This and That
If you live in Chicago, be sure to stop by the Chicago Photography Center. They have a sneak preview of their show called "Within Sight" coming up on the 19th of this month. I've seen some of the work and I can tell you it's magical. Don't miss it!
You probably get tired of me writing about how tired i am all the time. I need to change some things around in my life - soon - and I'm working on it. The problem for me is I think I'd be happy walking away from what I do every day, but the reality is I really live for the art of the deal. I was born a businessman first - a photographer second. I have to admit this to myself. (Self - I admit it).
The good news is I now realize I can put the two things together and maybe make something of it all. I talk with a number of photographers / designers / artists / writers who have great and wonderful talents but have little or no desire to sell themselves. As a result, they struggle when they shouldn't have to. I have no desire to be anyone's agent - so don't get any ideas. I do think maybe I could figure out a way to build a business encompassing all the things I love. I just have to noodle it all in my head. I can sell, I can manage a business, I can work relationships, I can create images and I love it all. That's good, right? Yep. It's good. I just need to figure out what to do with it all.
My friends tell me to to just figure something out and do it. My challenge is I'm so busy with the work I do now that I just can't seem to find the time. I barely have time to keep No Traces running with decent images. I haven't been out under the moonlight in what seems like forever. I haven't had time to get around to all the great photos sites out there. I haven't been returning emails the way I should -- and as I write this I begin to feel so anxious. Why? Because I love doing all these things, yet I'm strapped into work - but I let myself be that way. It's crazy, I know.
I like what I do for a living. No. I love what I do. However, I realize things are changing - good people are leaving and the workloads to fill the gaps are unbearable. Something's going to give way soon. I'm just not sure I want to be around when it all happens. Or maybe I do. See? I'm nutty.
The other good news is I'm at a point in my life where it's just me and my dog, Lainey. My kids are grown up and doing their thing. I'm relatively debt free and have a few eggs in the nest. All good things. And each morning I go to my local coffee shop for my nice soy latte, I see the same guy there -- he's happy - whistling a tune -- telling a story -- being the mayor of the place. He used to work in the corporate world - like me. He thought the same things I'm thinking now. He has talents of his own - and he did something about it. He's happy he's out. He's doing what he wants with his life. A few hours a week to pay for a few things, and he's building his own little business - at his pace - doing things his way.
Something for me to think about.