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Of course there was a time when I figured out I had a knack with the camera, my thoughts went to “how far I could take it”, which meant “how can I make money from this?” But at the same time, my twin godsons (who graduate high school next month) were at an age where they started to find their own interests. It bothered me that anytime they picked up on something cool, the adults around them would say “oh, a future geologist” or “they’re going to be doctors”. I was guilty of it too.

But I quickly realized that one of the best things about discovering things as a kid is that the enjoyment is pure. There’s no other motive except doing things you think are cool. Then life wears you down and you have to figure out how to make a living. That sucks. I already did that, and I have a profession that pays my bills. Photography (and guitar) is something I do because I love it. The root of the word “amateur” is amāre, love.

I do this because I don’t have to. I want to. And even though I’ve never earned a cent from it, I’ve never been paid more than when I can enjoy a good day with good birds.

And that’s my love story.