Are you truly passionate about photography? Great. But I need to have a quiet word with you about that, because here’s the thing – no one cares. Truly, no one cares that you have a passion for photography. Probably not even your mom by now.
Ever seen a guitarist shred like crazy? A glass-blower carefully creating delicate art pieces? Or a dancer performing gravity-defying moves? Yes? Well, do you think they have passion? Sure they do. Otherwise they wouldn’t be doing what they are doing, at the level they are doing it at. But do they insist on telling you, or do they just live it and act it and be it and show you? Exactly my point.
While this may sound like the start of an irrelevant rant, indulge me for a few minutes. The words, “I have a passion for photography” on your website may actually hurt you with prospective clients!
When Is A Passion Project DONE?
A passion project can have a clear beginning and end. It may also last indefinitely. You may reach the end of your long, beautiful life, still contributing to your passion project.
What Makes A Passion Project Successful?
Passion projects may attract the attention of others, or they may please only you. A successful passion project is one that meets the standards you set for yourself, achieves the goals you established, and scratches the itch you felt tickling your creative soul.
What If I Think Someone’s Passion Project Is Dumb?
Remember: the passion projects you are about to see aren’t for you. They’re for the artists who put in the time, the learning, the creativity, and the passion. You may love what you see, and feel inspired. Or you may feel nothing at all. That is not the point. What matters is that you connect with the drive these photographers tapped into to make something for themselves.
Make Art With Your Whole Heart
Be inspired to create for the sake of creating. Allow yourself to express whatever-it-is you want to express, without concern for a client’s requests or your portfolio’s needs.
These aren’t styled shoots. They’re passion projects. And what matters most is your own desire and drive.
Photography also tells a story. Everyone has a story. Now that people can capture images on their phones, everyone is capable of telling their own personal story through everyday photos. It is amazing that we are able to do this at the tips of our fingers.
Through my photos I want capture the best aspects of my subject and tell their story. I want people to feel what the subject is feeling. Every time I pick up a camera I love photography more and more.
Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever… it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything. -Aaron Siskind
I chose photography because I want show people the best things about themselves. I want to show the world in a different way that makes people think deeper. You see, photography is so much more then focussing and pressing a button. People who take photos are capturing the world in their own way. If 10 people take a photo of the same subject, I guarantee that the photo will look different from each person
