In the Spotlight: When Photography Becomes Art with Brad Walsh

9/25/2017

This is one of those blog posts that's hard for me to categorize because there are so many elements I'm hoping you'll think about. It's about relationship building, pursuing your dreams, building your skill set and redefining various aspects of your business. It's also about friendships, and Brad Walsh is a prime example.

Brad and I first met when I was doing "Skip's Summer School." His full-time job was with Ernst & Young, but he had that dream, so many of you have of one day being a full-time artist. We've kept in touch through Facebook, and a few months ago he went full-time as a photographer. On Thursday he shared a post about some of his images being featured as part of the office decor for his old employer.

I had a meeting yesterday with the powers that be...and selected the 6 pieces that will adorn the walls...EY has provided me with this opportunity and has given me the chance to share my work...It will be an incredible feeling to walk through the building and see MY ART hanging on the walls...I am able to leave a legacy with the firm after working there for 12 1/2 years. I am so thankful and appreciative to the people that provided this opportunity to me.

Here are the points that made me want to share this small part of Brad's story:

Brad worked for Ernst and Young for 12 1/2 years, and in leaving kept the door open to the relationship and pride he had about the people he worked with. No quick exit that left them hanging, but a relationship built on trust and friendships that's one more building block in his foundation of being a full-time artist.
Everyone has a powerful core dream, but so often we lose patience and give up. Brad's stayed on course, never slowing down on building a stronger skill set and the vision for his business.

Believe in your dreams. They were given to you for a reason.
Katrina Mayer

You can't fake it 'till you make it in photography. Brad's never stopped building his skills as both an artist and a businessman. In fact, we're one of the few career choices where continuing education is a necessity - it's the only way to keep up with technology.
Your business in photography today needs to be diverse. First, you don't want to be a one trick pony and have all your eggs in just one basket. Second, special projects, outside your day-in-day-out business, keep your creativity and passion for the craft alive and healthy. They help you avoid burnout, boredom and keep your attitude tack-sharp. You can't create images that tug at people's heartstrings if your own heart isn't in it!

Last on the list is about friendships. I haven't spent a lot of time with Brad, but there's respect for what he's doing and the dream he's chasing. For years I've said the best thing about this industry has nothing to do with photography, but the friendships that come out of everyone's love for the craft. Well, as hokey as it sounds, I couldn't be more proud of what Brad's accomplishing. It's going to be a kick to watch his business and style change and grow in the years ahead.

So, to Brad, nicely done buddy, and to all of you chasing your dreams, whether you're just starting or a seasoned veteran:

You're never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream!
C.S. Lewis

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"Why?"

Check out "Why?" one of the most popular features on the SCU Blog. It's a very simple concept - one image, one artist and one short sound bite. Each artist shares what makes the image one of their most favorite. We're coming up on 100 artists featured since the project started. Click on the link above and you can scroll through all of the episodes to date.

Authors

Skip Cohen is President of SCU, founder of Marketing Essentials International and past president of Rangefinder Publishing and WPPI. He's been an active participant in the photographic industry since joining Hasselblad USA in 1987 as president. He has co-authored six books on photography and actively supports dozens of projects each year involving photographic education.