Inspiration Everywhere January 8, 2010
Posted by Patrick Onofre in personal.Tags: inspiration, musings, personal, project 365
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I’m sitting here in the doctor’s waiting room, waiting for Caroline to come out and tell me that I accurately diagnosed her ailment (I told you two days ago that it was bronchitis, Caroline! I win, yet again!), and in the meantime, I can’t help but notice the spread of magazines before me. I look at the Bon Appetit, Fitness Magazine, People, In Style, etc, and look at the covers. I think to myself, “Self, in what’s heralded as such a competitive industry like photography, SOMEBODY took those pictures! And on top of that, more people took the other pictures that are in these magazines!” It made me realize that, despite living in the digital age where any John Doe can pick up a camera and snap pictures, only those with a will and passion to succeed… will. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but looking at the progression my photos have taken as I’ve learned more in just a mere year is astounding, and I’m more than convinced I can shoot photos better than 95% of the people out there! It’s time to show the world just that very idea!
But the photography business is more than just snapping a pretty picture – more importantly, you have to be able to market yourself successfully to get those clients. Maybe the “above average” photos I see more frequently than the fine art ones are the result of excellent marketing ability by the photographer. So, can I be upset with what I’m seeing? In such a competitive field, they rose to the top! If I’m going to take away anything from just these few minutes in the doctor’s office, it’s that I want to showcase that not only do I have the ability to market myself, but that I also take a bunch of damn good pictures!
Hopefully, when I get that self-doubt again, I’ll think back to this moment. I may not photograph Natalie Portman for the cover of Marie Claire anytime soon (Natalie Portman is my girl, BTW – Caroline understands), but I’ve got the motivation to make it happen soon enough, and today I found it just by sitting in a waiting room!
My question to you: Where do you get your motivation from?
Project 365: My project365 today comes from a quick walk around Dupont Circle, where my restaurant is located. Once again, I wanted to play with my Lens Baby, so I took it out on the town before work. I love this time of year because I like it when the trees expose their bare branches that twist and turn and make amazing shapes and figures. The Lens Baby made something I see every day just that much cooler!
Until next time,
- Patrick
I remember talking to you about something along these lines when we talked art at work, many moons ago. In my first year of design class at CIA, which was actually my 3rd year (after the 2 years of foundation classes), the room was set up like an office. 3 distinct sets of cubicles, 1each for the 3rd, 4th and 5th year students. As we all settled down in our very uncomfortable metal-backed chairs, the newbies (3rd year students) stared at our work space. Empty easel, bare walls, very white and lonely. As we looked around to the 4th and 5th year cubicles, we had an opportunity to see what we were going to be doing over the next year or so. Intimidating? You bet. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars worth of supplies, designs scattered over their walls. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any scarier, the 3 professors walk through the doors and stand in the middle of the space. This is how it was broken down for us. “4th and 5th year students, you have your assignments already, you can get started. New students, this is the Graphic Design department. Between the 3 years of students, around 100 of you, in 5 years, 2% will be making 6 figures, and maybe another 5% will be making a good living. The other 90 or so % will probably not have jobs, or will be doing some free lance stuff to make money. You will learn this is a cut throat business. Only the best make it, and if you don’t think you’re the best, don’t waste our time or your money.” This is why I’m working as a waiter now. Not that I didn’t honestly believe I was or could be the best, I didn’t want to take the chance. The fact that you’re taking that chance is awesome, and in the couple of years I had to know you, there’s no doubt in my mind you have what it takes.
Wow, man! Thanks so much for the kind and inspiring words! I’m hoping to do the best that I can, but I’m thankful to have the love and support of awesome friends like you!
Cheers,
- P
[...] inspiration, photography trackback One of the first posts I wrote was about finding inspiration in the waiting room of a doctor’s office, and I mentioned that inspiration is everywhere if you simply look for it. However, it can be a [...]