Took a break from photography to focus on a 2nd job to deal with the financial shortfall but now I’m back on the wagon and actually the break helped. Feel like I’m having fun and don’t care about the 12 likes I average on Instagram.
Running a business, holding down a job, being an established creator requires hard work. However, the energy needed to start something (to seize an opportunity) is many times greater. Think of a big heavy bird like a goose sitting on water then taking to flight - it must be physically draining to get airborne but then relatively easy to fly around the sky. If you wish to fly because it looks easy and smooth, you first need to understand how tough the take off was! BTW - a jet airliner on a trip from say London to NYC will burn one third of it’s fuel for the journey just taking off and climbing to its cruising altitude - that’s how demanding getting something off the ground is! Thank you Ted for making us think, for encouraging and inspiring us. I wonder how many people owe their take off to you!
Ted, Thank you for this... I've been struggling myself with trying to stay positive, thinking about (even hamster wheeling) about what a reset to my work even looks like. As someone who ONLY knows being a photographer (for over 30 years professionally) I don't know what else I'd do outside of it. Being a photographer - specifically documentary and street - gives my life meaning, documenting the human experience in all its complexity, that's what drives me to keep at it even when others around me say get over it and get a "REAL" job. I have to keep telling myself I did what others said twice before and I paid a price business wise, emotionally and physically. At the end of the day, even if no one else is willing to be supportive of my decision, I have to live with myself, wake up to myself, and I have to do what I know, not just feel, is right for me, even when no one else supports my decision. Again, Thank you for this Sunday morning "sermon" aka pep talk....
Milton Berle has a great quote on success: "Too many people simply give up too easily. You have to keep the desire to forge ahead, and you have to be able to take the bruises of unsuccess. Success is just one long street fight." There may be a time to quit, but you gotta give it some time first.
Gratitude for sharing Ted, I just commented on Manny Ortiz’ video at the start of the weekend about how Walter Moseley made the point that the, “Most Talented” novelists will probably NEVER get published because they will probably stop or give up before getting their 1st (or 1st problematic) draft to completion with the skills in their early toolbox. He also makes the point that the revision of who is today would write a different Devil in a Blue Dress, BECAUSE of the accretion of writerly problem solving skills in his current toolbox. As an aspiring storyteller the projects on your channel have been intertextually valuable.
I feel as though the majority of people would hugely benefit from watching this video. Makes me feel lucky that I'm one of the few who've stumbled upon it.
*Jeep wave from my 97 TJ* Hard not to get discouraged sometimes. I hope to do landscape for a living someday, gotta keep my eye out for those overalls...
Hi Ted, I am also a Jeep Wrangler guy but in South Africa. Love your channel apart from the gear reviews which leave me cold. I did an MA degree and then became a professional photographer. I remember the early to mid 2000's very well as I was a well established photographer especially in Architecture, Commercial and Corporate. But already in my mid-50's by that time. My real edge over everyone else was my proficiency with large format cameras and darkroom work. I was, and still am, very good friends with a number of the top South African photographers, mostly around my age. It was a horrible time watching the base of my business being cut from under me by the digital revolution and some sad stories of photographers going from success to bust over a matter of a few years. My one friend was considered in the 80's and 90's to be the best wildlife and bird photographer in the country and made most of his money from image banks. He saw his income dwindle to almost nothing and had to move back to England to get on social security. I was lucky in that I was financially secure enough to retire in 2010, but many were not so fortunate. I still do photography as an amateur and love editing, but harbour a degree of resentment at how digital photography curtailed my career. Cheers, Bruce
What I like about that quote is that it addresses all of the possible avenues and narratives that people mistake for "random opportunity knocking". Like you could have a "right place, right person, right time" moment where a chance meeting with somebody leads to career advancement---but you still have to be in the right place and you still have to have something worth recognizing. So that means grinding away at those skills/projects/portfolio elements. It means putting in the groundwork to get into those "right places" to show those "right people" what you've done. Or you have people that slowly build their careers over many years, until they're at the point where they've "arrived" because they've been there so long and done so much. In either case, it takes work and the humility to not expect anything meaningful back to get there.
I always been an enthusiast of photography since a young man, but never had the chance to get to it until now. The pandemic started 2 months after my Nikon D3300 arrived. I was devastated because lockdown forced me to stay home for almost a year. The opportunity I was hoping to go out and shoot was slipping away. But then I began to watch RUclips videos on photography. I took online workshops, classes, read books, etc. I learnt so much from all this and, when I got the chance to go outside for the first time, I was fully trained and ready. Of course I'm still a beginner, but I have different eyes and attitude now. It may be early to decide this, but next year I'm going weekends on portrait and boudoir photography business in my town. The plan is to have it as a full time job in 2 year from now. The opportunity I got I'm using to build the chance of a lifetime and I won't let this go. Ever. It will work! You, sir... You are responsible for my new beginning. I took inspiration from you, everyday, since I discovered the marvelous gem that is your channel. Thank you so much, Ted. I feel stronger than ever. ❤️ from Brazil
I feel like this video on opportunity is probably the best I’ve ever heard. Nothing gets handed to us in life. We all need to appreciate the hard work and the process
Good talk, thanks for sharing this. I”m helping a friend resurrect his darkroom. He has a few roadblocks but overcoming them will make it worth it. I remind him of the joy of the finished product. It is reviving my passion too.
