It's now that time of year where assessments are due and exams are to be taken. I've had to swap the beautiful warm glow of the sun for the cold harshness of tungsten lights. I feel so encaged working in a studio. Don't get me wrong, studying a higher education photography course is what I've been dreaming of since I was 16. Leaving high school to practice what I actually enjoyed and meeting other people who felt the same thrill holding a camera as I did was the hope I clung onto.
I would have swapped college for my current course in a heart beat. If it hadn't been a requirement to present my year 12 certificate at the interview, I'm not sure if I would of wanted to complete college at all (I'm glad that I did though).
Before I started attending I had no idea where I wanted to take my work, or just the general next step.
Meeting the teachers and sitting through numerous guest speakers inspired me to be all that I can be. There was now a network of people I could turn to. Their passions left me ecstatic and eager to explore different artistic avenues.
Now a days my camera bag instinctively hangs by my side. Fingers loosely wrapped around the shoulder strap, so natural now like a child holding onto its mother's hand. I can't imagen leaving the house without my camera. I very seldom do.
Life became an open canvas and my lens the gate way to my mind, my thoughts, my way of interpreting what I saw and what I wanted others to see.
I don't speak much but I'd like to think my photographs do the talking for me. That with each click of the shutter a part of myself, my personality is reflected in the eyes of the strangers of whose photos I choose to take. The melted conversion of colours seeping from my reality onto the cameras sensor.
Unfortunately I haven't spent much time taking pictures on my own discretion lately, but I suppose that's the reality of the industry. There will always come a time when in order to make money you're going to have to follow under the direction of someone else.
However, it still doesn't change the deprivation I feel having not taken an image using natural lighting for a while. I miss my love and nature.
I don't know how I'm going to get through next year if I do manage to pass.
Tertiary education is always going to be the school of hard knocks. There will be times when you wonder why you stick through it when you feel you could take yourself out of there and work independently, rather than someone telling you how to do it and why. I am no photographer but you can extrapolate to any field of study.
ReplyDeleteThe harsh reality is that being under someone at a workplace or for a client will always require a sacrifice on personal flair and variety. However, you must never forget to look back on what set fire to the passion you chose. Take time to put your foot on new ground and indulge your hobby the way you want it, how you want it. Believe me, there lies an almost infinite source of inspiration.
Nic this is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much, it gave me a lot to think about and reminded me of what it was that made me fall in love with photography in the first place.
DeleteYou honestly give the best advice.