Comments on: Undeniable Awesomeness & Perseverance.

By: Kim Bates-Wallace

Kim Bates-Wallace — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:56:20 +0000

David, Thank you, thank-you, and gracias. I asked for this book for Christmas and sweet Virginia there is a Santa Claus. Let me say, this book answered every question I had about making the decision to become a photographer. Currently, I’m on active duty and will retire in less than 3 years. With a nice retirement check, I can do what I’ve always wanted to do. Your book has really inspired me and I CANNOT WAIT to begin my new career. Thank-you again for sharing your wisdom and telling it like it is. Can’t wait for the next book. If you need input about what us common folk would like to know, don’t hesitate to email me.

By: Javier G

Javier G — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:39:40 +0000

WOW, spot on most of what you wrote here I ask myself that question from time to time. And believe me you’re not being cynical, there are lousy photographers out there making money. Which frustrates me at times, it was a little ray of light looking at it from the angle you wrote it on “persevere”…

By: JVL

JVL — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:28:23 +0000

I’ll point out that maybe I’m not good enough by my own standards – I must be meeting others because I have happy clients. Which can only mean they’ll get happier as I push myself.

By: Friday Roundup. Blog post recommendations around the web #3 |Out of Focus| A blog by Younes Bounhar

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:01:20 +0000

[...] Finally, as photographers we all have phases where self-doubt and fear takes over our lives and stalls our drive to succeed. If you need a boost of self-confidence or a bit of reassurance that you are on the right track, do check out David duChemin post Undeniable Awesomeness & Perseverance. [...]

By: tanya

tanya — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:12:36 +0000

oooo – your last paragraph pierces me! thanks for that… also, loving “The War of Art” at the mo. thanks for that x2!!

By: DT

DT — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:53:26 +0000

David,

Another great post. I think that some of what we do in life is determined to some extent by our personalities and how we deal with life events.

There are those who are happy in living on the edge, prepared to push the boundaries, and take life by the horns. Then there are others who prefer to take a more cautious approach, have a safety net, and generally stay within their comfort zones. But of course there are those who have a mixture of each.

For each of the above perosnalities to swap approaches would probably be a huge step into the unknown- and probably very uncomfortable.

But, whatever our personalities, we can all learn from experience and use the lessons learnt along the way in growing and developing. That is applicable to just about anything – our life skills, business acumen or photographic ability.

So, every now and then, we do have to step out of our comfort zones. Some will take big steps and others perhaps will take smaller ones. The trick is to look back at those moments, analyse what happened as a consequence of taking that step, then use the lessons learned to shape and determine our next move.

In short, we are living in the moment and learning from life experiences. ‘Life is not a rehearsal -this is it’

Thanks for a great post
DT

By: Jodie

Jodie — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:42:41 +0000

Thank you for this post, it is the record that spins repeatedly in my head, and the fear of failing is quite paralyzing at times, but your words of perseverance as each day we are getting better, just doing it boldly are encouraging and thought provoking.

By: Andre J

Andre J — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:06:15 +0000

Really like your post, always a great read, full of inspiration. To go along that last pearl of wisdom, I’ll add to one of my favourites quotes on my wall.

Thanks,
André

By: Jesse

Jesse — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 21:33:03 +0000

Yeah, what they said.

But it must be said again: However frequent, your posts are most inspirational and appreciated.

Photography is often an outlet for me to be myself, when life forces me to jump through so many hoops. It’s liberating to have time to do what I love and express myself. But at the same time, doubt and fear creep into this refuge. So this, as many of your posts do, broke through the noise in my own head, and helps me keep the big picture in mind.

What you do to teach is fantastic. What you do to inspire is sublime. Thanks for sharing who you are and why you do it.

By: Mac Payne

Mac Payne — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:33:29 +0000

David,
Your posts are so refreshing, inspiring and thought provoking. A real jewel in a world of sameness. Thank you.