The Passion Never Left

Before kids, I used to photograph almost every day.

Sunrise shoots around the Bay. Sunset drives to the coast. Late nights editing images.

Then life got busy… and the camera slowly stayed in the bag.

At one point photography was a way of life. That’s what I did. My friend group revolved around a small circle of fellow creators who just wanted to make beautiful images. We'd meet up in different parts of the Bay, explore new places, and see what we could capture.

I loved it. Absolutely loved it.

Some days I’d get more exercise hiking with a camera pack than most people get all year. For those of you who don't wake up until after the sun rises, I recommend catching one at least once a month. Don’t worry… I hate waking up early too. Still.

And the sunsets… oh the sunsets.

I’ve seen some beautiful ones. Just writing about it takes me back and gets my heart pumping.

Then there were the late-night edits. I’d stay up for hours tweaking photos to show what I saw when I clicked the shutter.

My great friend Adam and I eventually started a business teaching others how to use their cameras. That led to creating behind-the-scenes videos of the photography process. It was an incredible time surrounded by phenomenal people.

Then COVID hit.

Responsibilities stacked up. Kids multiplied. And the camera went back in the bag.

Photography slowly faded out of my everyday life until it was gone completely.

I’d still take any opportunity to teach someone how to use a camera. I’d still check in on the latest gear through some of my favorite creators. But my own creation was gone.

Hard drives collected dust like a treadmill collects clothes.

Looking back now, it almost feels like a part of me died inside. Like breaking up with the love of my life. Something I loved so deeply was suddenly just… gone.

But recently I realized something.

The passion never left.

Life just changed.

Passion is a lot like a relationship. It evolves over time. You either learn to adapt with it, or eventually the relationship fades away.

Well, I want my love back.

I’ve realized passions don’t die. Circumstances just change. Creativity requires adaptation.

And this is where I failed before.

Things had become too complex, and I didn’t have the time anymore. Instead of simplifying things, I stopped completely.

Looking back now, it’s obvious. But in the moment, I missed it entirely.

That realization makes me a little sad. But I’m grateful to see it now and make the most of the time ahead.

So I’m heading back to the Lab for another experiment.

Just like the new computer I mentioned in my last post (which I’m currently typing on while one of my kids is at baseball practice), I’m simplifying my camera setup.

Right now I own a few Canon full-frame mirrorless bodies with some pretty massive lenses. Beautiful gear. I love it.

But it’s not practical to carry everywhere.

So the next step is a smaller camera with a simple lens. I decided to try a Sony A7C II with a 35mm prime. It should arrive this week, and I’m excited.

The experiment is simple:

Make photography easier.

Keep the camera accessible.
Shoot the small moments.
No dramatic sunrises required (yet).
Remove the pressure of perfect images.

Just make progress.

Start using a camera again.
Start creating again.
Start making simple edits again.

But don’t overdo it.

The key is to keep it simple.

What excites me most is that I’ve never really photographed this way before. This will be a completely new experience. A new challenge.

When you carry a camera with you, you start seeing the world differently.

You notice shadows.
You notice reflections.
You notice the small interactions between people and the world around them.

You see emotions.

A camera gives you a new perspective — literally a new lens to see life through.

And I think it makes life more enjoyable.

It may never be the same as it used to be.

But the passion never left.

I just had to find my way back.