I would like to start out by saying how much I appreciate what the art of photography has shown me about life. For the last 25 years I have had an obsession with the craft. The inspiration for this post comes from finishing the book ” Be Obsessed or Be Average ” by Grant Cardone  

I now realize I am not alone in my extreme, obsessive nature pursuing all my current objects of affection like there is no tomorrow!

What does all this have to do with photography anyway? Well… constantly analyzing my strengths and weakness in my chosen pursuit, I realized that my work was not as creative or energetic as it had been in the past years, too much computer time, too much wine, and not enough exercise had left my stamina level well below what I deemed necessary of myself to produce constant and stimulating creative images. I feel like you can only be creative as long as the energy lasts. Once that is gone it’s just more about finishing the race than creating greatness. As a photojournalist, it was nothing for me to cover multiple three hour events or day long track meets. So what to do?

This notion and journey started about two and a half years ago when I had the possibility of covering the 2020 NFBR as official photographer and the NFR for media. Now this is a job that requires 12 hour days of shooting editing, carrying multiple cameras and packs of equipment for 10 days straight, and if I was lean on energy in a three hour rodeo, well… you see the dilemma. I didn’t even know if I would be chosen from the 70 plus PRCA photogs but I knew if I was, I would need to already be in-shape. First thing to do was quit drinking alcohol, next… start a walking program and improve my diet. My plan was set, by the time I got the nod as official NFBR Photog, I was 15 pounds lighter and walking five miles a day in boots and weights. Fear of not performing at my best or being good enough drove me. Sometimes fear can be a great motivator if used positively.

This started something even bigger, get in the Best shape I could, ah, a new obsession! I mean what’s not great about this? I have more energy, am more enthusiastic about my craft, can get in the position I need and not compromise to a weakness.

Fast forward two yers later, covering many events and also official 2021 NFBR photog, I average 6 miles a day at 16 minute miles and 45 minute stretches, and have more energy and lust for my craft than I did the day I started. I have picked up a couple of new positive obsessions along the way, [ a post for another time ] saved a lot of money on wine, and got back into my old clothes. I feel like as an instructor and a visual media creator, I’m cheating my students and viewers if I’m not giving the best I can of myself! Back to the original question, ” what is your photography/life missing? ”

Stay tuned for the rest of the obsession!

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