Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

The great quote of Ralph Waldo Emerson  should shake you to the core; "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." At first glance, it's a rather obvious observation, isn't it? But when you turn off your surroundings for a moment, close your eyes and really listen to his words, you soon realise that most goals you enjoy reaching were all accomplished with enthusiasm. 

My enthusiasm for photography has grown exponentially over the years. There were many times in the beginning of my journey that I didn't even want to pick up my camera, because I had walked around my neighborhood dozens of times. I had already taken every shot I could think of! I wasn't yet confident enough (in skill) to ask others if I could practice photographing them, and it felt like I wasn't truly improving, or at least not at the rate I was hoping. I expected to be a pro in a matter of weeks! That's pretty ambitious, now that I'm looking back roughly 5 years. 

Slowly but surely, with the help of my lovely fiance, I was able to practice photographing people, and things finally started to come together! I had the basics down, and I became much more comfortable and confident shooting people (rather than plants and buildings). With plenty of enthusiasm and ambition, I began to get hired on to photograph people! Imagine the feeling of getting compensated financially for doing the thing you love to do. Now don't get me wrong, a simple photo shoot with an individual may take me 2 hours to get the photos taken, but still takes me another 6-8 hours of editing back in the office. It's not easy work by any means, but it is my passion to capture people in a beautiful state, so that they will always have something to look back on. And now, after hundreds of hours in editing, I'm finally able to achieve a classic, vintage look to my images that really give them a kind of warmth that I've desired. 

I've come a very long way in terms of experience, and I have had to traverse both mountains and valleys, but it isn't over, and won't ever be until I set my camera down for the very last time.  

Photography is my passion, and this train is only getting more momentum. You will always have excuses not to do something, but it's your choice whether those excuses actually stop you or not. Remember, tomorrow is not a guarantee.
So, I ask you; What is your passion, and why aren't you doing it right now?