Don't Miss the Shot!

I've been focused on being passionate about my art/work/business whatever you'd like to call it?  I'm not melodramatic or over romantic about photography, or anything for that matter!
Today however I am painfully frustrated. It was a special day for my daughter Clara Louna whose school were hosting an open day to exhibit all their work so far this year. The art was impressive, the sculptures and paper designs incredible.
I was more than impressed and certainly inspired from what I saw. My frustration stems from my professionalism and over-developed sense of perfection.
I followed Clara Louna and my ex partner around the school with my camera in hand

waiting for the perfect look, or the nice smile,


and of course flattering light. Well there was too many kids in the way, other blind parents who could not see I was trying to take an effing picture, and proud teachers who wanted to say how wonderful my daughter was. I know! Now just let me take a picture svp!
I now realise my desire for perfection ruined my chances of getting any pictures. I took some and deleted most of them.
The light was wrong, she wasn't looking at me in the right way, some ass had his arm in the way, another kid walked into the picture  etc etc.
So a word of warning!
Your photos don't have to be perfect!
The perfection of imperfection comes to mind.
I've meditated on things like this, and I know better.

I just thought I'd share it.
  My tip : Just take pictures no matter what!

Woodman of Jenzat

 The church to 508 inhabitants of Jenzat, regionale Auvergne

                 Passion and your photography/career?

        I recently visited a small village in the department of Allier. This charming untouched for centuries little village saw the beginnings of the musical instrument known as a vielle. First made by Jean Baptiste Pajot(1863-1935). It has a comical translation into english...hurdy gurdy. In Ireland the hurdy gurdy was a fairground attraction that swung you around so fast you'd think your head would land some distance away from the shoulders it was attached to. 

  

    Now what has all this to do with the word Passion?      

   Well in the same village lives a man who has so much passion about his trade that it has left an impression on me. I was touring the village of Jenzat with my friend Pascal when Mr Méténier appeared at his front door. Pascal and himself exchanged the obligatory niceties, and then Pascal asked if we might visit his workshop. His face changed as he answered positively, and without hesitation turned towards the door of his workshop.

 

   It was a woodworkers paradise, an Aladdin's cave containing every kind of wood cutting or carving utensil imaginable. I did my best to follow his explanations,but I really didn't need to. It was his life long passion for what he does that was remarkable, as was the delight visible on his face as he described how every piece came to life in his workshop. And his enthusiasm for his work even at the age of 89 was powerful.

    It provoked me into asking myself 'Am I this passionate about my work at the age of fifty and will I still be if I'm lucky enough to see 89'?

   No point in that kind of projection, but a good question that needs an answer!

   To be a photographer is somewhat grandiose, a job of prestige you might say, but not one most photographers get financially rich from. It certainly is rich in fulfillment for me though. I believe you must have passion!

   This is just my point of view of one artisan to another. Thank you Mr Ménétier!