Lack of positivity is certainly not your Golden Ticket to get better at your art. And if I’m humble, I will say that I can get quite negative when the weather conditions aren’t just right for photography while my inner voice tells me the opposite. Any weather is good, sun, rain, or whatever. One has just get to work harder and get out of your comfort zone to find out that he’s missing out great opportunities. When I started photography, landscape was my thing and I detested portraits until I found out that entering people as crucial elements within my landscape improved my photography. Since that day, I started to explore domains I never thought I’d love. Getting out of your comfort zone is a must for one who searches creativity. Great video Ted!
Great story! That's kind of video i look for in your channel. And it's why i subscribed for your profile few years ago! Keep up the refined taste! Keep inspiring!
Your timing couldn't have been better, Ted. Way back 20+ years ago I was a newspaper photographer and I got out of the business to concentrate on family. Two or three years ago I decided to get back into it but I stepped into a new world with new challenges. At the end of June I'll be retiring from government work with a m̸o̸d̸e̸s̸t̸ tiny pension, a new marital status and a new mortgage - plenty of changes to present a personal challenge. Your video gave me an extra burst of enthusiasm exactly when I needed it.
I had a boss that would put his arm around me and say: "Jonathan, I have an opportunity for you to excell!" Then would proceed to assign me a less than desirable task. Lol.
Excellent topic Ted Forbes thanks for talking about it! We must differientate between doing what one loves and getting recognition, many times they don't come together and like your Dad said there is always a price.
Like many others have said ... " I needed this today " ive really been getting in my own head about things, so going to take what you said and make every effort spin things around for myself. Thankyou.
Fantastic video. I’ve watched many of your vids now and this one hit home the hardest. I love that the same attitude applies to every profession and walk of life not just the world of photography
I have worked in the professional photography world since I was in college, about 51 years and I have seen it go from film to digital. There is one thing that never changes, you have to have an eye, without it you are just a mechanic. I ran my own studio in Manhattan in the ‘80s to the ‘90s and know the tough business end of photography, yet without talent and drive you will be left on the side of the road. This year as I turn 70 I have converted my woodworking space in NYC into a photography studio, money pressure is not so great allowing me to go right back to my passion, I can’t be held back. Christopher Moore
Great stories. I have never even had a driving lesson (getting a license is very expensive where I live), so of course no Jeep either - or any other kind of car for that matter. I do have a Koga bicycle, and when ever I see other people on Koga bikes, I know, that they know. It's not at all the same as the Jeep thing, but it's something. There is a saying about "live to work or work to live". I work to live and live for photography. That's what works for me. Work is work so to speak, but photography is freedom. So for me, I'd hesitate before making what I live for my job. I admire those able to pull it off, but I enjoy photography so much as my reward to myself for working hard (with something I'm aparently better at, than I care to admit), that I don't imagine I will ever make photography my way of earning a living.
Great message. This idea of turning negativity into something positive reminds me of something I read about Fujifilm and their transition to digital. Thanks for the video!
Once again you demonstrate how your channel and approach to the subject of photography is unique and different. Photography is about a lot more than glass, EVF's and pixels. THIS is why I subscribed. Hope you keep on keepin' on....BTW, what you have described here I have, in a way, experienced, and would love to get back to. Good job, as usual.
It took many, many years of blood, sweat and tears to build a successful remodeling business. So many negative voices along the way - “too competitive”, “saturated market”, “prices are commoditized”. Yet, like you say, I found my niche and stayed with it and did the work. Now, I’m close to retirement and feeling that pull again but this time, with photography. But I know the path will be hard and need to find my new “opportunity” that meets my needs and desires.
Thank you for sharing that quote and this video. I often feel this way about my life - if it wasn't for, what I now deem "silly" makeup videos on RUclips, I would have never had an interest in photography + video editing - this led me to offer a solution at my 9-5 to keep up with the demands of today's digital landscape. An opportunity for growth "dressed in overalls and looked like work" as I implemented the first in-house content studio at the company I work for that came with A LOT of research/work needed on my end I didn't expect. In hindsight, it prepared me for the path I'm on today. I would have never imagined how invested I'd be in photography as I am today. This is a great reminder to just keep going - which is hard with social media and seeing other successes compared to our own. Patience, perseverance, and positivity.
What a lovely story about your friend Wade. It just shows you don’t know until you are prepared to work hard and try. Thanks Ted, you are a cool guy and I have followed and subscribed to you for quite a few years now. You always have something interesting to say.
I'm not really even sure how I came across your videos but damn grateful I did. Beyond words I appreciate your positivity and perspective on topics surrounding photography. I felt Iike I heard something I needed in this one and cannot thank you enough. Happily subscribed and fellow photographer. Thanks again.
There are a lot of writers out there that don't learn about writing literary fiction. I think the cell phone is the same way. There is joy in learning and I thank you for your videos!
I have been into Photography since I bought my first film camera when I was 10 years old. I have been through film and digital and I don't do it for money or fame. I do it because I love it and as a hobby. P.S.I also have a Jeep!
