My Self-Assignments

[francis lee]

My picture library was built on self-assignments. I’ve had no other option then. When I was holding a full-time job as a Mechanical Engineer, cramming in photography every spare minute, it was my planned weekend adventures, those self-assignments that kept me going.

Now that I work for the press, things haven’t really changed that much. Every moment that I’m not sitting in the office, is filled with self-assignments. You see…I’ve yet to receive that magical call sending me to the ends of the Earth to capture that once-in-a-lifetime photo.

It’s not that’s not a bad thing. Most photographers never received assignment calls, yet can be very successful. When I speak of success, I’m not referring to the business aspect but more importantly, to personal satisfaction. I’ve just been fortunate that all have worked out. I get paid while pursing my passion.

I’m not about to tell you that I have all the answers. If I did, I’d be shooting while on assignments. Rather, I want to share how I go about doing self-assignments. Whether it’s competing with another photograph I’ve seen or competing with myself (which is typical), I’m always striving to improve. Whether it’s a technical or aesthetic improvement, I always find satisfaction when I conquer my set goal.

My next criterion for the self-assignment is the photographic challenge. I’m not referring simply to setting the right f-stop and shutter speed. Rather, it’s combining biology with technology to capture what for me is the photograph that communicates to others what I see and feel. I’d be lying if I told you monetary rewards never crossed my mind in photography. All the field time, equipment & films have to be paid for. One thing I keep remind myself is that the only time I make money is when I’m behind the camera. Without those images, I have nothing to write about, talk about or get printed. My big self-assignments, especially when I take off for a couple of weeks, must have business rewards as part of the equation.

Photography has to be fun to be successful, as far as I’m concerned. The personal satisfaction I get from setting my own goals. Doing my own assignments and completing them is tremendous. The photographic challenge of stretching your skills, meeting a new challenge and succeeding is an incredible feeling of accomplishment and a confidence-builder. As for the business reward, where others acknowledge your photographic challenge by paying you for the privilege of using your photograph, really makes one feel good. A lot goes into self-assignments and even more is derived from it. Assign yourself the challenge and reap its many rewards!

 
This article first appeared on ‘Feature on 10’, issue 43, June 1999 copy of Photo-Track, a newsletter of The Tampines North Community Club Photographic Society.

[spyglass]

It is very fortunate when you can get paid doing that which you love. Francis lee, I have always enjoyed your posts, quality images supported by thoughtful words. You definitely have talent and drive. Setting personal challenges and goals, raising ones own person bar, is a great agenda. I will bet that you will not idly sit by and wait for the call but will venture out on your own initiative, find an assignment, make it happen, deliver it, and reap the rewards.


Spyglass

[francis lee]

Thanks Spyglass for the most encouraging words...

[Mike Pearson]

Francis,

Thanks for the precis on your approach to self-assignments. It is thought provoking and maybe we can all learn from it by assigning ourselves some personal assignments. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

By the way I like the photograph and border. 

Mike

[francis lee]

Thanks Mikey...

[francis lee]

Well... to quote Nike, "Just do It!" for yourself...

[blackcloudbrew]

Francis - long time no see! I was wondering about you. I remember this thread too.

Tim

[francis lee]

Hi Tim & HELLO Everybody,

Yes I was away for quite awhile healing from the passing of my mum. She passed away on last Nov... It still hurts... but I'm much better now.

[Mike Pearson]

Francis - sorry to hear about your mum - please accept our condolences 

Glad to see you back 

Mike

[blackcloudbrew]

Well, my sympathy goes out to you. I lost my father a year and a half ago. It does leave a hole, I know.

Tim

[spyglass]

Good to see you again Francis, I echo Mikes sentiments. I know that your mom will live on through the fine son she raised.


Spyglass

[francis lee]

Thank you all for your kind & encouraging words...

[JIMBO]

There's someone we have missed. Welcome home Francis. I have always been encouraged by your intense committ to get better. I too like to challenage myself on improving my hobby. Still not to your level but it does give my a goal. So sorry to hear about you mom. Memories are good but sometimes hard! JIM

[Ron Kruger]

Hi Francis. I've been shooting for sale for almost 40 years, and the only times I've had "assignments" is when I was on salary for a magazine--and they owned the images. "Assignments" is one of those high-sounding words some people throw around. I get requests sometimes for certain types of shots from my regular outlets, but it's still freelance, not assignments. Don't worry about getting "assignments." They come with exclusivity and claim "all rights." Work on freelance marketing and developing relationships with regular markets--retain resale rights and keep the self-starter/improvement attitude you have.