Tap-tap… is this thing on?

microphone

Testing. One, two. One, two. Check. Check.

It’s working? Yes? Can you hear me in the back?

I’ve been away for a while. How are things? How have you been? Did you miss the photos?

I think everyone who runs a blog comes to a point where they reevaluate what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and whether they want to continue doing it. I think to have that conversation, you have to look back to where it all began. For me, this blog started because I knew I needed to learn how to be a decent blogger. It was part of my responsibilities at work, and I felt like I needed the practice. I bought a domain name, uploaded WordPress, and started typing.

I quickly figured out that I was blogging too much. Too much writing about work things during the day, then not really having a passion for the types of things I was trying to write about at home. That’s a sure sign of a blog headed for failure… start by doing it because you need practice, then follow up by not being 100% engaged in the topics you’re writing about. It was boring. I was bored. If you were around way back then, you were bored, too.

After a while, I started posting photos. Then I bought a better camera so I could take better photos. I started surfing the Web, looking for people who could teach me how to take better photos. I took a lot of pictures… bought some more lenses, a flash, some books, and kept shooting. Over and over. Critical of my own work. Inviting other people to be critical of my work. Sharing here. Sharing on Flickr. I started getting better. Then, one day, a gym was looking for a photo to use in some promotional material, saw this photo, and offered me money if they could use it. A hobby that makes money? I’m hooked now!

Towards the end of last year, with a lot of very complicated distractions vying for my attention, the camera was pushed to the background. First one week passed, then another. A month. Two months. More… and today I find myself wondering what’s in store for this Web site. I’ve learned that I will be hard pressed to turn my photography hobby into a profitable enterprise. The time demands that would be required to do so are simply more than I can give. I have a career already, and this isn’t it.

So I’m contemplating the future. Do I keep this site up, or do I shut it down? I have a Flickr account. I can share pictures on Facebook. It’s not like I need to put in this effort, too. I don’t know the answers yet, but I thought I’d post this so when you come by, you’ll see that for now, at least, I’m still here.

James

 

 

Comments

  1. I enjoy your photos.

    I followed your link to Flickr and this one grabbed my attention

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/jronaldlee/8041340322/in/photostream

    and this one

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/jronaldlee/7475867256/in/photostream

    Personally, I am in favour of having my own place on the web.

  2. number one fan says:

    I have loved all your photos and comments, a window on your world for a season of time. but as seasons change, perhaps this one has too. Whether you decide to take a hiatus or post infrequently, I’m glad to not have the dead dandelion as a last photo!! lol.

  3. I really missed your photos for this time. It has been a long time, you posted something new, I used to visit this blog everyday to check if you are with a new picture. This photo seems to be taken in the sepia mode. It gives a perfect feeling of a nostalgic event. Good angle, keep it up!

  4. I do not know what comment to make in such a situation. On one hand, I feel I understand your problem and confusion as a blogger, but on the other hand, it will be sad to lose a photo blogger like you. Your pictures and the way you put up a story relating to it is amazing. Hope to see this blog active forever.

  5. I think you should stay back at the blog and give it a chance. Our blogs are our babies and we cannot leave them to die due to our personal issues or confusions. You cab surely give this hobby of yours a second chance and maybe reduce blogging but not end it.

  6. I would suggest you to stay back and keep sharing your wonderful pictures with us over your blog. However, it is your personal call and you can definitely choose to take a break temporarily or even permanently from blogging. But once you go back, coming back again would take a lot of time.

  7. Welcome back!!… I have to say that I really really love this photo.. the colour and composition is spot on for me!! Thanks for sharing!!

  8. This picture is truly amazing. You really possess a great creative mind. I am becoming a fan of your photography skills and the way you present your picture in the blogs. Thanks for the share.

  9. marytlou says:

    That is a very nice way of letting your readers know you are still there and that they should be coming back for more content. Your pics I enjoyed and do appreciate your unique writing style. Thanks for keeping engaged.

  10. Nigel McLaughlin says:

    Great photo of the Mic! Wish I was at the gig – keep up the photography!!!

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