Round Two – Getting your money’s worth!

8 years, 5 months ago 4

 

 

It all started with a  conversation.  Jack Graham and I were riding around Northern Ohio a couple of weeks ago and the talk worked it’s around to committment.  Not everyone is as committed to anything as anyone else.  Level of commitment vary and it’s not fair to judge all students by the same standard.  It’s really not fair, but I confess, I’m guilty of it, sometimes.  So here is the deal.

 

When people get into photography, some get interested, some get excited, some get fully committed! I love that last group because that is what I am.  When I’m working with folks that really want to get great at this, it lights me up!  I understand that some folks have other things in their lives, a kinda admire that!  For me the best students are those that are really working hard at it.  I’ve always believed that a craft is something you live for, (aside from God), a talent you work hard at, you sand it and polish it every day!  You get as good as you can get, but the process is just as important, in fact more important, than the finished product!

 

In life if you are not committed to something worth more than yourself, your lost.  I am committed to my God, my family, my friends and the craft God has allowed me to practice and enjoy.

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

Wake up call?  That would be your call!

 

 

4 Responses

  1. Scotty says:

    Very interesting comments Bill and I’m not sure which way to go with this so I will just tell you my story. I got into photography 5 years ago after a lifetime of being a outdoorsman. It as been a slow, sometimes painful but greatly rewarding hobby. I’m also a full time healthcare professional and teach in my profession. On top of this I’m a musician who sings and plays guitar in our Church Band and have to learn 5 new Contemporary Christian songs every week, which is no small order for a Bluegrass picker. My Wife and I are active in whatever in going on in our Church at any time. Oh yeah, I turned 62 yesterday. Photography is a passion of mine but my level of commitment is tempered by the amount of time I can devote to it so please do not judge me by your professional standards. I can promise you, when I attend one of your workshops, I will almost certainly ask at least one dumb question a day!

    Peace, your brother in Christ, Scotty

    P.S. I’m heading out to the Okefenokee this morning for three days of kayaking, photographing, and just marveling at God’s creation.

  2. Bill Fortney says:

    Sounds like you have it in the proper place in your list of priorities! Congratulations, and blessings!

  3. Steve Hurst says:

    Ok, Bill I need to ask you a serious question that I have battled with for years. I love God and I enjoy Photography a lot. My fear has always been that I would get to the point to where it might become an idol of worship. In fact, I put my cameras down for a few years just because of this fear. I feel like God has blessed me in this endeavor but I know feelings will fool you sometimes. How do you know the difference and how do you prevent this thing or anything for that matter getting in the wrong perspective in life.
    Thanks for the place to ask such a question and as I told you at the Summit I enjoy this blog for the spiritual as much as the photography.

    • Bill Fortney says:

      I think you found the answer, if you are willing to lay it down you own it, it doesn’t own you!
      I think God wants us to have a passion for the things he gives us, just not let them become what we worship! Things are fijne, but He is The Thing!!!!!