*Warning* this is a rant.

I've been super disappointed in the photography community lately. I've found that my views and my way of "looking at things" is very different from those of other photographers.

Here's what I mean by that......

I believe that when I meet another photographer (online or personally), they are a kindred soul. And if they're really talented, I give them praise and feel that it is my duty (as another photographer) to support them. I don't get jealous, I don't feel threatened. I certainly don't look at another photographers images and think....."oh, I had that exact same color (style) to a few of my photographs, so that was stolen from me."

Get real, seriously. Is life that petty?

Wording being similar.......what is it that we, as photographers, should do? Browse through every photographer's website in the great wide cyber world to make sure none of our words are the same or even bare the slightest resemblance to anyone elses? Impossible.

It's sad. Very, very sad. It depletes me. Kills my passion and gives me a sick feeling in my stomach.

Which is why I display the button on my blog and here, that states..."Women photographers helping women photographers." Oh, and another on my blog that is for "Operation Nice". Which is a pledge not to accuse, feel threatened or be rude to others in my field. In fact, it's the epitome of putting another's success in front of my own. Because, let's face it.......the less you think of yourself, the more selfless-ness that you display, the more good things come your way. I believe that 100%.

And accusing someone (of anything) without much cause is extremely rude. It puts out a "holier than thou" attitude that is very off-putting.

And the implications that accusations arise is frightening. It only takes one person to feel threatened to start a wildfire of blame that can almost never be put out. So, why is it that forest fires of humanity have to be endured?

Insecurity. Ridiculous.....especially when it's someone that is severely talented that lights the match. Why is that they don't recognize the fact that no matter what anyone does, their work speaks for itself?? I feel that way, but maybe I'm just naive. Maybe I'm living in this happy "rose-colored" glasses world alone, lol.

Maybe it is cut-throat. Maybe I do need to be rude, throw accusations around and step over everyone to get ahead?

Well, count me out. Because, if that's the way of things....I don't want to have any part of it.

I've made a decision about my directional dilemma....I'm going to do this as art, as therapy for myself. I'm not going to care who thinks I'm great, who thinks I really stink or anything else. I've had enough of the snub and snobby- it's killing my passion. I'm not going to do this for money, or fame......I'm going to do it for my soul. The rest be damned.