
What you will learn:-Understanding exposure-How to use your camera in manual mode-How to take a photo “correctly” in camera-Natural light techniques-Understanding your lens
Location: Historic North Side of Pittsburgh at Annie O’Neill Studios
Date: September 17, 2009Address: 502 W. North Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212Time: 6pm – 9pmCost: $55.00
Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.
9.01.2009
90 Days ~ Natural Movement Conditioning ~ Week II
Part 2 of a 12 part series every TuesdayBe strong to be useful ~ George Hebert
Eat food, mostly plants ~ Michael Pollan
Today is day 9 of my 90days. Last year my 90 days were an internal struggle. I had to fight body, mind and sprit. This 1st week has been a fluid journey of how I want to live.
Morning workouts consisted of yoga, resistance bands and meditation. Followed up with a breakfast of egg whites, veggies and way too much coffee to get my morning started.
Throughout the morning and afternoon I will eat small meals: example, 10am: small handful of raw nuts. Noon: mixed fruits and sometimes I will have a baked oatmeal and applesauce bar that “E” makes…good stuff.
Around 2pm is my main workout for the day. It is outside and includes pull-ups, push-ups and a vigorous hour hike in the woods. While in the woods I am looking to Mother Nature to be my gym. I will look for fallen trees to climb or walk on as a balance beam. Climb rocks; jump over small streams and in general do whatever my inner cave man wants to do. This workout is fun.
Next I have my main meal of the day, around 3:30, that will consist of veggies, whole grains and lots of water. At night I drink a shake that is made up of 2 egg whites, 1 banana, 1 apple and half cup of almond milk. Then hopefully eight hours of sleep, wake-up and repeat.
More to come next week…
8.31.2009
8.28.2009
6,000 yr Old Solutions; 40 yrs to Learn
I have lived with two chronic problems for the better part of my life: back pain and sinus infections. These are not major ailments in the chronic pain world but daily suffering is only meant for the Buddha among us. I’m no Buddha. I will stand in line all day at the placebo store for relief, and have, often.
I’m sure I have spent my daughter’s future collage tuition three times over in the past few decades buying useless quick-relief products. I have taken more pills than I could ever count, shot disgusting sprays up my nose, preventive vaccinations that have never worked, homeopathic stuff like ear candles, herbs, teas, oils, vitamins, extracts, gave up on dairy products (that was a good move), CT scans, X-rays and finally painful surgery.
For my back I have gone the distance for a cure. Chiropractors, acupuncture, smelly creams, more pain pills, stronger pain pills, taken vitamins, seen specialists, X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, bought a new bed, hung upside down, begged my wife for another massage, laid on planks of wood, had prayer “hands laid” on me, and stretched over a big giant red rubber ball, all to no avail.
Around ten years ago I got into yoga, meditation and proper diet. My new trinity of wellness; that was good (I highly recommend all three) but none of them were a solution.
My solution was simpler.
Water (click here) & Walking (click here)
Man is ever-evolving toward extinction. I believe this more and more to be true.
A sinus flush. F’ing water was my solution. Never in all those years did a doctor tell me to flush my sinuses clean. It is akin to a dentist never telling you about a toothbrush. It works, trust me.
Barefoot walking, my inner cave man must be hating me. If you rebuild your feet muscles you rebuild all your muscles. In turn walking and standing correctly, no back pain. Yes it was that simple. Good posture matters.
Past all the confusion lies simplicity,
~ Directly under your nose and in-between your toes ~
I’m sure I have spent my daughter’s future collage tuition three times over in the past few decades buying useless quick-relief products. I have taken more pills than I could ever count, shot disgusting sprays up my nose, preventive vaccinations that have never worked, homeopathic stuff like ear candles, herbs, teas, oils, vitamins, extracts, gave up on dairy products (that was a good move), CT scans, X-rays and finally painful surgery.
