Find A Way Or Make One

One of my favorite songs is called “Find a Way or Make One” by Swedish metal band “Amon Amarth” (You can check it out here). Their brand of metal has been wildly inspiring to me for many, many years. I always try to catch them when they tour, and it’s always a fun and positive time.  But, wait, Rich, aren’t you one of the best photographers in New York? Why are you talking about metal?

I’ll tell you why. Because I fuckin love metal. BUT also because that song in particular inspires me when times are tough. Yes. I bet you didn’t know that full-time freelancing can be a bit rough (I’m being very sarcastic here). I love being a full-time freelancer. I’ve been doing it for almost 13 years. Some years are amazing, some years not so much – but still great in certain ways. I get to make my own schedule and have experiences I would not normally get to have. My eyes are always open, and I try to be as present as possible with every shoot I do. BUT sometimes when things are slow, I tend to get trapped in melancholy. I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. NOW it took a long time to separate that feeling from my own sense of self worth (I’ll get into that another time), but it can feel like “Woe is me…I’ll never get another booking again!” I’m sure you’ve been there.  Usually when those feelings happen, I explore them and try to do something productie work wise. Maybe I’ll put a new page on my site, make some extra social media posts, or even…write a blog post. All these things are cathartic. This brings me back to that song I started this post with. I will crank the shit out of that song a few times. Today I blasted it on my morning run and then again in the shower. Lyrically, they speak to me in many ways, but I always think about the lyrics in terms of my personality, attitude, and of course, my business. Check them out!