(Photo Credit: ME! at the Brookfield Zoo last father's day)
Winston Churchill once said, "You have enemies? Good, that means you've stood up for something in your life."
Let me warn you now, this is less about me standing up for myself and more about me SUCKING at standing up for myself.
I'm a push-over, it's just how I am. I've always lived life striving for harmony. When no balance is easily found, I usually find myself bending over backwards to make way for the others around me. I'm working an overnight job I can't stand, chugging more energy drinks than is healthy. Staying awake five nights a week (though for the record, tonight is a night I'll be able to sleep). I'm the breadwinner of my family, not by choice but because that's the way things have worked out. I have dreams and aspirations... I was supposed to be the worlds next best guitar player... those who can't do, teach.
As you can probably imagine, if you spend everyday at the edge of sleep and wakefulness things tend to take on a very interesting light. Slowly, I've collected more photography gear than I should probably have. I've designed FOUR different photography companies and launched each one just close all but two down. And in my head, I narrate life in a Robert Downey Jr (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) mixed with Jack Nicholas (As Good as it Gets) kind of voice with a gritty dry sense of humor and a witty anecdote my brain could never actually create.
Tell you about a time I stood up for myself? Right now. Today is the first time in a LONG time that I have and am standing up for myself. I AM a photographer, hear me ROAR! I have silver in my veins and dread the day my eyes get too old to see through my viewfinder. That's why I'm here. I've been looking for you, LOOK! I found you. Fuck, now I have to figure out what to say.