Very inspiring story Ted. I happen to relate well with what you discussed about doing what you are passionate about. I semi-retired back in February of this year to focus on becoming a successful landscape photographer. I've heard it all from my family and friends ranging from how could you leave a six figure job to landscape photographers are a dime a dozen. Ive had some of the best days of my life in the past three months taking landscape pictures and even at 58, I'm confident I will succeed. Thanks again for sharing those stories about your friend and the Edison quote is one of my favs.
Ted, you hit the nail on the head here. Whenever I review people’s photo work, I do a lousy job of it. Why? Because I tend to see the beauty in everything and even if the photo is off due to some technical problems I always tell them good job. Why? Because I do see what they were after and i want to make sure that I encourage people to get out and follow their dreams. As for me I have no issues remembering the gas crisis in the early 1970’s and all that fun. Lol. Keep inspiring everyone. Great job.
I keep plugging away and know that my opportunity is around the next corner or the one after that! As long as I love what I’m doing, it’s all worth it! Thank you for this Ted!
Great stories, love the Edison quote. All this talk of passion and ambition to build a career is a completely different world to mine. I'm not looking for any opportunities, I'm not very artistic, I don't see my photography as any sort of potential career move and I certainly have no desire to famous or popular - I don't even have an Instagram! I'm a little odd in that I'm quite happy taking photos for my own sake. My situation is one most of the more artistic types in these parts would probably struggle to fathom. I'm an aphantasiac - which is to say I have no mind's eye, I can't visualise things, I don't dream, and without the photographic log of my experiences the visions I experience just blink out of existence the moment I turn around - so I try to capture a lot of what I see. I play with my camera, I play with editing and I keep my images around to bring me back to my lost memories.
Thank you for this. I write children’s poetry, make videos and spend hours on them. It takes a lot of effort and I get nothing back in return but they’re my passion. My last video took about 15 hours to make and it got 15 views. Haha. So this is a video that speaks to me. Thanks very much for sharing it. Thankfully photography is just a hobby and I can enjoy it for what it is.
Ted ... You are right about patience! In the 1960s I spent some years photographing the Isle of Wight in the UK in the hope of getting a book published. I did, but 40 years later! The book was called "PERFECT ENGLAND -The Isle of Wight in the 1960s" ... Now I'm trawling through thousands of pictures I took in the 1980s. In the near future, I hope to publish "A Candid camera in 1980s Oxford". It's in production and other books are in the pipeline. So keep at it. Eventually, things will go your way. Best wishes from Roger George Clark (London, UK).
Thanks for this. Being positive can be so underrated, but in this world, I think positivity is the antidote for many things. Thanks for that Edison quote!
Hi Ted! Thanks for another great video. There is already enough negativity and doom in the photography realm. I was thinking the other day about ways to improve my photography without spending a cent. And the ideas kept coming. Pretty soon, I had enough material to keep me “focused” on the work that I felt positive about the future. Nothing really compares to. a really good print on the wall that was made with your own inspiration. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
I’ve had a photography business for about 8yrs. It’s my absolute passion and love However my full time job is in Sales and I make pretty good money. This pandemic has taught me how miserable I am in Sales. I truly hate it. My photography biz is what keeps me going each day. Ive just been too scared to give up the income bc I support a family. Lots of tough decisions are coming down the line for me
Ted, you have hit the nail right on the head and a great inspiration, your wise words give me the positivity and the drive to move forward with my photography, than you from here in the UK
Nice discussion Ted , more videos like this please. I just want to add sometimes it is really hard to find the route in photography so more on that topic please.
Well Ted, right on...... Artists MUST want Art and be willing to pay the dues, as you mentioned but not, NOT for success but rather for LOVE of the art. That's why we marry "THAT" girl or practice "THE" instrument till we can't or obsess over "THAT" photographic composition until we get it! I truly believe your dad walks this walk. He would have done what he does so well with or without his great success. So deserving BTW......... I'm looking at his wonderful art on my office wall as I type this note. For any other reason other then the sheer joy of looking at a photo/painting, hearing, really HEARING the music or just taking in that artistic moment is truly what the real payoff should be; a positive emotional human experience. You know better then most that each note has a beginning, a middle and an ending and it's what you/we do with each note while your on it is what really matters. Goodness, there are only 12 notes and look at the possibilities, endless! People and their emotions can be positivity changed forever from art and that's what art is, true positive deep human emotion. You did it in high school, I witnessed it, in college, I heard about it and now in photography I see it. You, TED decided to change your walk in life but never strayed from your musical experience, your Dallas Museum of Art tenure and so many other artistic walks that became positives in so many ways to convey an assured, clear, decisive and rewarding end to each suggestion, photo or RUclips segment. In the end you are the positive force we all hope to be. You are the student Ted who taught and is still teaching the teacher, BART
My problem isn't being inspired or motivation, it's the overall saturated field and lack of support that I have a huge problem with. The "well I can do that better or cheaper" mindset in my community.
For 25 years I had a professional career until I finally had enough of the game. I decided to become an artist in my own right. 18 years later, I sell my first print from my first ever solo show. Was it all worth it? Ohhhh yes! Just stick at it.
