I started my work as a travel/humanitarian/cultural photographer kind of by accident but definitely with open eyes. I hadn’t really ever planned on being this kind of photographer, but because of my wife and I’s love for cultures and desire to make a living in a socially and economically developing area and my passion for photography, here I am. I, from the bottom of my heart, love what I do, but in my heart of hearts, I’m a studio portrait photographer -a flash geek – a strobist.
Because I didn’t come into this profession with the true and direct intent to land here, I believe I’ve been able to see a different side of this kind of photography. Some of the conversations that suround the travel photography world really make me think about whether or not people are really counting the costs of this type of profession. I hear people say all the time that they want, as their deepest desire, to be a travel or humanitarian photographer. I just have to stop and wonder if they, for a second, have taken off the rose colored glasses.
Before I start in, let me just say that I love travel, cultural, and humanitarian photography. I just love photography. I love that photography will eternally challenge me as an artist. I love that photography makes me feel incredibly and terrifyingly human. Photography has the ability to not only challenge the viewer but also the photographer. I love how it can transcend culture and how a single moment in time can be made timeless. I love how photography can truly create change. There’s a lot to love about it, isn’t there?
Here’s the thing though – Like every job on the planet, this one is a mixed bag. There are lot of struggles and tough times that come with the territory.
Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me of how tough it can be. My grandfather died yesterday, and not only could I not afford to get back home, I couldn’t have even made it intime if I had tried. Continuing on, I’ve yet to meet a travel photographer who didn’t just feel like he had unpacked… right before he or she was packing up to go out again. I plan my life in 6 month chunks around tour season. Sometimes culture can really just be downright annoying rather than beautiful. Change is difficult to come by and furthermore it’s hard when people don’t sympathize with what you are deeply passionate about. It’s a lot like getting kicked in the gut – repeatedly. Try being married and doing this – It’s not easy at all – the list quite honestly goes on.
This profession is hard and it can take a toll on you if you let it – heck, it’s going to take a toll on you no matter what. A majority of the time it’s not even close to glamorous, and honestly, a lot of the time, it just sucks. It’s times like these where I really have to ask myself if it’s worth it. I know it really is worth it on so many different levels, and it’s that long list of things that I love that get me through the hard times.
What gets you through the times when it just kinda sucks?
This wasn’t really an easy piece to write and I’m not sure what spurred me onto it to be honest – I think the realization yesterday that I wasn’t going to be able to take the 7,600mile 36 hour trip back home to see my family reminded me of all the crappy times that are associated with what we do, and honestly, some of these are really REALLY crappy – just like any other job.
All that to say, there’s not a lot of value in getting people into this kind of photography only to harm themselves – we have to enter into things with open eyes.
This is the other side of the story… the one that nobody tells you until is to late!
Living abroad/overseas is great in many ways, probably way better than just staying back at “home”, but it has so many challenges to just count them here… and if you happen to have kids, wow! it gets so much harder… still, I can live with the consequences, although you never stop thinking about what you have left back there… you know former “home”.
I know this is a sensitive time for you, and I only hope you can find peace on your decision.
Thank you for your words Brian.
Brian: Thanks for this. As a guy who is spending 9 months straight traveling with my camera I can definitely sympathize. And you are exactly right… a lot of times it does suck, but there is a long list of things we love that get us through it. So sorry to hear of your lost. You’ll be in my prayers.
Thanks for these words. There are calculated risks in any creative endeavor, and there are other sacrifices too — not all of them are “calculated” or even known up front. Most can’t be changed or undone. The challenge is determining today, this week, this month: what risks and sacrifices should I make, and for what gains?
I feel your pain, and also the pull that draws you to do what you do. Take time to reflect, grieve, remember, and move forward when you’re ready.
Hey guys thanks for the kind words. Some great thoughts here.
Again, thanks for all your comments on this, it’s always interesting to see the different perspectives on this subject as well as how people go about COUNTING the risks
I do want to ask you guys, what actually DOES get you through the hard times as a photographer? I know for alot of us its our family, and it should be – but PHOTOGRAPHICALLY, what makes it keep going
I feel your despair, remembering how much I loved my grandfather and having to deal with my own loss. You chose to make a difference, and I’m sure he was (is) proud of you and what you’ve sacrficed for the good you’re doing.
haha… yes you nailed it. single guy over here. ha.
I’m not sure if i’m understanding your question exactly. I agree, family really helps you get through the hard times as a person. but photographically… as a photographer… maybe it’s not so different
I know for me… I’m three months into a nine month trek going from project to project all for one organization. This is a pretty new to me to do a trip like this. And it’s come with it’s challenges as well as it’s exciting times. Now, fortunately, the hard times have been more aligned with work and how to capture stories well, nothing along the lines of a personal loss (although there is always that fear that phone call will come when you’re stuck on the other side of the world).
The last few weeks have proven hard from a creative/photographic standpoint. Seeing and visiting many projects that are all real similar in scope but in different places, different people, different stories. each story deserves to be told and told well. But how many ways can you take photos of people in the bush of Africa who have been taught how to grow gardens or received micro-loans?
You see as a photographer as a visual artist or a visual storyteller, we have to search and dig deep to find the right way to convey a story just like a writer searches for the right words. It can be hard to find the right way to capture something. it take discipline and drive. and traveling alone, sometime it becomes even harder.
I’ve become more convinced over the last few days and being able to communicate and talk with friends (skype) and brainstorm that there is a connection between community and creativity.
I had hit a creative road block, the road had begun to wear me down. I had hit a hard spot and didn’t know how to carry on and improve my work. But even just talking with friends for several hours i found myself refreshed.
I think there are things and places that give us inspiration, challenge us, push us on and it is important to know what those things are for each of us.
So, this is different than the original blogpost… but i feel goes along with “as a photographer” part. there are many types of hard times and road blocks that come are way. but at the end of the day maybe family and friends are really a key factor in every area… not just in personal hard times.
Hey dude, you know I’m just a snap-shooter and not the pro insight you may be looking for, but what keeps me going photographically through the crap times is getting out by myself with my camera at evening/night, having a drink or two, and then going and shooting the urban gritty details that make life here less sterile than life in the west; and then trying out shots with angles and light and movement that I just wouldn’t otherwise shoot. Sometimes I end up with nothing, but sometimes I end up with some portraits of life and some images that just capture the essence of the city better than I normally would. Then I come home tired and go to sleep.