While I was fortunate to learn many things at the North American Photography Association’s (NANPA) 2009 Summit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the one that I think I will find the most valuable over the months and years to come ironically had nothing to do with the mechanics of photography. During a break-out session presented by award-winning nature photographer, writer, speaker, and photography instructor Jim Clark, a crucial tip to becoming a successful photographer (and by my extrapolation, at least, successful at anything in life) was offered: “Don’t become a legend in your own mind.”

Peppers drying in Old Town Albuquerque.
Peppers drying in Old Town Albuquerque.

This is a crucial mistake I have made and it is one that has no doubt impeded my progress in a number of life’s facets. How it happened I’m not entirely certain. I attribute part of it to a natural attitude of arrogance that has been with me since childhood and which I have (at times) struggled to expunge from my personality. Another part of it was possibly the result of being a publicly visible player on the marketing and development team of a world-renowned optics firm; I made the mistake of confusing the value of the team and its abilities – what made and keeps the company great – with my own small contributions. After leaving the firm, I made the mistaken assumption that the firm’s prestige would and had followed me. It didn’t. They are still a global leader in their markets; I am… well, I won’t belabor the point, but as much as they are, I’m not.

Lindys Diner, an Albuquerque institution
Lindy's Diner, an Albuquerque institution

In the practice of Zen Buddhism there is a concept called “Beginner’s Mind.” Books have been written upon the idea but in essence it is fairly straight-forward: approach all activities with the enthusiasm and natural humility of a beginner. In many ways, this is not so very far from the admonition of Jesus in Luke 18:17, “Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” When I took up the occupation of writing, and in seeking to improve my photographic skills, I did so with neither Beginner’s Mind nor a child’s open-hearted honest curiosity, hence I am often plagued with petty jealousies and trivial conflicts when I should merely tend to the practice and improvement of my craft.

As rugged as an old cross gets.
As rugged as an old cross gets.

Thus with my first professional photographer’s conference behind me, I return to the work-a-day world with a pocketful of newly discovered skills to practice and, it is hoped, a corrected perspective on how better to improve my craft as well as perhaps my life.