Monday, February 2, 2009

Price Of A Backstage Pass

Photo: Brother and Sister behaving/Ghana, 2008
Current Location: Midland, Michigan, USA / 43°37′25.0″N 84°13′45.7″W

I learned early on in my career that my camera acts as a backstage pass to life, taking me to places I've never dreamt of going, places I never knew it even existed. From the deepest parts of the Brazilian rain forest to the depths of chaos and war, I've ventured from one corner of the globe to the other, savoring an array of cultures, a rainbow of colors and an unimaginable pallet of life at its finest hour. From rich and poor, triumph and tragedy, darkness and beauty, I've been there, lived it, captured it with my lens. I'm forever grateful.

But no matter where I've been or what I've seen, it's never enough. As a self proclaimed addict to life, I seek more--more adventures into the unknown, more stories I can capture, share, and show and tell. Sometimes, by looking at the world thru a lens, I see much less than the average person, but in a way it allows me to appreciate more, to understand and see every minute detail of life. It's like looking at a picture with a magnifier, seeing only whats thru the glass. Maybe that's why, with my backstage pass to the world, I venture on, keep going in a journey set out to capture the rest of that image.

But every journey has its challenges. The world is made of cliffs and ridges, sharp and steep--constantly shifting, never the same.

Bearing a backstage pass to life is hard; it comes with a price. It ain't easy. For days now I've gone with very little sleep--kept awake by fear--fear of the unknown, of new surroundings, of fate and failure. For my next assignment, a world of change awaits me on the other side. To most people, the image is all they see. To others who appreciate and understand the art of my craft, they know all too well the hardships that befall a photographer, and the struggles one must endure.

Technically, emotionally, and personally, it's not easy to plan for the unknown. It's even hard to balance life, family, and friends. As a travelling photographer, I sacrifice a lot to be doing what I do. Loved ones worry for my safety, birthdays come and go, anniversaries have little meaning. The world keeps spinning, I keep shooting.

Four days to departure. I'm excited.

12 comments:

Erin Alberty said...

Good luck -- and BE SAFE -- on your next adventure! The best part is knowing everything will defy your plans and expectations!

Dan said...

Peace be with you, my friend...and safe travels. I'll be thinking of you.

Indrayani said...

beautiful words as always..:)

take care on your next assignment...

Lion-ess said...

Very insightful post..
You life is filled with many amazing adventures that comes with a price.
Stay strong and safe!!

Random Hiccups said...

Four days. Four days to soak up everything you need for your trip. All the strength from your loved ones, all the hope from the family, all the peace from your sweetheart. These things can be tapped into when you are hopeless, tired and anxious. All the best to you Ron. ((sending you all the positivity and support I can muster))

Young Traveler said...

Privilege has a price. I know you don't take it for granted. Continue to capture and tell the amazing stories you encounter--it makes the world a better and more connected place.

Enjoy, be safe and please keep writing. We'll be waiting to hear what happens next.

John said...

Bon voyage, Ron. Have a good flight.

Will pray for a safe journey for you. See you soon!

Kimberly said...

Be safe!!!!

Ron said...

Thank you, friends, for your prayers and well wishes. It means so much to me!

Anonymous said...

Um. Send me emails.

Or send a pigeon with a letter.

But don't let it get too close to me though.

I don't like birds.

It can leave the letter on my window sill.

I'll know what it means.


Oh or an owl- we can go all Harry Potter.

I'm excited.

The Demigoddess said...

Good luck, Ron! Send some postcards, ok?

Nina Jørgensen said...

Wow your life sounds very exciting! I love how you put your thoughts into words!