I've just had to turn down a press trip to somewhere warm and very sunny. The reason? It's my daughters two year old party slap bang in the middle of the week. I have to admit, the thought of going went through my mind, just for a second. But in this field of work, where much of what you do as a photojournalist is another layer of time needed over and above the day job and family time, you have to keep a grip on what is important in life.
Back in the late nineties I spent 19 weeks of one year out of the country on assignment. Might sound like a dream lifestyle but it was really difficult managing work, family commitments and friends. My relationships with the latter were shot to bits that year, if I wasn't travelling, I was trying to squeeze in time to write it all up and get it in by the deadline.
I guess I can now afford to be more relaxed, I don't have as much to prove and I'm established as a regular contributor. But for anyone who is just starting off my advice would be:
Everything in moderation, keep a sense of balance, and remember what is really important in life.
And if you are fretting over something to do with this line of work, or your day job, if you won't remember the thing that is worrying you in five years time, it's not worth your 'worry' energy.
Keep Writing...
Brendan
Family first - nice work Brendan. Dive sites and events come and go.
Cheers
John.
Posted by: Capt John Silberberg | 05/30/2010 at 10:50 PM