You're Not ________ Enough.

Are you ________ enough?  Do you have enough _______? Are you using the right _________?
I've heard these questions put out there with a number of ideals, objects, and theories filled in the blanks. 
Some are meant to be condescending, some are educational, and others seem to be plain judgmental.
You can fill in the blanks with whatever you like, I'm going to rant a bit about my past.

I started shooting with a slr camera as a junior in high school, a Pentax K1000.  I loved it, with its complete manual controls I was forced to think about every frame.  I took every photography class my school offered, and was a photographer for my senior class yearbook.  I love the process of taking something so mechanical in nature and using it create an object that can stir emotion.  From the initial framing of an image to the darkroom watching the emulsion reveal its secrets during the develop bath. I can't even begin to think how many rolls of film and packs of paper I went through.

During this time I shot simply because I loved it.  No worries about what person I was going to be judged by, except maybe the subjects.  But life goes on and I gained other priorities and responsibilities.  I didn't shoot as much, but it was ok.  I was starting a family, and had other ways I needed and wanted to spend my time.

I started shooting seriously for the second time in my life about 2-3 years ago for a couple specific reasons. My family responsibilities were not as time consuming, and I needed a way to fill some of my day.  I found myself wondering one day what I was doing to leave something of myself for my family, friends, and the world.  My job is mostly sales and logistics.  No creation, research, and very little entertainment value. So I wanted to do something creative, and I know I have at least a little talent in photography so I grabbed my first dslr, an Olympus E-500, and off I went.

I started eating up any and all photographic media I could get my hands on including social media.  Twitter to be exact.  I followed just about every photographer in my local area and quite a few "celebrity" photographers.  I've learned a tremendous amount from just about every single one, and love when they share their work.

But lately I'm starting to notice something, and that brings me back to my original thought. "Are you ____ enough?"  As my skills have grown and my work is getting more attention I'm seeing more comments directed at photographers from other photographers.  "If you want to be a real photographer you need to _____."  Again, fill in the blank.  I've heard everything from not having the best gear to not marketing my brand to not being educated enough.  I believe these thoughts can be productive and educational, but I also believe they can detrimental to a photographers future.  It can lead a person to believe that no matter what they do there seems to always be another hurdle they must overcome to be accepted by their peers. 

I would like to say to any of us out there not feeling ________ enough, to not worry about it so much.  Enjoy the process of creation and learn everything you feel like learning.  Don't worry about about what equipment, education, or even shoots another photographer has lined up.  Enjoy your own path.  Learn your own equipment no matter what level it may be and enjoy your results.

As for me, my next adventure is to bring my digital world back to the beginning of my photographic journey and make black and white images that anyone who is in my life can enjoy.  Not so that I can become infamous or even rich beyond my wildest dreams.  But because I love it, and I want to increase my skills and knowledge for my own desires.

So I ask you, "are you __________ enough?"

The following picture illustrates one of the most important reasons for me to be a photographer, the smiles.