When I first started this network I had no camera and little editing skills . Two years later and over 500 shows produced now we have apps and a tv channel . It does take time
It's not about being positive or not that's the thing that's important. The thing is to ask yourself if you can find meaning in a crazy world. Photography can give us the opportunity to do something meaningful for ourselves and perhaps others.
thanks for the positive spin on things Ted, always good to hear that. If we believe in something, and apply ourselves, why can't we succeed??!! Like your friend, and kudos to him. Picasso was once asked if he believed in 'inspiration', he said yes, but it must find you working. Working is the key, always looking for a way, always fighting to make your vision reality. Keep up the good work sir, hope our paths cross again soon.
Love your angle on the industry. I've been in it for 30+ years, I'll say it as it is... Its been destroyed by amateur photographers. I've said to a few. Here is a job for you, oh i couldn't do that. Obviously some great ones out there. I've offered weddings up, Editorial work up to... Then get oh, er. So glad for your channel, please don't go and appease too much.... There is photography and people who use cameras....
Great stories. People need to pursue their passion. Otherwise they will always wonder. There are always sacrifices for doing what you love. Today, I wonder how things would differ now if I hadn't put so much time in early. I can't recapture time with my kids. Now that I am retired, I do have time, but end up spending it with grandkids. By the way, I think you nailed the lighting on this episode. Rembrandt triangle on your left cheek and soft fill evening out the shadows. Perfect!
Just a fun and interesting thing to do in my free time. Low stress, low sacrifice but personally satisfying. I guess point is you can approach it on your own terms and degree of intensity.
And also not to be afraid of other people's success. Sometimes feels like others are so much better and unreachable. Self confidence is so important, but also self reflection. It's not you vs the world, it's you and the world, finding a place, building a place. And most importantly it's about doing. You know I actually cut those papers and took the ground and arranged them. I felt totally stupid doing it. And I have no idea what I actually learned. But I am paying more attention and feel like I am waking up from a long sleep. Like being more active about composition, working more on it, moving around more. Don't know if any of that makes any sense...
One of the problems, once you jump into your "dream passion job" , is that at the end you understand that is just a job like another. Bills, planning, expenses, everything else that any other job has with no security to succeed because you end up in the creative sector. So, that makes you realize whether is worthy or not to jump in and leave a job, perhaps even a well paid one, you may have. It's just reality against dreamwork and it can be very challenging to overcome.
Thanks for this video. Maybe fortunately i never thought that success is something "given". But where i live there's lot of people who think that way - "oh, he's rich so he probably have connections, he don't pay taxes, he had rich parents" etc. These people never believe that you can make it through hard work and focus on your plans. Its easier to buy crate of beer, sit behind TV/computer and just do nothing until next day that looks the same.
Thanks for making this video bro bro really helped me . And ur right unused this time to rest how I think and do things and how I want to shape my inner self to reflect my outside
Paying your dues and managing your expectations are all part of doing what you want to do. My granddaughter wanted to follow up on a fairly suspenseful Hugh school experience a theater and competitions on becoming a stage actress. Of course her parent wanted her to pursue anything but that even though she was told she had a scholarship at a liberal college to pursue drama. I told her if this is what she wants then by all means pursue it as I saw her stagecraft was very good. But I told her it is all subjective to what you put into it that you had to pay your dues which means all lot of small parts and rejection before she might be able to make a living. As the joke goes what is a waiter or waitress in LA? A actor. But, that it is better to live your dream to its natural conclusion then to lie in your death bed and wish you had pursued your dream instead of playing it safe. In the end it’s about what you are willing to sacrifice.
Great video! I am at that turning point where i am trying to decide what to do, i love photography so much it drives me not me it. Wonder if i should go study it at University or not.
I appreciated the “small world” Jeep story. Random connections can be a boost. Also, appreciated your realist comments on life.
Took a break from photography to focus on a 2nd job to deal with the financial shortfall but now I’m back on the wagon and actually the break helped. Feel like I’m having fun and don’t care about the 12 likes I average on Instagram.
Good for you man.
Running a business, holding down a job, being an established creator requires hard work. However, the energy needed to start something (to seize an opportunity) is many times greater. Think of a big heavy bird like a goose sitting on water then taking to flight - it must be physically draining to get airborne but then relatively easy to fly around the sky. If you wish to fly because it looks easy and smooth, you first need to understand how tough the take off was!
BTW - a jet airliner on a trip from say London to NYC will burn one third of it’s fuel for the journey just taking off and climbing to its cruising altitude - that’s how demanding getting something off the ground is!
Thank you Ted for making us think, for encouraging and inspiring us. I wonder how many people owe their take off to you!
Ted, Thank you for this... I've been struggling myself with trying to stay positive, thinking about (even hamster wheeling) about what a reset to my work even looks like. As someone who ONLY knows being a photographer (for over 30 years professionally) I don't know what else I'd do outside of it. Being a photographer - specifically documentary and street - gives my life meaning, documenting the human experience in all its complexity, that's what drives me to keep at it even when others around me say get over it and get a "REAL" job. I have to keep telling myself I did what others said twice before and I paid a price business wise, emotionally and physically. At the end of the day, even if no one else is willing to be supportive of my decision, I have to live with myself, wake up to myself, and I have to do what I know, not just feel, is right for me, even when no one else supports my decision.
Again, Thank you for this Sunday morning "sermon" aka pep talk....
I needed to hear this today. Thank you.
Milton Berle has a great quote on success: "Too many people simply give up too easily. You have to keep the desire to forge ahead, and you have to be able to take the bruises of unsuccess. Success is just one long street fight."
