I love going to school. I really do. I’m learning to do what I want to do and gain the skill set I’ll need for success. I work with fantastic people. I’ll be working with a great lady this coming May to learn more about the business side of things. I’m looking forward to it, it should be a great learning experience.
That said, there is something that is driving me nuts. I consider myself a photographer. I don’t make tonnes of money, nor do I shoot for profit at this stage of the game – but that doesn’t mean I can’t. I am photographer.
But that is not all I am.
I hate how people assume that because I am a photographer, that is all I want to eat/breathe/live. I encompass so much more than that. I go to school 5 days a week and learn about photos – but those other 2 days are me. I don’t spend every waking moment thinking about how to compose shots, what lenses I need to buy, or how much money I want to make. I do think about these things occasionally, but they are not on my mind every second. This will likely change as I get more involved and actually start working in my chosen field, but even then, I refuse to pigeonhole myself or allow others to pigeonhole me.
Think about it this way – my engineer friend doesn’t come hang out at my house and talk about his job all the time. My friends in retail don’t spend their days off worrying about their jobs. My teacher friends don’t spend their weekends knee-deep in kids. There is some discussion, some thought about their vocations, but this does not encompass who these people are – it is merely a part of a larger whole.
I went out to dinner with some friends, including some classmates, this past week. It was really fantastic to hang out with people outside of school, and I really like getting to know people for who they are aside from school. The main topic of discussion was photography. I chatted with my non-photographer friends who were there and steered clear of the conversation. It’s not that I dislike talking about it – quite the opposite, actually – but I was so hoping to talk about something different (This is meant as no offense to those I spent time with – it really was great to see you!). I know plenty about the main thing that we have in common – but I barely know anything beyond that. I go to school with so many colourful, smart, talented people – they’re interesting. Can I be blamed for wanting to know more?
Did you know I’m an avid video gamer? Did you know I enjoy reading, and can speed read? I enjoy cooking and crafts, and can make jewelry. I knit. I sew. I love board games. I’m spiritual. I used to be a jock.
I am a photographer, but I’m also more than that. I’m more than a one-dimentional word. Who are you?
