Work hard for your luck

Is it just luck? Really?

A photographer I know, sells this amazing shot of a moose sticking her head up out of a lily field in a lake.  It is an incredible shot.  He was kayaking when she lifted her head and he snapped the photo.  Right place right time, is that all you need?

People are snapping photos with their cell phones every day now.  You give them a $1,000 phone and they can take spectacular pictures, but does that make them professional photographers?  No.

I remember talking to a professional artist photographer about digital cameras and how it was going to flood the market with amateur artists who think they can compete with the pros.  He was frustrated that he would have to compete with them.  I don’t think so.  Yes, if you take 1000 photos with a phone; you will have a few that friends and family are going to want to hang on your wall but being a pro is different.

The guy in the kayak is a pro.  He is always carrying his camera, it is the best tool he knows how to use and he is ever ready to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way.  It isn’t just the money he has spent, it’s the places he plans on going.  He thinks about the photo chances he will create and at this point it is second nature to do so.  I’m gonna say that, probably one out of every 10 he takes is going to be marketable.  He then goes through and picks the best out of 100's of those.  It isn’t just the equipment, it is the way he thinks and how he lives that is geared toward his craft. He isn’t lucky, he works for it.

At some point, if you are going to be a professional; you need to commit to your craft and live your life for it.  It is one of the things that divides the amateurs from the pros.  If you want to be taken seriously in your field you have to live like your serious about it.  It isn’t about the money you spend on your equipment, it is the time you spend on your craft.  You make your luck with your focus and investment of time.

When you see someone selling a photograph for several thousands of dollars, ask them what they went through to get the photos they are offering for sale.  You will be amazed at what they put into their craft.  The kayak guy, treks hours through waist deep snow to get to the perfect area for that lucky shot too.  When he gets lucky, he has earned it.