"Oh, you're so lucky - it must be wonderful to go around and take photos all day," they'll say. And yes, to some extent that's very true. On some assignments, however, you experience capturing moments that you would rather not. Moments that are deeply precious for those experiencing them and somewhat opportunistic for those trying to capitalise on them For me, my recent experience in Libya and the Bahrain, was exactly that.
People abroad want to get a reflection of what's happening on the ground and they rely on journalists and photographers to provide them content to help them do so. After all, how else are foreigners expected to base their decisions on whether and when their respective governments should intervene. (As though the general public ever have a say in such decisions made by their governments in any case).
Witnessing carnage and murder first hand is something I'm not sure I have the hunger or stomach for any longer. When I was younger, that type of challenge excited me. But there is an element of unpleasant consistency you see in the pain. Certainly the money is welcome, but the trauma in dealing with the atrocities you see is really not worth it and I believe I will stick to the likes of photographing sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and the joyous Cricket World Cup in the future.
Enough for now, but more soon when I recover from my trip. In the meantime I think I could definitely use some more of that executive coaching I had at the end of last year and I'm definitely going to play lottery in India in the hopes that I would never have to work again.
If you're bored, be sure to check out some of Wonkie's latest recommended links or read up a bit more about strategy coaching here.
