In 2002, I received a degree for Photojournalism, from the University of Texas. (Hook 'em!) I loved taking photos! In the end, I wasn't too keen on being a newspaper photojournalist, but I still loved toting a camera around.
However, I just haven't really been indulging my camera craving as of late. Earlier this summer, I blogged about having an Energy Bank, and how I have just enough energy to allot to my daily tasks, hobbies and relationships.
Like many people who fall under the category of "Middle America," I work 9am-6pm, at a desk, 5 days a week. My job is the 2nd biggest relationships I have, after my marriage. While it comes with great perks and coworkers, it also drains me. And due to the time commitment, I have focused more on my paycheck than my passions.
When the most recent issue of National Geographic arrived last week, I started taking my time, page-by-page, devouring the photos and stories. And something caught my eye.....Your Shot. There were three pages devoted to fantastic images captured by hobbyist. Whaaa????
So I look up Your Shot online and see this FANTASTIC photo community that catalogues their favorite original photographs with the hope of being featured or published. National Geographic photo editors regularly issue Assignments...an open call to photographers to complete a photo assignment including direction, parameters and deadlines, which will be original content based on their point of view, location and interpretation of the assignment.
Well, HELLO, passion! We are back on track. It's like being back in a photo-class of my peers without the tuition, required chemistry hours and bad 90's hair.
I feel alive with the desire to create again! I am not a professional photographer nor do I necessarily wish to define myself as one. But I'm an artist, who loves to take a beautiful image, even if I'm the only one who likes it.
Will I ever be published In National Geographic? I don't know. I'm not counting on it nor expecting it. But I'm enjoying the community, the photos and the inspiration this outlet has ignited.