There may be a time to quit, but you gotta give it some time first.
You're really a marvelous speaker!!Thanks for another episode that give that feel good feeling!
Thank you. This is an important, timely and thoughtful talk.
Gratitude for sharing Ted, I just commented on Manny Ortiz’ video at the start of the weekend about how Walter Moseley made the point that the, “Most Talented” novelists will probably NEVER get published because they will probably stop or give up before getting their 1st (or 1st problematic) draft to completion with the skills in their early toolbox. He also makes the point that the revision of who is today would write a different Devil in a Blue Dress, BECAUSE of the accretion of writerly problem solving skills in his current toolbox. As an aspiring storyteller the projects on your channel have been intertextually valuable.
I feel as though the majority of people would hugely benefit from watching this video. Makes me feel lucky that I'm one of the few who've stumbled upon it.
*Jeep wave from my 97 TJ* Hard not to get discouraged sometimes. I hope to do landscape for a living someday, gotta keep my eye out for those overalls...
I'm a fellow Jeep Guy, guitarist, and photographer, love your stories, videos and reviews. Thanks for all your hard work!
Hi Ted, I am also a Jeep Wrangler guy but in South Africa. Love your channel apart from the gear reviews which leave me cold. I did an MA degree and then became a professional photographer. I remember the early to mid 2000's very well as I was a well established photographer especially in Architecture, Commercial and Corporate. But already in my mid-50's by that time. My real edge over everyone else was my proficiency with large format cameras and darkroom work. I was, and still am, very good friends with a number of the top South African photographers, mostly around my age. It was a horrible time watching the base of my business being cut from under me by the digital revolution and some sad stories of photographers going from success to bust over a matter of a few years. My one friend was considered in the 80's and 90's to be the best wildlife and bird photographer in the country and made most of his money from image banks. He saw his income dwindle to almost nothing and had to move back to England to get on social security. I was lucky in that I was financially secure enough to retire in 2010, but many were not so fortunate. I still do photography as an amateur and love editing, but harbour a degree of resentment at how digital photography curtailed my career. Cheers, Bruce
What I like about that quote is that it addresses all of the possible avenues and narratives that people mistake for "random opportunity knocking". Like you could have a "right place, right person, right time" moment where a chance meeting with somebody leads to career advancement---but you still have to be in the right place and you still have to have something worth recognizing. So that means grinding away at those skills/projects/portfolio elements. It means putting in the groundwork to get into those "right places" to show those "right people" what you've done. Or you have people that slowly build their careers over many years, until they're at the point where they've "arrived" because they've been there so long and done so much. In either case, it takes work and the humility to not expect anything meaningful back to get there.
I always been an enthusiast of photography since a young man, but never had the chance to get to it until now. The pandemic started 2 months after my Nikon D3300 arrived. I was devastated because lockdown forced me to stay home for almost a year. The opportunity I was hoping to go out and shoot was slipping away. But then I began to watch RUclips videos on photography. I took online workshops, classes, read books, etc. I learnt so much from all this and, when I got the chance to go outside for the first time, I was fully trained and ready. Of course I'm still a beginner, but I have different eyes and attitude now. It may be early to decide this, but next year I'm going weekends on portrait and boudoir photography business in my town. The plan is to have it as a full time job in 2 year from now. The opportunity I got I'm using to build the chance of a lifetime and I won't let this go. Ever. It will work! You, sir... You are responsible for my new beginning. I took inspiration from you, everyday, since I discovered the marvelous gem that is your channel. Thank you so much, Ted. I feel stronger than ever. ❤️ from Brazil
You made a great point about paying your dues and being willing to pay them. Most fail to realize that dues will be paid in some form.
I feel like this video on opportunity is probably the best I’ve ever heard. Nothing gets handed to us in life. We all need to appreciate the hard work and the process
Awesome! Please do share those stories because they truly inspire us.
Good talk, thanks for sharing this. I”m helping a friend resurrect his darkroom. He has a few roadblocks but overcoming them will make it worth it. I remind him of the joy of the finished product. It is reviving my passion too.
Great message! I’m also a fan of “luck favors the prepared”. 🙂
On the nose Ted, appreciate the fact that you are so honest and sincere. Big fan., thanks.
Lack of positivity is certainly not your Golden Ticket to get better at your art. And if I’m humble, I will say that I can get quite negative when the weather conditions aren’t just right for photography while my inner voice tells me the opposite. Any weather is good, sun, rain, or whatever. One has just get to work harder and get out of your comfort zone to find out that he’s missing out great opportunities.
When I started photography, landscape was my thing and I detested portraits until I found out that entering people as crucial elements within my landscape improved my photography. Since that day, I started to explore domains I never thought I’d love. Getting out of your comfort zone is a must for one who searches creativity.
Great video Ted!
Great story! That's kind of video i look for in your channel. And it's why i subscribed for your profile few years ago! Keep up the refined taste! Keep inspiring!
Your timing couldn't have been better, Ted. Way back 20+ years ago I was a newspaper photographer and I got out of the business to concentrate on family. Two or three years ago I decided to get back into it but I stepped into a new world with new challenges. At the end of June I'll be retiring from government work with a m̸o̸d̸e̸s̸t̸ tiny pension, a new marital status and a new mortgage - plenty of changes to present a personal challenge. Your video gave me an extra burst of enthusiasm exactly when I needed it.
