The pursuit of happiness

My friend and mentor, Jay Dickman, once said to me. If you are doing what you love there is nothing else (or something like that). I always believe the path I took was a tough one, but always the best one. There are so many ways I could have arrived here. I chose one and went with it. Mine was 14 years in the Navy as a magazine and combat photographer. Others chose college, assisting, newspaper, freelancing, weddings, etc. Whatever the path there is one main goal. BE HAPPY!!!

I am inspired to say this after reading an article about Dawn Jones-Garcia who incidentally was mentored by another friend and mentor of mine, Eli Reed. I know Eli from years of participation in the annual DoD Military Photographers workshop where he volunteers his time as an instructor. I can understand Dawn's passion and how easily it was for her to make the decision after meeting such a mentor. Eli has that impact on people. But no matter who touched and affected Dawn. She was on a path, but she knew wasn't the right one. Whether she makes a successful career or not. Whether she becomes the next big name or just a small town photographer. There is one thing that is undeniable. She will have a happiness that many people spend their entire lives never understanding. 

No matter what your path is (Photography, car mechanic, air crewman, cop, etc), be happy and find your passion in it. It is the gift of passion that God gave you. Trust me. I found mine and I would do nothing else. Nobody said it would be easy. If it was easy everybody would be doing it. The world is filled with these similar stories. One that comes to mind is Howard Schatz who was a very well known retina specialist before dropping everything to be a photographer.