Who Wins in '08, Luck or Effort?

As much as we'd like to think that the successful photographers we see got that way because they were lucky enough to be 'discovered', let's admit that's probably not true. It's a nice dream that maybe someday that could happen to us, that we'll hit the lottery, quit our day jobs, and gracefully age with a camera in our hands, sharing our vision with the world.

I think I can safely say that won't happen simply because you were lucky enough to be found amongst the millions of other photographers wanting the same thing. The explosion of digital cameras and the ease with which we can share our images makes the prospect that someone will notice you amongst all of the photographic noise even less likely. 

Great. 'Thanks and screw you' you say. Fair enough- sorry to rain on your parade. Just because 'The Secret' says if you want something bad enough, you can have it, doesn't mean it will happen. I'm sure I'll offend some people when I say that that line of thinking in and of itself is a cop-out. Enjoy your time in FantasyLand. 

It's only one part of the puzzle. To me, it's the other part that really makes a difference and that part is effort. I'm guessing that most of the pros working today have worked their ass off to get where they are. They didn't just get lucky. They're out shooting hundreds and thousands of images to hone their craft. They're teaching. They're marketing themselves at every opportunity. They're putting in the effort to get where they are and to stay there. They're crafting the life they want because they're working at it every day.

So, are you willing to work that hard for what you want? Are you willing to work that hard to make a living from photography?  The answer should be obvious, but maybe it's not as easy as we'd like to believe, to draw a line in the sand and make that stand. 

But if not now, when?

Seth Godin has a great post over on his blog about this same idea that can be applied to anyone who's not yet where they want to be, no matter the goal. Definitely inspiring if you're willing to make the commitment. You can read the whole post here.

And if I get 'lucky', don't worry, you'll definitely hear about it...

Comments

[Jordan]

FantasyLand is the ONLY place to be, mate. No one has EVER created ANYTHING original or valuable without going there first in their mind. No amount of effort can ever do what a hint of inspiration can.

Effort IS a myth.

[Tom]

Thanks for chiming in Jordan. Don't get me wrong, I think the mental aspect of it is incredibly important. My point was to maybe challenge those that think that is all they need to do. I think having a vision and goal in mind is the first, necessary step. If you don't then back up and support that vision with real effort though, how far will it take you? WIthout the effort, I think that vision stays in your head, never to be realized.