More than ever, many people want to be a “photographer”. Photography is the “democratic art form” & do I think everyone needs some form of expression.

But here is the tricky bit – it is said it takes 10,000 hrs of practice to master photography. I am at around 7,500, so I have come a long way, but have a fair bit to go yet.

In our “instant skills” society, that is commonly convinced that the simple possession of a “really good camera, that takes great photos” will make us a “good photographer”, 10,000 hrs seems like a long time. And it is. And there is NO way around the need for these 10,000 hrs of practice, it can’t be “fast tracked” by any camera, lens, flash, reflector, workshop… & least of all photoshop.

Now you may thinking, “but so & so, they have only been shooting for 4 years and look at them…”. I GUARANTEE if you got know this “overnight success photographer” you would find that what they had spent their years doing before hand was leading up to what they are doing now. And I also GUARANTEE they have done the hardest work of all, they know who they are.

Really amazing photography comes from a place of knowing, accepting and loving yourself. Now that is HARD…REALLY HARD.

One of my greatest inspirations was watching a master horse farrier shoe a horse over 10 years ago. He made it look it easy, believe me it is not, I have tried. Each movement had a purpose and was very precise. I love the calm peaceful confidence that radiates from those who have mastered their craft. Watching this farrier I made the decision, I too want to be extremely good at something meaningful. 7,500 hrs later here I am.

“True happiness…is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Helen Keller