Inspiration is Scheduled

Every successful photographer I’ve known schedules their projects. Why should amateurs be any different?

Countless studies and interviews with my photo heroes confirm: Inspiration doesn’t “strike.” Inspiration is scheduled. It happens when you allow it the time and attention it deserves. It also has a better name: work.

The most common excuse I hear from those who aren’t successful (whatever that means to them - money, hits, recognition or just great images) is that they don’t have the time to do what they really want. No, you can’t literally “make” the time, but you can make room for what’s important.

For the last year, I’ve had most of my schedule dominated by writing assignments (over 300, not counting blog posts) and new baby. It gives me maybe 30 minutes of free time per day to write for pleasure (like this post) and maybe do some drive-by photography.

I’m taking a bit of my own medicine now and scheduling several photo projects for the rest of 2012. If I can do it, with my current schedule, you have no excuses. Find a babysitter, take a few sick days…but above all, schedule it.