To Those Who Stand With Us

Surrounded
Camera: X-E2 Focal Length: 15mm Exposure: 1/250, f/5, ISO800

Most of the time when talking about photography, or any art form for that matter, we focus on technique and the tools of the trade.  Photographers in particular love talking gear, especially since there's a new camera or accessory hitting the market every couple of days.  Then, of course, talking about technique and tips are other favorite topics of conversation or articles.  But, there is one area we often overlook, and that's a shame.

One of the most important aspects of pursuing an art, whether it's photography or something else, is feeling free to do so.  I don't mean freedom in regards to time or resources.  What I'm referring to is the peace of mind that allows us create.  Unfortunately, not everyone has that freedom.  There is nothing worse then being compelled to create, but not having the support from those around us to pursue our creativity.  Instead of encouragement and positive or constructive feedback, the process and efforts are degraded or trivialized. When that happens, the act of creating becomes excruciating and our works are soulless shadows of the original visions that we can't even see clearly anymore.  In the end we put away the clay, the brush, the pen, or the camera and when we look back upon our art it is viewed as a passing fancy, or worse, with regret.  I'm not sure if people realize how important they are to the creatives in their lives.  Our ability to create something stems directly from where our heads are at.  Let's face it, the people that surround us have a great deal to with that.

So, to all of those partners, friends, spouses, and family members who stand behind their creative, thank you!  Thank you for letting us ramble on about the next project, our worries, and the pros and cons of some bit of gear.  Thank you for understanding that we're not in it for the money, but because it's who we are.  Thank you for not trying to convince us that we should be in it for the money.  Thank you for not insulting us by equaling sales or social media likes with success .  Thank you for not nagging us about missed meals or weekends away because we were working.  Thank you for not demeaning our work by demanding that your schedule is more important than "our hobby."  Thank you for allowing us to lock ourselves in our office or studio for days on end while we're on a roll.  Thank you for looking past our clutter of gear, tools, papers, and books.  Thank you for not sighing with disapproval when we need to pick something up at the supply store or camera shop.  Thank you for not voicing impatience when we stop for the 100th time on a walk to we can get another shot.  Thank you for not insisting that we have enough shots.  Thank you for not throwing a tantrum when we need to chase the light or stand in the same spot for a long time while we wait for it.  In short, thank you for your time, your support, your smiles, your understanding, and, most importantly, your love.  It all means more to us than you could possibly know.  We wouldn't be able to be who we are without you.

If you're a creative and there are people in your life who stand with you and thus bestow that peace of mind which allows you to pursue your art with freedom, make sure you thank them.  You owe them quite a lot.