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The driving force behind becoming a photographer

收電子信回覆提問,如何驅動自己成為一位攝影師?開始拍照時,壓根沒想過要成為攝影師,只覺好玩,為主婦整日家務操勞提神起勁,不為其他。現在介紹工作抬頭,大多稱自己為拍照的人。因此行為帶來微薄收入,便要稱師,有些難為情。不過萬事皆有開頭,那我從頭說。

起些年,為二〇〇八,開始拍照,隨身都帶相機,見人總嚷嚷自己喜歡拍,簡直敲鑼打鼓,不害臊的程度,諸人都知有位台灣女生真愛拍。過些年,電子信、臉書收訊息,邀我參加慕尼黑當地公關活動。喜滋滋前往,拍照分享至臉書,看來有模有樣,很有回事。

邀約逐漸增加,彷彿成為工作,然毫無分文進帳。便端想,一時可成趣,卻無法長久。若這份興趣能受到他人喜歡,可有機會為收入來源?再收到邀約,於是放膽開口話錢。文字讀來鎮定,螢幕後其實提心吊膽。是否不夠氣候,有無能力將趣事整成正事,對方會不會看穿底細;內心戲很是豐富。乾脆放手一搏,篤定即使不成,也無損失。

無料對方回覆肯定,甚至詳談細節。是日頂頭皮上陣,擔心失誤出紕漏,全程緊張無法放鬆。返家,馬上檢視影像,徹夜整理照片,於約定內交付完稿,還得甲方稱讚。那年為二〇一一。有一接二,於是成為一位拍照的人。

如何驅動自己?我想,是那份極為喜歡拍照的心讓我走上去,走出去,才進了來。

Receiving email replies asking about how I drive myself to become a photographer? I never even thought about becoming a photographer when I started taking photos; it was just for fun, a way to perk up from the daily grind of being a housewife, with no other intentions. Now, with job introductions, most refer to me as a photographer. Simply because photography brings in income, I'm expected to carry the title of "professional," which can be a bit embarrassing. But everything has a beginning, so let me start from the beginning.

It all began several years ago, in 2008, when I started taking photos. I always carried a camera with me and would enthusiastically tell people about my love for photography. It was almost shamelessly self-promoting; everyone knew there was a Taiwanese girl who adored photography. As the years passed, I began receiving invitations through email and Facebook to participate in PR events in Munich. Excitedly, I attended and shared my photos on Facebook, giving the impression that I was quite skilled and serious about it.

Invitations gradually increased, almost turning into a job, yet no money was coming in. I began to wonder if this interest could be turned into an income source if others liked it. With each new invitation, I dared to talk about money. Reading over my words seemed calm, but behind the screen, I was quite nervous. Was I good enough? Did I have the capability to turn this hobby into a profession, or would they see through me? The inner turmoil was intense. I decided to take a leap of faith, confident that even if I failed, I wouldn't lose much.

The recipient's reply was affirmative, even discussing details extensively. On the day of the event, I was nervous from start to finish, worrying about making mistakes or missing shots. When I got home, I immediately reviewed the images and spent the whole night editing them, delivering the finished images within the agreed-upon timeframe, and even earning praise from the client. That year was 2011. One thing led to another, and I became a person who takes photos regularly.

How did I drive myself? I believe it was the intense love for photography that propelled me forward, leading me into the field.