For my back I have gone the distance for a cure. Chiropractors, acupuncture, smelly creams, more pain pills, stronger pain pills, taken vitamins, seen specialists, X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, bought a new bed, hung upside down, begged my wife for another massage, laid on planks of wood, had prayer “hands laid” on me, and stretched over a big giant red rubber ball, all to no avail.
Around ten years ago I got into yoga, meditation and proper diet. My new trinity of wellness; that was good (I highly recommend all three) but none of them were a solution.
My solution was simpler.
Water (click here) & Walking (click here)
Man is ever-evolving toward extinction. I believe this more and more to be true.
A sinus flush. F’ing water was my solution. Never in all those years did a doctor tell me to flush my sinuses clean. It is akin to a dentist never telling you about a toothbrush. It works, trust me.
Barefoot walking, my inner cave man must be hating me. If you rebuild your feet muscles you rebuild all your muscles. In turn walking and standing correctly, no back pain. Yes it was that simple. Good posture matters.
Past all the confusion lies simplicity,
~ Directly under your nose and in-between your toes ~
8.27.2009
Moment
Current Reading: The Element: by Ken Robinson
Current Music: Across A Wire by Counting Crows
Mood: Vibrant & Awake
Sounds: Printer
Smells: Coffee
Temperature: 82 degrees overcast
Thoughts: Two chronic problems of mine have been resolved with six thousand year old solutions.
Current Music: Across A Wire by Counting Crows
Mood: Vibrant & Awake
Sounds: Printer
Smells: Coffee
Temperature: 82 degrees overcast
Thoughts: Two chronic problems of mine have been resolved with six thousand year old solutions.
8.26.2009
Last night
Drinks and conversation with a friend we talk about:
~ How man is evolving into extinction.
~ Citizen to citizen responsibility towards healthcare reform.
~ Life, art, kids and education.
~ New cars and barefoot running.
~ Why right-wingers hate big government but love big corporation.
~ Guinness & Harp (Half/Half) are good….
~ How man is evolving into extinction.
~ Citizen to citizen responsibility towards healthcare reform.
~ Life, art, kids and education.
~ New cars and barefoot running.
~ Why right-wingers hate big government but love big corporation.
~ Guinness & Harp (Half/Half) are good….
Workshop ~ NOW BOOKING
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Now Booking (Click HERE)
HOW TO EVERYTHING: PHOTOGRAPHY (The Basics -101)
Contact Elizabeth Craig at 724.355.9079 or by email at craigphotography@mac.com for more information and to register.
See all past Insanely Useful Photography tips (HERE)
8.25.2009
90 Days ~Year II ~ Natural Method Conditioning
Part 1 of a 12 part series every Tuesday
Last year I completed a peak conditioning project modeled off of Patrick Reynolds blog/idea. I am proud to say that I have stuck with the “new me” for the past year, not gaining any of the weight back.
Last year:
Starting weight 171lbs ~ Ending weight 162
This year I am looking to go deeper in my development. I will be calling the next 90 days my…
Natural Method Conditioning
Based on two core principles:
Be strong to be useful ~ George Hebert
Eat food, mostly plants ~ Michael Pollan
My goals (Body Mind & Sprit) what I hope to improve:
Body
Lose remainder of belly fat
Workout outside as much as possible
Develop whole range of movement
Functional fitness
Starting weight 161lbs ~ ending weight to-be-determined
Mind
Increase writing flow
Increase photography visualizing skills
Improved cognitive skills
Practice lifestyle economics
Sprit
Develop deeper meditation practice
Reconnect with my true natural self
Stay with me on the journey (I need your to help keep me motivated and honest). If you choose to do your own 90days let me know.
Be sure to check out Elizabeth’s blog, she is also doing her own 90days.
If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter
8.24.2009
8.18.2009
8.17.2009
How I got my PhD in the “How-To-Business” of Photography
***New series every Monday for the next 5 weeks*** Part 5 of 5
read part 1, 2, 3 & 4 (HERE)
Love and a mortgage is a good motivator to get your act together. Love and a mortgage and a soon to be wife who also has a budding career in photography is a great foundation to build your life upon.
