I mentioned a few weeks ago I was returning to work after several years of retirement but I didn’t mentioned where I was working at — Rowan Helping Ministries. It’s a small organization that is fulfilling a big need in the local community at the moment.
I’m officially the IT Manager but I’m also the web, security camera and telephone system goto guy plus whatever else is needed at the moment. In an organization like this everyone wears many hats and changes them often.
One of those plus areas — I’ve become unofficially the official staff photographer, a role which for me is more play then work. I’ve even got a couple of photography projects for the organization underway at the moment.
The most rewarding benefit to this job is meeting people who love giving their time and efforts for others, and are happy about it. That was seldom my experience in previous jobs. So I’m on my fifth week and all is well.
Earl, I could imagine this is the best possible place – doing what you are good in, what is really needed, what you want to do, and being able to afford to do so. And on top being able to put your photographic qualities to work as well looks like copious icing on an already excellent cake. Congratulations!
The image of the young lady definitely transports joy – really well captured, and the b&w removes unnecessary distractions from the essence.
Markus, thank-you, and I believe you captured the situation perfectly. I certainly feel lucky this opportunity came along at a time when I was able to accept it. Ironically, I never use to photograph people and these last few weeks that’s all I’ve done. Yet another opportunity to move beyond the box of my own comfort zone. :-)
Earl, with people photography I do have my problems too: Usually I think it’s too intruding to point my lens at somebody in the street – I guess that I myself would not like having my picture taken, too. But when I was in Sri Lanka I did, and I did it for a reason: my photography was means to get support for their cause. This helped me lower my own reservations and made it easier to approach people with my camera. I could imagine you are in a similar situation now: these photographs help support a cause.
Earl, I’m so happy to hear that all is well and that the job is rewarding! It’s not often that one can make such claims!
I appreciate that Steve…of course that’s not to say there aren’t trying moments. ;-)
Glad to hear Earl, and nice that you can incorporate a little photography in your days also!
Mark, thanks. Yeah, getting paid for something you love to do is never bad! ;-)
I love her smile!!! I’m glad it’s working out for you and for them. Who knows what will come of all this, in both your personal life and your photography. Paid? You mean you get paid to work? Lucky guy!
Thanks, Monte. I am lucky and I know it! ;-)