I had a boss that would put his arm around me and say: "Jonathan, I have an opportunity for you to excell!" Then would proceed to assign me a less than desirable task. Lol.
Very inspiring and very interesting! So nice to see you returning to this type of content, much appretiated!
Excellent topic Ted Forbes thanks for talking about it! We must differientate between doing what one loves and getting recognition, many times they don't come together and like your Dad said there is always a price.
Like many others have said ... " I needed this today " ive really been getting in my own head about things, so going to take what you said and make every effort spin things around for myself. Thankyou.
Thanks for the inspiration! Great story and go Wade!!
Fantastic video. I’ve watched many of your vids now and this one hit home the hardest. I love that the same attitude applies to every profession and walk of life not just the world of photography
I have worked in the professional photography world since I was in college, about 51 years and I have seen it go from film to digital. There is one thing that never changes, you have to have an eye, without it you are just a mechanic. I ran my own studio in Manhattan in the ‘80s to the ‘90s and know the tough business end of photography, yet without talent and drive you will be left on the side of the road. This year as I turn 70 I have converted my woodworking space in NYC into a photography studio, money pressure is not so great allowing me to go right back to my passion, I can’t be held back.
Christopher Moore
Great stories.
I have never even had a driving lesson (getting a license is very expensive where I live), so of course no Jeep either - or any other kind of car for that matter. I do have a Koga bicycle, and when ever I see other people on Koga bikes, I know, that they know. It's not at all the same as the Jeep thing, but it's something.
There is a saying about "live to work or work to live".
I work to live and live for photography.
That's what works for me.
Work is work so to speak, but photography is freedom.
So for me, I'd hesitate before making what I live for my job.
I admire those able to pull it off, but I enjoy photography so much as my reward to myself for working hard (with something I'm aparently better at, than I care to admit), that I don't imagine I will ever make photography my way of earning a living.
This is so important, hard work makes it happen! Never surrender, always keep walking.
Great message. This idea of turning negativity into something positive reminds me of something I read about Fujifilm and their transition to digital. Thanks for the video!
Ted, the message about being positive, looking for opportunities and putting in the work is spot on. Thanks!
Once again you demonstrate how your channel and approach to the subject of photography is unique and different. Photography is about a lot more than glass, EVF's and pixels. THIS is why I subscribed. Hope you keep on keepin' on....BTW, what you have described here I have, in a way, experienced, and would love to get back to. Good job, as usual.
This Video to me is reallly motivating... I would like to find my way back to my love for photography listening to this ... helps alot .... thank you
What a great story and video. Thanks for sharing as always!
It took many, many years of blood, sweat and tears to build a successful remodeling business. So many negative voices along the way - “too competitive”, “saturated market”, “prices are commoditized”. Yet, like you say, I found my niche and stayed with it and did the work. Now, I’m close to retirement and feeling that pull again but this time, with photography. But I know the path will be hard and need to find my new “opportunity” that meets my needs and desires.
Thank you for sharing that quote and this video. I often feel this way about my life - if it wasn't for, what I now deem "silly" makeup videos on RUclips, I would have never had an interest in photography + video editing - this led me to offer a solution at my 9-5 to keep up with the demands of today's digital landscape. An opportunity for growth "dressed in overalls and looked like work" as I implemented the first in-house content studio at the company I work for that came with A LOT of research/work needed on my end I didn't expect. In hindsight, it prepared me for the path I'm on today. I would have never imagined how invested I'd be in photography as I am today.
This is a great reminder to just keep going - which is hard with social media and seeing other successes compared to our own. Patience, perseverance, and positivity.
Taking a break from the media and news is a very good suggestion. I call it a "media fast".
Yes to all of this. So glad I watched this video today. Thanks for sharing.
What a lovely story about your friend Wade. It just shows you don’t know until you are prepared to work hard and try. Thanks Ted, you are a cool guy and I have followed and subscribed to you for quite a few years now. You always have something interesting to say.
I'm not really even sure how I came across your videos but damn grateful I did. Beyond words I appreciate your positivity and perspective on topics surrounding photography. I felt Iike I heard something I needed in this one and cannot thank you enough. Happily subscribed and fellow photographer. Thanks again.
There are a lot of writers out there that don't learn about writing literary fiction. I think the cell phone is the same way. There is joy in learning and I thank you for your videos!
great words
Very true words for any profession.
I have been into Photography since I bought my first film camera when I was 10 years old. I have been through film and digital and I don't do it for money or fame. I do it because I love it and as a hobby. P.S.I also have a Jeep!
Very inspiring story Ted. I happen to relate well with what you discussed about doing what you are passionate about. I semi-retired back in February of this year to focus on becoming a successful landscape photographer. I've heard it all from my family and friends ranging from how could you leave a six figure job to landscape photographers are a dime a dozen. Ive had some of the best days of my life in the past three months taking landscape pictures and even at 58, I'm confident I will succeed. Thanks again for sharing those stories about your friend and the Edison quote is one of my favs.