Insanely useful photography tip #7: Passion, effort and love for what you do will take you far.
As I write this it has been 5 years that Elizabeth, my wife, and I have been in business running our own successful photography company. People always ask us the “how” of HOW TO EVERYTHING: Photography. What’s to follow is the last two decades of life experiences that Elizabeth and I have had. We built our business on a culture of sharing, good composition and great service.
Insanely useful photography tip #8: Prove that you are committed, you can’t fake this don’t even try.
Insanely useful photography tip #9: Be you. That’s it, be transparent.
Insanely useful photography tip #10: You can’t win by mimicking someone else.
My PhD in the “how-to-business” of photography is an alternative thinking program. I make the assumptions that you have passion and effort and that you have a respect for learning how to use your tools correctly. There are many different reason why some make it on their own and some do not. Most do not – not because of a lack of effort or purpose but because of a lack of personal guidance from a genuine mentor and someone to talk openly with.
Am I a small-biz coach, strategist or innovator? Nope. I am a working artist who understands how and where art meets commerce.
If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.
read part 1, 2, 3 & 4 (HERE)
Love and a mortgage is a good motivator to get your act together. Love and a mortgage and a soon to be wife who also has a budding career in photography is a great foundation to build your life upon.
Insanely useful photography tip #7: Passion, effort and love for what you do will take you far.
As I write this it has been 5 years that Elizabeth, my wife, and I have been in business running our own successful photography company. People always ask us the “how” of HOW TO EVERYTHING: Photography. What’s to follow is the last two decades of life experiences that Elizabeth and I have had. We built our business on a culture of sharing, good composition and great service.
Insanely useful photography tip #8: Prove that you are committed, you can’t fake this don’t even try.
Insanely useful photography tip #9: Be you. That’s it, be transparent.
Insanely useful photography tip #10: You can’t win by mimicking someone else.
My PhD in the “how-to-business” of photography is an alternative thinking program. I make the assumptions that you have passion and effort and that you have a respect for learning how to use your tools correctly. There are many different reason why some make it on their own and some do not. Most do not – not because of a lack of effort or purpose but because of a lack of personal guidance from a genuine mentor and someone to talk openly with.
Am I a small-biz coach, strategist or innovator? Nope. I am a working artist who understands how and where art meets commerce.
If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.
8.14.2009
Pittsburgh Wedding Photography
This is the photo I have been waiting over ten years to take.
This is the “it” moment for me in photography.
I needed the right couple, the right landscape, and the right time of day; all were supplied. This is the “yes of the blessing” when everything is perfect. The photographic outcome is better than if I staged it myself.
The photo is simple, purposeful and with rhythm. This photo is how I want to work and represents who I want to be.
I am happy. This photo makes me smile. I hope you enjoy it.
This is the “it” moment for me in photography.
I needed the right couple, the right landscape, and the right time of day; all were supplied. This is the “yes of the blessing” when everything is perfect. The photographic outcome is better than if I staged it myself.
The photo is simple, purposeful and with rhythm. This photo is how I want to work and represents who I want to be.
I am happy. This photo makes me smile. I hope you enjoy it.
8.13.2009
Moment
Current Reading: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Current Music: Palmystery by Victor Wooten
Mood: Tired & Drained
Sounds: Ringing phone
Smells: Coffee
Temperature: 68 degrees
Thoughts: Be strong to be useful
Current Music: Palmystery by Victor Wooten
Mood: Tired & Drained
Sounds: Ringing phone
Smells: Coffee
Temperature: 68 degrees
Thoughts: Be strong to be useful
8.12.2009
Photo of the Week
Camera: Nikon D200Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
8.10.2009
Rant ~
To the Healthcare Protesters ~ shame, shame, shame on you…
What if healthcare was more like car insurance; 3 strikes and your out?
