(Above) “Destiny Unbound” Horses of the Camargue with sunset light, south of Arles, France 105mm, 1/15 second @ f/5, ISO 1600
Early last week, I shared what turned out to be a somewhat controversial opinion on X (formerly known as Twitter). Here is the offending post:
Since there is absolutely nothing controversial about the post, the problem must be me. And alas, it is.
In an attempt to be pithy, I didn’t elaborate nearly enough. Let me explain here in a format much more conducive to understanding.
But first, I want to establish these two points.
Both amateurs and professionals can be inspired and they can use inspiration to create.
The word amateur is not a pejorative one. In fact, it’s a derived from the Latin amare, meaning “to love.” There’s nothing at all wrong with that.
The bigger point I was trying to make refers to the difference in approaches between professionals and amateurs. This difference, however, isn't necessarily about skill, equipment, or even creativity. It's about mindset, particularly with regard to inspiration. The truth is, while inspiration plays a part in the creative process, it's not the fuel that drives the professional's engine. This holds true across all domains of creative and professional endeavors.
“Inspiration is for amateurs” might seem harsh and disparaging at first glance, but it underscores a fundamental reality: professionals can’t afford to wait for inspiration. Whether they're feeling tired, unmotivated, unwell, or just plain uninspired, professionals get up, show up, and put in the work - day in and day out. This relentless commitment to the craft, regardless of external or internal conditions, is what really separates the pros from the amateurs.
Amateurs often operate under the misconception that true creativity flows solely from spontaneous bursts of inspiration. While there's undeniable magic in those moments, they’re fleeting and unpredictable. Instead, pros cultivate discipline, a trait that ensures productivity and progress even when inspiration is AWOL.
For professionals, inspiration is a welcome guest, not a permanent resident upon which they depend. They understand that inspiration is just one ingredient in the recipe for success, alongside hard work, dedication, and perseverance. By honing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pushing their boundaries, professionals are often better prepared for inspiration when it does strike, turning it from a rare delight into a frequent ally.
The road to mastery is paved with consistent effort, not sporadic flashes of genius. It's about understanding that while inspiration can ignite the spark, discipline and hard work fan the flames. This philosophy doesn't just apply to seasoned professionals; it's a beacon for anyone aspiring to excel in their chosen field. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or stepping into the arena of your life's passion, remember: inspiration may guide your journey, but it's perseverance and consistency that will see you through to success.
New Podcast: Tom Smith
How NOT to get mauled by a bear, defensive strategies, safety, and peaceful coexistence.
Dr. Tom Smith is a professor at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he studies human-wildlife conflicts, particularly involving all three species of North American bears and mountain sheep. He also worked with the United States government in southwestern Alaska where he served from 1992-2006 as a research biologist for the National Park Service and USGS.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Overcast
Topics Richard and Tom discuss:
• Precautions before entering bear country.
• Bear spray versus a gun
• Grizzlies and brown bears
• Black bears
• Polar bears
• A fed bear is a dead bear
• How to avoid a bear attack
• What to do if you're being mauled
• Why you should never take a dog into bear country
• Timothy Treadwell and Alaska
• The importance of a peaceful coexistence with bears
And much more.
Listen To The Entire Episode on:
Or listen to the embedded Apple Podcast player below
New Gadgets
Above - the Lexar Professional SL600 Portable SSD in use while traveling in my car
Lexar Professional SL600 Portable SSD Small, thin, sleek, tough, extremely fast. This is my new favorite portable SSD. More info here
PolarPro Bulletproof Defender Camera Body Cap A new protective camera body cap with a hidden compartment for an Apple Air Tag. Innovative idea. More info here
Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with Dock Kit This is for content creators; an auto-tracking stand for your phone that follows your face and body movements with 360° rotation and 90° tilt. More info here
(None of these recommendations contain affiliate links - just shared out of love)
Quote I’ve Been Pondering
“Good habits create good art. The way we do anything is the way we do everything. Treat each choice you make, each action you take, each word you speak with skillful care. The goal is to live your life in the service of art.” - Rick Rubin
Katmai, Alaska Bear Trip
Katmai National Park and Preserve is the best place in the world to photograph Alaskan brown bears. I’m leading a photo workshops and expedition to Katmai with Muench Workshops in August-September of this year - a private expedition ship with shore landings to see and photograph these amazing creatures up close and personal. Check it out
Kase Filters
People often ask what filter system I use. The answer is Kase Filters.
And you can get 10% off any product on the Kase Filters Amazon Page when you use coupon code BERNABE10 at check out.
*****
Here’s to Truth, Adventure, and Passion…
Well said.
Funny. Just got a newsletter from Kai Hurtung, entitled, "Muses are for Losers!" You seem to have hit upon a hot topic.
While your point is true and valid, some of those words (like "amateur") can be triggering. The goal is to lead your reader along a path where you get to make your point at the end, rather than the beginning.
Then again, if you got people to read, that's a win, too.