Several years ago I wrote an entry entitled Finding Your Passion.  More recently I wrote another called Passion or Hobby … Are You a Photographer? And I have touched on the importance of passion in other entries as well.  If you think this means I believe that passion for the images we make and for the finished prints we produce is essential, you’re right!

This week I discovered a YouTube video made by photographer Kyle McDougall. I’m sure he won’t mind me paraphrasing some of the key takeaways combined with a few of my own thoughts. He said he used to make landscapes using digital cameras and essentially hit a brick wall with his passion and creativity. Then he discovered analog photography and it changed his whole focus.

Now here’s the kicker; he was worried that those who knew his work would not accept it for what it was, but was gratified to learn that they thought it was the best work he had done. He knew that it was and thought there was an energy and authenticity to the work that only comes when your passionate about what you’re doing.

That this happened for him with the switch to analog is wonderful but what’s really important is the passion you have, whatever medium or format you are using. Create whatever interests and excites you … what you are passionate about, regardless of what others may think – that’s what counts … follow your own path!

Thanks Kyle!  I couldn’t agree more with everything you say, especially concerning energy and authenticity to the work that only comes when you’re passionate about what you’re doing, and the necessity of following you own path.  When you think about it, one leads to the other! Otherwise, what’s the point of it all?  Finally, and perhaps most important … yes, I believe others (and you) will notice the quality of the work that is the result.

And if they don’t it just means they don’t get it.  What do they know … follow your own path!

Stay safe,

Michael