 |
| Cuba 2015 |
I am back at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for the senior year of my MFA degree in photography. I took this summer off from SCAD, took pictures of my summer travels and made images of the ministry at our church. It was fun and it was in this off period that I could appreciate what I am learning at SCAD and what I am becoming. It is hard for me to claim this but I will: I am becoming a professional photographer. Well what is a professional photographer?
True professionals have purpose behind the work they create; whether a photographer is fulfilling an assignment or producing art, the intention is guiding the work. The work is deliberate, the craft is honed, and the results are delivered. This work cycle is repeated with passion and persistence.
When I review this definition it reflects how I see my work. I have a clear purpose and I am always working to achieve that purpose in my work as I am moved by the visual world. I found this summer as I was “taking pictures for fun” that I was purposeful in my work and I couldn’t help but produce art. The work is deliberate as I continue to work on my craft by making work, reading and following the artist who inspire me. This isn’t a haphazard process but rather it is a routine that has become a habit that is developing me into a professional artist.
I am convinced that the key to becoming that thing you want to become you have commit to a continuos cycle that takes your game to the next level. At the core this is about having clear purpose, a commitment to professionalism, professional development, honing your skill and continuing to produce work and share it with the world. When we go this process something happens to us, in us and through us. We become that which we dreamt of.
While I am still dreaming of completing my MFA I am committed to the process. I am progressing as the process does what it is intended to do. As you look at yourself the question I put to you is the following: What is the process you are engaged in that is taking you and your work to the next level? What is your course professional development and what is the end intended to be? Can you see what you are becoming?
