Everybody needs a hobby. It gives you a chance to do something care-free in your leisure time, helps you relax and get your mind off work. It’s pretty much play time for grown ups. In my case, I started taking pictures as a hobby. Photography was something I’ve always wanted to do for so long and I finally got to dabble in it when I moved here in Singapore 4 years ago.
So there I was, walking around Orchard Road on weekends trying to get good pictures. I was fanatically shooting as much as I can, relentlessly looking for inspiration, and eventually pushed myself to get better and better shots. I later realized with the amount of time and effort I was pouring, this was turning out to be far from the care-free relaxing avenue it was supposed to be. It started to feel like more than just a hobby.
A few months ago, I was invited to be a guest speaker in a session called Oblation Talks by the UPAAS (University of the Philippines Alumni Association) here in Singapore. The topic was about finding your passion. The keynote speaker, VJ Yamat, was a medical doctor who eventually found himself working as a PR specialist for an ad agency. He mentioned something that struck a chord… he believes that passion exists when attraction is coupled with friction.
Of course. When I started photography out of interest, it was all hunky dory. I was a kid with a new toy discovering new possibilities. But pretty quickly, I’ve grown easily unimpressed with my own shots. I guess that’s what happens when you constantly look at works of the classic and contemporary masters. From then on, it was a tough grind. I’d spend 3 to 4 hours walking in the street looking to capture that perfect moment. On normal days, I’d get zero keeper shots. On good days I’d get 1 or 2.
I always found it curious when some of my peers said how amazed they were at how ‘disciplined’ I was to do what I do. I never thought it about it that way. I just really wanted to do it. It wasn’t easy in account of the overwhelming randomness of the street, and the huge possibility of people thinking I was an inappropriate weirdo taking photos of strangers without permission. In many instances, I’ve seriously asked myself “why am I doing this again?” It was hard work. But I still kept at it. And kept loving it. I guess that’s where passion comes in.
Passion will push you to your limits. It will demand sacrifices and make it hard on you. But you won’t mind the hard work, because you know it will make you better. And when it pays off, it will surprise you with opportunities you’ve never even dreamed of. Trust me.
When I started this hobby, I just wanted to take good pictures. Getting paid for it didn’t really cross my mind. In fact, there was a point when I started to consider being a ‘poor artist’. This didn’t sit well with my girlfriend. I snapped out of it :)
Ultimately, for me, when you’re doing something that you really like, you might as well try to be very good at it. Otherwise, what’s the point, right?
I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
I have a degree in creative writing from a top university, but still have no significant credits yet. How should I go about getting published in a reputable magazine or web site for the first time? Is self-publishing the way to go? I have short stories that are done, but I am not sure where to send them. I know I need an agent, but trying to get one without ever being published just isn’t going to happen. Any suggestions?.
Good ¡V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thank you, I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
Normally I don’t read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very great post.
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
Great blog! I am loving it!! Will come back again. I am bookmarking your feeds also
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Of course, what a magnificent site and revealing posts, I surely will bookmark your website.Have an awsome day!
Thanks so much for giving everyone a very remarkable chance to read in detail from this web site. It really is very superb plus jam-packed with a great time for me personally and my office peers to search your site nearly three times every week to learn the latest things you have got. And of course, I am usually happy concerning the excellent techniques served by you. Some 1 points in this post are undoubtedly the simplest we have all ever had.
I wanted to create you a very little word to be able to give thanks as before for your personal pleasing thoughts you’ve shared in this article. It’s really strangely open-handed of people like you to present unhampered precisely what a few individuals might have offered for an electronic book in making some profit for their own end, especially now that you might have done it in case you desired. The guidelines in addition worked like the good way to recognize that someone else have the same eagerness like my personal own to understand whole lot more on the topic of this problem. I’m sure there are lots of more pleasant occasions up front for those who look into your blog.
I simply could not leave your website prior to suggesting that I extremely loved the usual information an individual supply to your guests? Is gonna be again ceaselessly in order to check up on new posts
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.
Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clarity in your post is simply great and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is actually irritating. A good site with exciting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this web site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
Thank you, I’ve just been searching for info approximately this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered till now. But, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you sure in regards to the source?
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how can i subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept
I want to express my thanks to you for rescuing me from this condition. Right after checking throughout the internet and getting opinions that were not pleasant, I was thinking my life was over. Living minus the approaches to the difficulties you have solved through this article is a crucial case, as well as ones which may have in a negative way damaged my career if I hadn’t come across your web site. Your actual skills and kindness in dealing with almost everything was crucial. I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I had not come across such a solution like this. I can also now look forward to my future. Thanks very much for your high quality and results-oriented guide. I won’t be reluctant to refer your blog post to any person who should get tips about this subject matter.
Wonderful site. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you for your effort!
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i¡¦m satisfied to exhibit that I’ve a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most for sure will make sure to don¡¦t put out of your mind this site and provides it a glance on a relentless basis.
Hey !Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I genuinely appreciate your efforts as well as I am awaiting your further write thanks once again.