Let me use Rush Limp-ba as the chubby punching bag example:
Rush is fat: So Rush goes to the doctor to get heart medicine. The doctor tells him to take a pill a day, eat better and exercise.
Six months later the fatter Rush goes back to the doctor. The doctor tells him that he needs a stronger medicine (strike one).
A year passes and the Fat-R needs minor bypass surgery because he’s so overweight and doesn’t exercise. (strike two).
Recovering from surgery Fat-R discovers that he has a big appetite for prescription pain pills. He ends up in rich-man rehab, six weeks off from work while smoking cigars (strike three).
Let’s stop the abuse of healthcare with people who already have healthcare insurance. That would be the bulk of the protesters.
If a person does not care about improving their health why insure it?
If I get into three car accidents my insurance company will drop me faster that Fat-R can eat his way through a box of donuts.
I will pay more taxes ~ I want people to live ~ I care about universal health for our citizens.
If one person tells me that “sometimes people must die for capitalism to run true” I will punch you.
What if healthcare was more like car insurance; 3 strikes and your out?
Let me use Rush Limp-ba as the chubby punching bag example:
Rush is fat: So Rush goes to the doctor to get heart medicine. The doctor tells him to take a pill a day, eat better and exercise.
Six months later the fatter Rush goes back to the doctor. The doctor tells him that he needs a stronger medicine (strike one).
A year passes and the Fat-R needs minor bypass surgery because he’s so overweight and doesn’t exercise. (strike two).
Recovering from surgery Fat-R discovers that he has a big appetite for prescription pain pills. He ends up in rich-man rehab, six weeks off from work while smoking cigars (strike three).
Let’s stop the abuse of healthcare with people who already have healthcare insurance. That would be the bulk of the protesters.
If a person does not care about improving their health why insure it?
If I get into three car accidents my insurance company will drop me faster that Fat-R can eat his way through a box of donuts.
I will pay more taxes ~ I want people to live ~ I care about universal health for our citizens.
If one person tells me that “sometimes people must die for capitalism to run true” I will punch you.
How I got my PhD in the “How-To-Business” of Photography
***New series every Monday for the next 5 weeks*** Part 4 of 5
read part 1, 2 & 3 (HERE)
(without getting into debt or going to school and how you can do it to)
In September of 2000 I started a new life.
The transient life never sat well with me and I no longer wanting to travel or work crazy long hours. I wanted to see the people in my life, walk my dog and sit on “my own” sofa for a change.
I was good at photography but I was burned out. Writing at the time did not turn out well for me. Guitar? Hmm. That was a thought. I had been playing nonstop since my childhood. I had the college band and was good. Pro-good? Not sure…but let’s find out.
Music it is. I wanted to earn my living from playing guitar. I will gladly keep taking photos on the side to pad the bank account and keep my skills sharp. Six strings and mysteries lied ahead of me.
Problem number one; I had no music career or any hope of one anytime soon. What to do? I would get a 9 to 5 job sitting in a cubical (a paycheck is a paycheck and it’s nice to earn money when you’re selling out) to pay the bills. Hmm…not that funny when you’re saying that to yourself. The 9 to 5 was not all that bad; all the free coffee I could drink, high speed internet to plot out my future and weekends off. My new trifecta.
I stumbled into a music partner, she sang I played. I got a part time job playing music for a church on Saturdays and Sundays playing in their worship band. I loved it. It kept my musical skills sharp and gave me the opportunity to play. I even paid taxes from my income earned from playing music. Nothing makes you feel more like a professional than paying taxes.
Soon we were playing coffee shops, church basements and the bookstore circuit. It wasn’t quite like national touring but there were baked goods. Then 9/11 happened. The world stopped and they asked the musicians to play. In times of war send the musicians in first, when they can do some good. One year after 9/11 I am playing 100 shows a years for the next 3 years. People wanted to be uplifted from the dust and music is cleansing for the soul.
