"Men's basketball player Kelvin Mitchell slams one home for the youngsters at the University of Denver's community basketball event in Hamilton Gymnasium in Denver on May 31, 2008. The second annual free event brought more than 200 kids from community outreach programs to work on their skills with the Pioneers' men's and women's programs."
I'm close, oh so close to life as a college graduate. One week from today I'll be walking across the stage to accept my diploma. The more and more I think about it the weirder it is. Although I don't have a job yet I'm still glad that I'll be done and ready to move on to whatever is next.
However with some inspiration from Trevor Brown(near the bottom) I'm going to push, pull, scratch, kick and scream my way into some sort of photo position by the end of the summer. At times I find myself wondering if I'm good enough but that idea usually fades quickly. Please don't misconstrue my confidence for cockiness. I know what I'm capable of and I know that I can get the job done. I just find it hard to believe that my work isn't good enough for any publication or organization that is out there today. If my work is not up to your standards then tell me. I think that I have received less than five acknowledgments from publications which I've applied. Yes, I know that somewhere close to 100 people are applying for the same positions and I know that is cumbersome for the publication to respond but I think an acknowledgment of my application or a letter/email explaining that you went with someone else is acceptable.
On the other hand I've been doing a really good job at attempting to network with other local professional photographers. I say "attempting" because you would be surprised at the number of my emails that don't get returned. Crazy enough I'm not just cold emailing random people. Everyone I have tried to network with is someone that I've met in person and received their business card from. Not only do I find it unprofessional but also rude. Yes, yes, I know...you're busy. SO AM I! I really don't want to hear that excuse anymore. I have a full college schedule, I work, I freelance and somewhere in-between all that I attempt to find time for what resembles a social life. If I have time to email other professionals then they have time to email me back.
Now I know that I'm probably going to piss a lot of people off with this post but I'm just trying to find some understanding in all of this. Think of when you were my age trying to break into your career just as I am. It was hard right? You pressed on right? You called and networked every day right? Eventually someone gave you your break and I'm positive that you are appreciative of it. I'm just looking for someone to give me my big break. I'm looking for someone who sees a resemblance of some talent and promise in my work to help me get to the next level. So if you're out there I can't wait to hear from you. Send me an email at justin@jcedmonds.com and I promise I will email YOU back. SOMEONE PLEASE GIVE THIS BUSINESS STUDENT TURNED PHOTOGRAPHER A CHANCE!
I'm off my soapbox now.
-JCE
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