Many thanks for these encouraging words. I am just recovering from burnout and find a lot of wisdom in your talk. Best regards, Jean
Ted, you hit the nail on the head here. Whenever I review people’s photo work, I do a lousy job of it. Why? Because I tend to see the beauty in everything and even if the photo is off due to some technical problems I always tell them good job. Why? Because I do see what they were after and i want to make sure that I encourage people to get out and follow their dreams. As for me I have no issues remembering the gas crisis in the early 1970’s and all that fun. Lol. Keep inspiring everyone. Great job.
I keep plugging away and know that my opportunity is around the next corner or the one after that! As long as I love what I’m doing, it’s all worth it! Thank you for this Ted!
Great stories, love the Edison quote. All this talk of passion and ambition to build a career is a completely different world to mine. I'm not looking for any opportunities, I'm not very artistic, I don't see my photography as any sort of potential career move and I certainly have no desire to famous or popular - I don't even have an Instagram!
I'm a little odd in that I'm quite happy taking photos for my own sake. My situation is one most of the more artistic types in these parts would probably struggle to fathom. I'm an aphantasiac - which is to say I have no mind's eye, I can't visualise things, I don't dream, and without the photographic log of my experiences the visions I experience just blink out of existence the moment I turn around - so I try to capture a lot of what I see. I play with my camera, I play with editing and I keep my images around to bring me back to my lost memories.
Great video.. especially during the pandemic..
Thanks Tedd, a very inspiring video. You are so real🙏🏿💚
Thank you for this. I write children’s poetry, make videos and spend hours on them. It takes a lot of effort and I get nothing back in return but they’re my passion. My last video took about 15 hours to make and it got 15 views. Haha. So this is a video that speaks to me. Thanks very much for sharing it.
Thankfully photography is just a hobby and I can enjoy it for what it is.
Ha I feel your pain. I just started a channel and I have like 8 subscribers. 5 of them are family. 🤣🤣😥
@@shaunflemingphotography it’s soul destroying, huh? Haha. I’m at work now but I’ll check out your videos later. 😁
Those are some cool stories. Opportunities are everywhere, but they don't look the way we think they ought to. Indeed!
Ted ... You are right about patience! In the 1960s I spent some years photographing the Isle of Wight in the UK in the hope of getting a book published. I did, but 40 years later! The book was called "PERFECT ENGLAND -The Isle of Wight in the 1960s" ... Now I'm trawling through thousands of pictures I took in the 1980s. In the near future, I hope to publish "A Candid camera in 1980s Oxford". It's in production and other books are in the pipeline. So keep at it. Eventually, things will go your way. Best wishes from Roger George Clark (London, UK).
Thanks for this. Being positive can be so underrated, but in this world, I think positivity is the antidote for many things. Thanks for that Edison quote!
I've followed you for years. I live in the UK and love my JL Rubicon. Small world.
Hi Ted! Thanks for another great video. There is already enough negativity and doom in the photography realm. I was thinking the other day about ways to improve my photography without spending a cent. And the ideas kept coming. Pretty soon, I had enough material to keep me “focused” on the work that I felt positive about the future. Nothing really compares to. a really good print on the wall that was made with your own inspiration. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
I’ve had a photography business for about 8yrs. It’s my absolute passion and love However my full time job is in Sales and I make pretty good money. This pandemic has taught me how miserable I am in Sales. I truly hate it. My photography biz is what keeps me going each day. Ive just been too scared to give up the income bc I support a family. Lots of tough decisions are coming down the line for me
Ted, you have hit the nail right on the head and a great inspiration, your wise words give me the positivity and the drive to move forward with my photography, than you from here in the UK
Nice discussion Ted , more videos like this please. I just want to add sometimes it is really hard to find the route in photography so more on that topic please.
Thanks for sharing.. motivating!
Not a fan of calling it sacrifice (the price tag), words matter, and it was good to hear you calling it work! Great video!
Well Ted, right on...... Artists MUST want Art and be willing to pay the dues, as you mentioned but not, NOT for success but rather for LOVE of the art. That's why we marry "THAT" girl or practice "THE" instrument till we can't or obsess over "THAT" photographic composition until we get it! I truly believe your dad walks this walk. He would have done what he does so well with or without his great success. So deserving BTW......... I'm looking at his wonderful art on my office wall as I type this note. For any other reason other then the sheer joy of looking at a photo/painting, hearing, really HEARING the music or just taking in that artistic moment is truly what the real payoff should be; a positive emotional human experience. You know better then most that each note has a beginning, a middle and an ending and it's what you/we do with each note while your on it is what really matters. Goodness, there are only 12 notes and look at the possibilities, endless! People and their emotions can be positivity changed forever from art and that's what art is, true positive deep human emotion. You did it in high school, I witnessed it, in college, I heard about it and now in photography I see it. You, TED decided to change your walk in life but never strayed from your musical experience, your Dallas Museum of Art tenure and so many other artistic walks that became positives in so many ways to convey an assured, clear, decisive and rewarding end to each suggestion, photo or RUclips segment. In the end you are the positive force we all hope to be. You are the student Ted who taught and is still teaching the teacher, BART
Awesome advice as always. BTW I've been curious to see how you would do at a deep dive into William Mortensen. Either way, keep up the great work.
“Sometime all it takes is a new roll of film” … me.
Ted, thanks very much for your information and inspiration.
