April is the month in which we celebrate Earth Day, to look at the Earth around us, and reflect on how we can save it. How can we make sure the Earth is here for decades to come? Our job is to save it, and that is our legacy. But when I think of photography legacies, I think of what you want yours to be. It may seem like a macabre thing to say, but how do you really want to be remembered? There is an old saying that no one said on their death bed “ I wish I spent more time at the office” but that is only true for those who sit behind desks unfulfilled in their careers. We are different because we are artists, our careers are our passion, and that passion should be our legacy.
I guess the first and most important question is- are you fulfilled? Are you shooting what you love, or are you like that person in the cubicle wishing only for the weekends, unfulfilled in what you do daily? If you answer yes, then the first call of action is to find that place that made you get in to this business in the first place. Why did you become a photographer? Are you an order-taker or a true artist? That question may make a few folks pissed- off but are you really following your passion for this business? I can tell you this from my life: I was the person sitting in that cubicle getting to work with some of the greatest photographers in the World on great award winning concepts and I knew my legacy would be unfulfilled. I followed my heart, left the salary, all my office equipment paid for, paid vacations and sick leave, and some of the best health insurance in the industry, to follow my dream as an artist. Do I regret it? Not one minute! So I can say my legacy is helping others fulfill their dreams to be the best artist they can be while being an artist myself.
So, if you are fulfilled, what is your legacy? What do you give the Earth back for your time on it? That is for you to answer this April as we celebrate Earth Day.
Suzanne Sease
804-741-9070
www.suzannesease.com
Suzanne.sease@verizon.net