P
hotography is an art that requires continual attention.Continually shoot
personal projects to hone your skills. Those of you who put away your
camera and don’t shoot personal projects will soon lose the creative edge. A
friend who is also a noted art director once said to me, “The next time you
are wondering why you have chosen a career as an artist, think about this:
Theonethingthatpeoplewithmoneywillalwayspayforiscreativity.Iwould
like to add to that comment, “Don’t ever lose your creative edge.”
People are always telling me they wish they had my job. Well, no one gave
me this job. I had to create my own niche, earn my reputation, and continu-
ally refresh my thinking, thereby refreshing my creativity. I didn’t set out to
be famous or to be rich. I shoot because I love to shoot. There are no rules
on how to be a successful photographer. You too must do it because you love
it. Don’t give up, don’t give in. Never stop learning and experimenting. Al-
ways keep creating.124 LIGHTING TECHNIQUES FOR PHOTOGRAPHING MODEL PORTFOLIOS