Great one ! Enough negativity .. .. .. .. seize the day, prepared to pay the price and do what you love. I enjoyed this one !!
My problem isn't being inspired or motivation, it's the overall saturated field and lack of support that I have a huge problem with. The "well I can do that better or cheaper" mindset in my community.
Good stories well-delivered that were timely for me. Thanks.
Have not been to Fort Worth in 30 years. I am sure a lot has changed. Also, have an art background before getting into photography. Great video!
just watching this now, great episode, s
Great episode. Just seeing it now. Like it so much, I'd like the kids to listen...
For 25 years I had a professional career until I finally had enough of the game. I decided to become an artist in my own right. 18 years later, I sell my first print from my first ever solo show. Was it all worth it? Ohhhh yes! Just stick at it.
The most realistic input is to keep your day job. Photography is basically a hobby.
When I first started this network I had no camera and little editing skills . Two years later and over 500 shows produced now we have apps and a tv channel . It does take time
It's not about being positive or not that's the thing that's important. The thing is to ask yourself if you can find meaning in a crazy world. Photography can give us the opportunity to do something meaningful for ourselves and perhaps others.
Great words. Regards from Argentina.
thanks for the positive spin on things Ted, always good to hear that. If we believe in something, and apply ourselves, why can't we succeed??!! Like your friend, and kudos to him. Picasso was once asked if he believed in 'inspiration', he said yes, but it must find you working. Working is the key, always looking for a way, always fighting to make your vision reality. Keep up the good work sir, hope our paths cross again soon.
Thank you for this video. We all need this positive thinking
Good stories, good talk. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Love your angle on the industry. I've been in it for 30+ years, I'll say it as it is... Its been destroyed by amateur photographers. I've said to a few. Here is a job for you, oh i couldn't do that. Obviously some great ones out there. I've offered weddings up, Editorial work up to... Then get oh, er.
So glad for your channel, please don't go and appease too much.... There is photography and people who use cameras....
I needed to hear this. Thank you.
Great stories. People need to pursue their passion. Otherwise they will always wonder. There are always sacrifices for doing what you love. Today, I wonder how things would differ now if I hadn't put so much time in early. I can't recapture time with my kids. Now that I am retired, I do have time, but end up spending it with grandkids.
By the way, I think you nailed the lighting on this episode. Rembrandt triangle on your left cheek and soft fill evening out the shadows. Perfect!
Great, timely advice. Something I needed to hear. Cheers, Ted. Thank you.
Dito.
That's really inspiring, Ted. Thank you!!!
Ted talk
Your videos are very encouraging Ted! God bless you and keep up the good work!
Just a fun and interesting thing to do in my free time. Low stress, low sacrifice but personally satisfying. I guess point is you can approach it on your own terms and degree of intensity.
Life is a venture. Business is a venture. No promise of success. But it certainly is fun and excitement going through all the ordeals.
And also not to be afraid of other people's success. Sometimes feels like others are so much better and unreachable. Self confidence is so important, but also self reflection. It's not you vs the world, it's you and the world, finding a place, building a place. And most importantly it's about doing. You know I actually cut those papers and took the ground and arranged them. I felt totally stupid doing it. And I have no idea what I actually learned. But I am paying more attention and feel like I am waking up from a long sleep. Like being more active about composition, working more on it, moving around more. Don't know if any of that makes any sense...
One of the problems, once you jump into your "dream passion job" , is that at the end you understand that is just a job like another. Bills, planning, expenses, everything else that any other job has with no security to succeed because you end up in the creative sector. So, that makes you realize whether is worthy or not to jump in and leave a job, perhaps even a well paid one, you may have. It's just reality against dreamwork and it can be very challenging to overcome.
As always, I really enjoy watching and listening to you. Please continue.
Thank you
Thank you. You’re so inspiring
Love your video's so much! I don't own a Jeep but run a Ford truck down the backroads.
Thanks for this video. Maybe fortunately i never thought that success is something "given". But where i live there's lot of people who think that way - "oh, he's rich so he probably have connections, he don't pay taxes, he had rich parents" etc. These people never believe that you can make it through hard work and focus on your plans. Its easier to buy crate of beer, sit behind TV/computer and just do nothing until next day that looks the same.
Thanks for making this video bro bro really helped me . And ur right unused this time to rest how I think and do things and how I want to shape my inner self to reflect my outside
Paying your dues and managing your expectations are all part of doing what you want to do. My granddaughter wanted to follow up on a fairly suspenseful Hugh school experience a theater and competitions on becoming a stage actress.
Of course her parent wanted her to pursue anything but that even though she was told she had a scholarship at a liberal college to pursue drama.
I told her if this is what she wants then by all means pursue it as I saw her stagecraft was very good. But I told her it is all subjective to what you put into it that you had to pay your dues which means all lot of small parts and rejection before she might be able to make a living. As the joke goes what is a waiter or waitress in LA? A actor.
But, that it is better to live your dream to its natural conclusion then to lie in your death bed and wish you had pursued your dream instead of playing it safe.
In the end it’s about what you are willing to sacrifice.
Thanks, for some reason I needed this tonight for reasons you can't imagine.
Great video! I am at that turning point where i am trying to decide what to do, i love photography so much it drives me not me it. Wonder if i should go study it at University or not.