Well, 2015 is promising to be an adventure-filled one for myself and my family! December 31 was my last day on the job in my leadership role with the non-profit organization I have been serving with for the past number of years, and January 1 dawned to new chapter for us.
I thought my first official announcement of this transition should be shared with my friends and fellow-photographers here on NPN.
About two decades after operating a successful commercial and fine-art photography business in the late-80's and 90's (pre-internet world, really), I am returning to photography full-time. (Or, as most of you know, this really means returning to the business of photography full-time, with as much time actually behind the camera as can be scheduled.)
However, as you may surmise, this time I have the incredible privilege of chasing this dream with my family. In fact, this is the primary reason my wife and I chose this path: the opportunity to model to and mentor all my kids in finding a way to do what they love. And of course I have the chance to help Jenaya and Josiah in particular learn first-hand what it takes to establish and grow a photography business. For that matter, I'm dragging them along with me in this venture as somewhat of a family-based photo collective.
So, we're EXCITED for the coming year to say the least! (And very, very aware of the tremendous uphill path ahead in an industry seemingly changing almost monthly and one becoming more and more difficult to make a living in.)
Just wanted to share the news! I'll be busy charting our course and getting websites fully developed, etc. the next few months, but I hope you'll see me around NPN a lot more as well. I am deeply grateful for the role this community has played in developing the skills of my kids and sharpening my own along the way. We researched long and hard before allowing Jenaya to join NPN as a 13yr old back in 2011, and it was clearly one of the best decisions we have made for her, and Josiah's and my, photography. We so appreciate the positive, encouraging spirit here balanced with practical tips and suggestions.
I hope the year ahead is filled with great light and great opportunities taken for us all.
Hi John!
Great news! I'm sure life will be more satisfying n happy for you! It is really a bold decision, which I too long to take soon.
All the very best to you n kids!
Cheers!
Jagdeep Rajput
Posted by Jim Erhardt on January 4, 2015 at 7:23 AM
John, based on our email exchanges I knew you were heading that way - good to hear you're making it happen!
Good luck on your new journey, I have no doubt it will be as successful for all of you as it is gratifying!
Posted by Luke Ormand on January 4, 2015 at 10:04 AM
Congrats and good luck!
Posted by John Tobias on January 4, 2015 at 12:05 PM
Good luck and best wishes for a very successful change of course.
Posted by Karen Kane on January 4, 2015 at 12:16 PM
Congratulations John (Jenaya and Josiah too of course )
Wishing you all a successful journey
Posted by Jim Zablotny on January 4, 2015 at 1:47 PM
Hi John,
Congratulations and good luck to your new endeavor. ..........................Jim
Posted by Bruce King on January 5, 2015 at 12:05 PM
Awesome.....good luck and have fun
Posted by Jerry Austin on January 6, 2015 at 7:49 AM
I wish you and your family the best as you chase your dream.
Posted by Jerry Austin on January 6, 2015 at 7:49 AM
I wish you and your family the best as you chase your dream.
Discussion
9 repliesI thought my first official announcement of this transition should be shared with my friends and fellow-photographers here on NPN.
About two decades after operating a successful commercial and fine-art photography business in the late-80's and 90's (pre-internet world, really), I am returning to photography full-time. (Or, as most of you know, this really means returning to the business of photography full-time, with as much time actually behind the camera as can be scheduled.)
However, as you may surmise, this time I have the incredible privilege of chasing this dream with my family. In fact, this is the primary reason my wife and I chose this path: the opportunity to model to and mentor all my kids in finding a way to do what they love. And of course I have the chance to help Jenaya and Josiah in particular learn first-hand what it takes to establish and grow a photography business. For that matter, I'm dragging them along with me in this venture as somewhat of a family-based photo collective.
So, we're EXCITED for the coming year to say the least! (And very, very aware of the tremendous uphill path ahead in an industry seemingly changing almost monthly and one becoming more and more difficult to make a living in.)
Just wanted to share the news! I'll be busy charting our course and getting websites fully developed, etc. the next few months, but I hope you'll see me around NPN a lot more as well. I am deeply grateful for the role this community has played in developing the skills of my kids and sharpening my own along the way. We researched long and hard before allowing Jenaya to join NPN as a 13yr old back in 2011, and it was clearly one of the best decisions we have made for her, and Josiah's and my, photography. We so appreciate the positive, encouraging spirit here balanced with practical tips and suggestions.
I hope the year ahead is filled with great light and great opportunities taken for us all.
Great news! I'm sure life will be more satisfying n happy for you! It is really a bold decision, which I too long to take soon.
All the very best to you n kids!
Cheers!
Jagdeep Rajput
Good luck on your new journey, I have no doubt it will be as successful for all of you as it is gratifying!
Wishing you all a successful journey
Congratulations and good luck to your new endeavor.