I’m all by my lonesome in the studio this week which lends me a little time to reorganize my thoughts, and more importantly, the studio.
I hadn’t realized just how busy I would be before starting this job. The routine chores of daily life that a normal 9-5er does become almost insurmountable obstacles when you’re assisting for successful photographers. Eszter and David are exactly that, but their drive and motivation to create and succeed never fades, which carries over into the life of an assistant. Things like going to the grocery store, the gym, or even doing laundry become almost impossible when you have precious few hours of free time in your day. Every time I step through my front door, I struggle to bring myself to cook a proper meal when I know after I cook, eat, and do the dishes, I’ll have to go straight to bed. At times, it really feels like I’m back in college. Why spend that time cooking when I could just order a pizza? Why do laundry when the weekend is only a few more days away? Why go to the gym when I have so many other things to do?
The answer is “tenacity”.
I’ve witnessed the daily grind take it’s toll on friends, co-workers, and classmates and I’m no stranger to the effects either. Finding the drive and determination to get up and give 100% is daunting and many people I know let it get the best of them. Fortunately for assistants in this industry, we are given the opportunity to be surrounded by people who think 100% is not a passing grade. As you’ve probably read before, a key ingredient in success is surrounding yourself by those whom inspire you. Those you look up to. Those whom you aspire to be like.
Tenacity is what sends you to the gym after you’ve busted your bum on set all day. Tenacity is what gets you up at 4am for a sunrise shoot. Tenacity is what keeps you striving for self improvement every day. Bearing witness to this trait that graces many photographers I’ve worked with (Eszter and David being no exception), it has a tendency to be contagious. If E&D can manage a successful photo studio, become new home owners, raise two wonderful kids, and still find time to enjoy a weekend getaway… I can surely find time to cook a meal after a long day.
It’s feels great to look back on a weeks work and be impressed with all you accomplished. If you’re in a position in life you don’t want to be in, step back, look around, and find something or someone that inspires you. Find a reason to do what you love. Work hard every day, but remember to have some fun every once in a while.
Don’t forget: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES REID…

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