I downloaded “Wear Good Shoes: Advice from Magnum Photographers” and found it to be an inspiring collection of thoughts from some of the world’s best photojournalists. The great part about this document was that it really never mentioned anything technical about photography. (Well, except for the advice about shoes, I guess.) If I had to sum it up in just a few words the essence of the advice was to cultivate a broad interest in the arts and follow your passion for photography by photographing every day.
Lots of people say do what you love and follow your passion. What if what you love doesn’t pay enough for your food, clothing and shelter? While I do love making photographs, for most of my life I had to provide for my wife and two daughters who really, really wanted to live indoors, wear shoes and eat regularly. My photographs weren’t going to make that happen.
I made my photographic life part of the life I needed to live to support my family.
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