I wasn’t going to post anything.  Not because I don’t have an opinion or because I am afraid of the backlash that may come from this post- but mainly because I know that the people who really need to read this will likely never see it.  But I feel compelled to post this anyway.  So, here I go…

Over the past six years I have witnessed, both firsthand and on social media outlets, the rise and fall of many photographers.  Many of these photographers I have met, some of them I have personal relationships with and some of them I know only in the cyber world.  They are my peers, more often than not, my trusted advisers, some of which are my heros and a handful of them are my closest friends.

I love the Photography Industry, so what I am seeing happen to it right now is absolutely heartbreaking.  I am so tired of all the negativity.  It’s exhausting.  It’s unnecessary.  I will never understand why society feels the need to build people up and hold them to an unrealistic standard- only to then tear them down and rip them apart in a matter of seconds, without hesitation or remorse.  Failing to remember a few things: these are REAL PEOPLE.  With REAL EMOTIONS.  With FEELINGS.  With HEARTS.  We’ve all made mistakes, right?  Right.  Because we’re all human.  Have your opinion, as you are entitled to it.  But I have to ask, what is benefit of destroying someone else?

In my humble opinion, I think we all need a dose of reality- remember what really matters and choose to only worry about the things that impact you directly.  Focus on you.  Focus on your friends and family.  Focus on your business.  On your clients.  On your own photography.  If you have time to kill- stand up from your computer chair, pick up your camera and get out there and create something.  Plan a unique photo shoot and please, I beg of you, start filling Facebook and Twitter with inspiring content so we can start to filter out all of the negative nonsense.  Rather than getting caught up in it- remove yourself from it.  Please, take this stand with me.  Our industry needs it…

Negativity is the creative killer.  If we lose that, what do we have left?

While all the crap hit the fan this week, this girl was busy with photo shoots with senior clients and teaching a workshop.  What were you up to?  Tell me, I want to know!  :)