Just a couple of days ago I met a friend of mine who is a lawyer, that I had not seen for almost two years. In our conversation, there were a few times where I recognized the attitude that people who have office jobs tend to have towards photographers in general and freelancers in particular.
Up from the start I knew I was in for a great treat when he asked a question he also answered at the same time. "So what have you been doing since we last met? Not much, have you?"
Then he launches into a description of his latest vacation in the Danube Delta in Romania. "Oh, it was great. Have you ever been there?" I say yes and mimic taking a photo with my hands, as if to explain that I was there to work. "For pictures?" he replies, with a tone in his voice that so clearly indicated both the futility of my trip and his contempt for what it is that I do for a living, in general.
You can probably imagine why we don't meet that much. If you do read this, my lawyer friend, please do not get offended. To me, it is simply interesting to notice how far apart our worlds really are.
I remembered this after reading a great blog post by Justin Mott about a freelance photographer's lifestyle. You can read it here.
3 comments:
But then there are also the people who admire you and your work and your lifestyle, who'd want it all for themselves but haven't yet discovered their talent or courage, so they look at you with stars in their eyes.
There is balance in the world :)
I like to think, in some respects, we've broken out of the societal norms and cookie cutter expectations. More you than me, but still, most photographers a like. And that's something to be proud of. Something to admire.
In a few years, he'll be bored to death, and you'll be still enjoying your work...
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