I don't often post stuff from other peoples blogs, but this one is just too moving to not share.
I stumbled on this letter while I was reading David DuChemin's blog pixelatedimage.com/blog. I have only been reading his stuff for a few short weeks, but there is a ton of great info, not to mention he seems like just an all around good guy.
Anyway, He noted that he had recently read Joe McNally's blog and that there was a letter that Joe had written to a young (19 year old) guy who was inquiring, stressing, flip-flopping, and generally pleading for insight into his potential leap into the world of professional photography.
Now if you don't know who Joe McNally is you're probably not a huge photo aficionado and most likely haven't been paying much attention to your National Geographic credit lines. Suffice it to say he is one of the best. So given his level of expertise, experience, and dare I say, celebrity, at least within the photo community, one might expect, at best, a brief, somewhat heartfelt, but nonetheless canned response. Joe did exactly the opposite. He waited until he had the time to devote his full attention and insight to address this young individuals plea. All I can say is we need more people on this earth that think and operate with the integrity and passion of Joe McNally. I hope you get as much out of this post as I did.
"Letter to a Young Photographer"
Just an FYI - Don't stop at Joe's letter. The comments on his blog in response are equally moving.
I have attached a video of a shoot that Joe McNally did a few years ago just to give you an idea of the lengths he goes to to get the shot. Watch all the way to the end to get the full effect. Really!