I'm not quite what the best way to say this is, but I've seen so many photographers start off with a big splash and then disappear. How many CPOY winners are able to sustain work as a photojournalist? How many Eddie Adams attendees? Etc. I've always been more impressed by the people who have been able to sustain a decade or three in this industry, finding a place for themselves by continually working both on assignment and personal projects. It's not easy and doesn't get any easier as the years go by. Ambition and a competitive nature can be useful, but the best thing I ever did for myself, I think, was to realize that this work is a marathon and not a sprint. Keep it up!
Thanks!! And you're right... it's like the turtle and rabbit fable. I truly do believe slow and steady "Wins". Not that I have a race to win, but personally I've felt better about taking things slow and not trying to win those awards and make things FOR the industry.
Your photos are so compelling Hannah. I love this format of how you summarize your recent work out in the world. Congrats on your recent success. As far as ambition, it's a natural progression as we get older. We see so much more that we value and cherish and our definition of success evolves.
Love this. Totally relate! But how much of it is also related to earning money? But it's also to do with the speed of news for me and having to quickly react rather than spending time developing stories.
But also, I agree - sometimes things move so quick and I feel like I'm always in catch-up mode OR I have to give so much time and energy to paying attention to stories.
I think for me, the early days, it was related to clout/being seen as important and then the money. But now, its about the money hahah because I have a family but when I was single, I had a part-time job plus was freelancing and paid $400 in rent with a roommate and found ways to survive.
Feeling like we are in a similar place, thank you for reframing what it means to do this kind of work (where freelance production can burn you out and make you lose sight of why you are doing the work)
Hannah - You’ve found your center. Awards are like wealth – we work hard to achieve them but they are empty of real happiness and purpose. I love the photography and stories you’ve shared. Stay true to your heart. It’s leading you in the right direction.
I reflect this exactly! Thanks for writing and sharing - inspiring!
Thank you!!
I love this for you! The quietness of meaningful ambition in your life!
Thanks, friend <3
I'm not quite what the best way to say this is, but I've seen so many photographers start off with a big splash and then disappear. How many CPOY winners are able to sustain work as a photojournalist? How many Eddie Adams attendees? Etc. I've always been more impressed by the people who have been able to sustain a decade or three in this industry, finding a place for themselves by continually working both on assignment and personal projects. It's not easy and doesn't get any easier as the years go by. Ambition and a competitive nature can be useful, but the best thing I ever did for myself, I think, was to realize that this work is a marathon and not a sprint. Keep it up!
Thanks!! And you're right... it's like the turtle and rabbit fable. I truly do believe slow and steady "Wins". Not that I have a race to win, but personally I've felt better about taking things slow and not trying to win those awards and make things FOR the industry.
Your photos are so compelling Hannah. I love this format of how you summarize your recent work out in the world. Congrats on your recent success. As far as ambition, it's a natural progression as we get older. We see so much more that we value and cherish and our definition of success evolves.
Thank you!! its like the scales fall off our eyes as we get older and I'm glad for it
Love this. Totally relate! But how much of it is also related to earning money? But it's also to do with the speed of news for me and having to quickly react rather than spending time developing stories.
But also, I agree - sometimes things move so quick and I feel like I'm always in catch-up mode OR I have to give so much time and energy to paying attention to stories.
I think for me, the early days, it was related to clout/being seen as important and then the money. But now, its about the money hahah because I have a family but when I was single, I had a part-time job plus was freelancing and paid $400 in rent with a roommate and found ways to survive.
Feeling like we are in a similar place, thank you for reframing what it means to do this kind of work (where freelance production can burn you out and make you lose sight of why you are doing the work)
Thank you so much! It's the freelance production and then something so specific about being in our journalism world that is very exhausting.
Hannah - You’ve found your center. Awards are like wealth – we work hard to achieve them but they are empty of real happiness and purpose. I love the photography and stories you’ve shared. Stay true to your heart. It’s leading you in the right direction.
Thank you! I appreciate that.
Your photos are so powerful - I always enjoy seeing your credits on wsj or nyt. Thank you for sharing