I previously spoke about keeping your head in the game. That idea relates to the joy of living a photographic life. The question is how to do this! Let’s face it; most of us have non-photographic jobs, family obligations, etc. So short of making photography your livelihood, what can you do? Obviously you will want to go out into the world and make photographs. Trouble is that most don’t have the time or ability to do that on a regular and continuous basis. So our avocation can’t be our vocation. Time to move onto Plan B, which for most of us is the real world. But living in the real world doesn’t mean we cannot live a photographic life.

Here is a list of ten things you can do.

1. Make photographs whenever you can. And don’t feel you have to travel to some “exciting” or otherwise exotic location. Come to the realization that there is much around you that is interesting if you are open to it.
2. If you have a darkroom develop your film and make proof sheets.
3. Carefully examine your proof sheets and make prints of only the best images.
4. Read books about photographers.
5. Study monographs you own of your favorite photographers
6. Go to the library; take out books and monographs on photographers you aren’t familiar with.
7. Go to new and used (one of my favorite things to do) bookstores and search for books and monographs on photographers you aren’t familiar with. This is a lot more fun than looking on line.
8. Utilize the Internet for interesting and useful forums, blogs and websites for good ideas.
9. Visit museums and galleries for photographic exhibits. You will be inspired by the works of the masters and learn you are as good or better than a lot of what is being shown. That alone should inspire you to press on!
10. Take a photographic workshop with someone you respect that is supportive and will help you.

Bonus idea — visit museums and galleries for art exhibits. Yes, that is what I am saying! Believe it or not you can learn a lot about composition and light, and use the experience to develop new photographic ideas.

I am sure you can think of some more ideas yourself. Now go and live a photographic life!