Photography Isn't Always Fun

Photography is supposed to be a fun thing; after all, it is something we all willingly choose to do, as opposed to a career chosen out of necessity. But that doesn't mean it always is; in fact, sometimes, it's downright tedious. This great video follows a landscape photographer as he discusses how the job isn't always as great as we make it out to be and why that's still ok.

Coming to you from Mike Perea Photography, this awesome video discusses how despite the fact that there are many great things about photography, it simply isn't always fun. The message really resonated with me, because I'll sometimes feel a bit guilty if I'm not enjoying my time with a camera, and I think it's important to remember that even if we're enjoying a career doing something we love, that doesn't mean we are somehow obligated to constantly be smiling while doing it. Certainly, if it's only your hobby, you can just take some time away until you feel like going out again, but if it's your profession, at least know that it's ok to have periods where you're not feeling it. Check out the video above for Perea's full thoughts. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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4 Comments

Realistically, nothing is always fun. Putting pressure on something to always make you happy or feel fulfilled is sure to backfire & make the instances where it doesn't make you happy feel more pronounced.

For as long as we live there will always be cool stuff to photograph. Unless you literally miss the opportunity to shoot images of E.T. or some other amazing occurrence I say just have fun with it when it feels fun.

Mike you got some great images out of what at first glance looked to be not such a great location. My solution for the summertime blues is to just head out with a prime or two, go handheld and focus on story telling and putting aside all the technical wizardry for a day. All that image manipulation can suck the creativity right out of you, although you did a great job putting it all together at the end.

I'll watch the video, but before I do, let me just say I've never had a bad day as a photographer... even when it was pretty bad.

Really need some cheese with that ...