VisionMongers-Making a Life and a Living in Photography

13 years ago I walked into a room at New England Culinary Institute for my first day of orientation. I had worked a few years off and on in the restaurant business and was familiar with the grueling lifestyle that the business offers with very little "material" reward. What greeted me was a short lecture or point of fact from the head chef of the school. He had written on a huge piece of paper " 356 days/M-Sun/Nights&Weekends/Especially Holidays. These were the terms of service if I was to undertake this training and new career path.What intrigued me was the lack of discourse about monetary rewards, fame, or cushy perks. There were none.(maybe for the chosen few). I bought into the lifestyle because I am a workaholic, a perfectionist, a creative sort, and was ready to immerse myself in this new adventure regardless of the outcome. What I gained was a sense of confidence I had never known before, an ability to listen, an ability to lead, a firm understanding of the realities of running a business, and most importantly doing somethng for the shear love of it because there really is no other reason to do it. It is a vocation-a calling.
Fast forward to 2005 and I am still working in foodservice, g.m. of a business, and it is suggested to me that I get a hobby, something that offers a creative outlet and an outlet for the stress that is percolating in me. I choose photography which is a natural leap from my days as a camera page and operator. As I start sharpening my skills I get the great idea that this may be an opportunity to work for myself at something I love to do BUT with the payoff being the opportunity to bring joy into other peoples lives. I buy some books by such authors as John Harrington, Vik Orenstein, Kenn Oberrect. and Edward Lilley. All great books full of information about equipment needs, pricing, contracts, etc. Were they helpful? Absolutely. I needed, however, to read about working photographers, their images, how they made them, and most importantly the passion for this craft that drives them to constantly evolve to deliver the best product to their clients, and give back more than they take. (Kelby, McNally, Grobl, & Zach Arias to name a few)
Such is the newest book by David duChemin(2009). It is not a book about which camera to buy, the best computer platform or software plugin. In fact, it is devoid of all this information. I have learned the hard way it is not about the equipment. I have a studio full of it! It is about your heart, your mind, your intent, and most importantly what the client is asking for. It is about building, nuturing, and maintaining relationships. It is about taking all the knowledge that has so feely been given to you and paying it forward so others can move forward. This book has woken me up, recharged my batteries, given me a clearer mandate of how to proceed into the new year. If there is one book that should be within reach it is VisionMongers.
side note: I think the information contained in this book is a great blueprint for any business.