Monday through Friday I worked 9 to 5, Friday night through Sunday night was all music. I played everywhere, from street fairs to festivals to small theaters to large stages. I played for the homeless, the prisoner in jail, I played for the sick and dieing, I played for all.
Insanely useful photography tip #5: You have to earn your audience….repeatedly if you want to work.
Throughout this time I was playing music that was mostly originally written. So night after night we had to introduce and re-introduce our music to the audiences. No radio play, no media attention, no big paychecks. We earned our money from self-produced CDs sales and the “sometimes-but-not-too-often” performance fee.
The 9 to 5 was necessary, the guitar brought in some income (some months good some other not so good), photography jobs came in here and there from friends and family. All in all I was earning a good living doing things that I loved. My day job was my closeted secret. People would ask me what I do for a living and I would say I am a guitarist and photographer. They were impressed. I felt like a fraud because I needed the day job for consistent income.
Insanely useful photography tip #6: Do your best work every time, there are no small jobs.
Life was busy and hectic again...then I fell in love.
To be continued…
If you like this article please be sure to pass it on…friend me on Facebook, connect with me on Twitter and info on private consultations can be found here on Photographer's Corner.
Part 5 of 5 next Monday…
read part 1, 2 & 3 (HERE)
(without getting into debt or going to school and how you can do it to)
In September of 2000 I started a new life.
The transient life never sat well with me and I no longer wanting to travel or work crazy long hours. I wanted to see the people in my life, walk my dog and sit on “my own” sofa for a change.
I was good at photography but I was burned out. Writing at the time did not turn out well for me. Guitar? Hmm. That was a thought. I had been playing nonstop since my childhood. I had the college band and was good. Pro-good? Not sure…but let’s find out.
Music it is. I wanted to earn my living from playing guitar. I will gladly keep taking photos on the side to pad the bank account and keep my skills sharp. Six strings and mysteries lied ahead of me.
Problem number one; I had no music career or any hope of one anytime soon. What to do? I would get a 9 to 5 job sitting in a cubical (a paycheck is a paycheck and it’s nice to earn money when you’re selling out) to pay the bills. Hmm…not that funny when you’re saying that to yourself. The 9 to 5 was not all that bad; all the free coffee I could drink, high speed internet to plot out my future and weekends off. My new trifecta.
I stumbled into a music partner, she sang I played. I got a part time job playing music for a church on Saturdays and Sundays playing in their worship band. I loved it. It kept my musical skills sharp and gave me the opportunity to play. I even paid taxes from my income earned from playing music. Nothing makes you feel more like a professional than paying taxes.
Soon we were playing coffee shops, church basements and the bookstore circuit. It wasn’t quite like national touring but there were baked goods. Then 9/11 happened. The world stopped and they asked the musicians to play. In times of war send the musicians in first, when they can do some good. One year after 9/11 I am playing 100 shows a years for the next 3 years. People wanted to be uplifted from the dust and music is cleansing for the soul.
Monday through Friday I worked 9 to 5, Friday night through Sunday night was all music. I played everywhere, from street fairs to festivals to small theaters to large stages. I played for the homeless, the prisoner in jail, I played for the sick and dieing, I played for all.
Insanely useful photography tip #5: You have to earn your audience….repeatedly if you want to work.
Throughout this time I was playing music that was mostly originally written. So night after night we had to introduce and re-introduce our music to the audiences. No radio play, no media attention, no big paychecks. We earned our money from self-produced CDs sales and the “sometimes-but-not-too-often” performance fee.
The 9 to 5 was necessary, the guitar brought in some income (some months good some other not so good), photography jobs came in here and there from friends and family. All in all I was earning a good living doing things that I loved. My day job was my closeted secret. People would ask me what I do for a living and I would say I am a guitarist and photographer. They were impressed. I felt like a fraud because I needed the day job for consistent income.
Insanely useful photography tip #6: Do your best work every time, there are no small jobs.
Life was busy and hectic again...then I fell in love.
To be continued…
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Part 5 of 5 next Monday…
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