Posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 5, 2009 at 11:13 AM
It's true, I'm a rich man ... photography has made me so.
Don't get me wrong, my images don't command thousands of dollars for a gallery wrapped canvas print. I don't sell hundreds of stock images to magazines or calendar publishers every year. And my work isn't in demand at the most prestigous galleries in the land.
No, I'm rich in a much more meaningful and lasting way.
Because of photography I had the motivation to be standing on a rocky outcrop near Lubec, ME at 3:30 in the morning to witness a glorious sunrise.
Because of photography I've witnessed the alpenglow on Long's Peak in the Rockies and watched the sun set over the Pacific northwest.
Because of photography I've photographed humpback whales at 45 feet from the deck of a two masted schooner and stood within 60 feet, totally exposed, of a bull moose on a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Because of photograhpy I found this place, Nature Photographers Online Magazine. And with that came exposure to amazing imagery and a genuine willingness by its members to share their time, passion and expertise with someone just learning the joys and challenges of photography.
Years later, I now moderate the Central States Nature Photographer forum and have organized several group gatherings. Those events provided the venue for even deeper personal interaction with some talented photographers. Photography provided the means to meet and come to know people I would have never met in life without it.
Yes, I am a richer man because of photography. Richer in my appreciation of nature. Richer in having met so many talented and like minded people. And richer in the knowledge that had photography not found me I might have missed it all.
Come to think of it, I think we are all richer because of photography.
(posted on the NPN Discussion Forum this morning)
Posted by Mike Hall on February 5, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Well said! I don't sell any photos! I do it for the love and enjoyment. It's a great hobby. Yes, you do get to see things that others don't get to see because they are sleeping in or just don't know that there is a jewel just over the next ridge.
Lots of experiences and memories that are backed-up by a photograph for others to enjoy (hopefully).
Mike Hall
Posted by Ed Cooley on February 5, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Excellent, I couldn't agree more. Regardless of how hectic the days are, every sunrise and sunset provides a special moment.
Posted by Mike Spivey on February 5, 2009 at 1:06 PM
Wayne, I know exactly what you are saying. I started late (spent too many years focused on race cars) and don't have as much free time / money as I'd like but I'm trying. You are right, without photography, I wouldn't have watched the sunrise over the Maroon Bells or searched for Columbines on Gothic Rd or chased waterfalls in Arkansas. Great post.
Posted by Brad Mangas on February 5, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Words of truth and wisdom my friend. Financial gains are trivial in comparison to lifes gains.
May it always be that way.
Posted by Scott Bean on February 5, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Well said, very well said. I can't imagine life without photography and how photography has taught me to "see" things better and much clearer. Life would seem empty without that know.
Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by Darren Huski on February 5, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Very well said.
The wealth of quality time in a good endeavor is much better than money.
I can recall fishing with my dad as a kid and he would say "I wonder what the poor people are doing". Because every day fishing or photographing is a rich, good day.
Posted by Tom Kennon on February 5, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Great thoughts, Wayne. I think you have put into words how many of us feel about photography. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Posted by Glenn Carter on February 5, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Thanks for sharing those feelings about photography. I feel that way too!
Well said!
Posted by Merle Cook on February 5, 2009 at 10:11 PM
AMEN ...... The riches of life are not wealth and possessions, they are friends, loves and happiness. Having a full life and satisfied life is the best revenge.
Very well put Wayne - thank you for sharing this with us.
Posted by Aaron Szabo on February 6, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Very true and well said! It's good to hear that we all have a major part of our lives in common. Thanks for sharing and do this again sometime to remind us how lucky and RICH we are!
Posted by Rob Graham on February 6, 2009 at 6:31 PM
Amen Wayne, I couldn't have said it any better. During my divorce, photography played a big part in helping me through the dark days. I've gained new appreciation for the wonders of nature, and even though I always enjoyed being out in nature, I now look at things in a much different light :).
Discussion
11 repliesDon't get me wrong, my images don't command thousands of dollars for a gallery wrapped canvas print. I don't sell hundreds of stock images to magazines or calendar publishers every year. And my work isn't in demand at the most prestigous galleries in the land.
No, I'm rich in a much more meaningful and lasting way.
Because of photography I had the motivation to be standing on a rocky outcrop near Lubec, ME at 3:30 in the morning to witness a glorious sunrise.
Because of photography I've witnessed the alpenglow on Long's Peak in the Rockies and watched the sun set over the Pacific northwest.
Because of photography I've photographed humpback whales at 45 feet from the deck of a two masted schooner and stood within 60 feet, totally exposed, of a bull moose on a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Because of photograhpy I found this place, Nature Photographers Online Magazine. And with that came exposure to amazing imagery and a genuine willingness by its members to share their time, passion and expertise with someone just learning the joys and challenges of photography.
Years later, I now moderate the Central States Nature Photographer forum and have organized several group gatherings. Those events provided the venue for even deeper personal interaction with some talented photographers. Photography provided the means to meet and come to know people I would have never met in life without it.
Yes, I am a richer man because of photography. Richer in my appreciation of nature. Richer in having met so many talented and like minded people. And richer in the knowledge that had photography not found me I might have missed it all.
Come to think of it, I think we are all richer because of photography.
(posted on the NPN Discussion Forum this morning)
Lots of experiences and memories that are backed-up by a photograph for others to enjoy (hopefully).
Mike Hall
May it always be that way.
Thanks for the reminder!
The wealth of quality time in a good endeavor is much better than money.
I can recall fishing with my dad as a kid and he would say "I wonder what the poor people are doing". Because every day fishing or photographing is a rich, good day.
Well said!
Very well put Wayne - thank you for sharing this with us.