June 10, 2014
So I’m a Loser?

I walk at least five miles a day unless I’m drunk or really short on time.

I do this for three reasons:

1) All these friggin’ pictures don’t take themselves.

2) I need the exercise in order to sleep, and I hate the gym.

3) It’s cheaper than therapy.

And I’ve been called a loser for it quite a few times.

It’s never a direct thing.

Nobody ever comes out and outright insults me, but once in a while, I get this sort of “free time shaming/humble bragging” response.

“Oh my God I wish I had time for that!”

“You actually walked 8 miles? Why would you do that?”

“You’re lucky you have so much free time, I could never do that.”

There’s this underlying message that I should be doing something more interesting or I should have more fun things on my plate.

But this is what’s keeping me alive.

I’ve suffered from sleep problems since I was a little kid. I’m talking going months on end getting maybe one decent night’s sleep a week. It’s a horrible way to live and contributed to many personal and professional failures.

My crazy walking regimen is the only thing that’s ever put me to sleep. (quitting soda and cutting computer use also helped)

And from a photographic standpoint, iron sharpens iron. I took a quantum leap in creativity, productivity, and technical skill when I cranked up my shooting volume in around 2011-2012.

I’m at my best when I’m shooting at least a few times a week, which isn’t easy since I work a 50-hour week.

But I make the, because I came to photography late. I’ve had a lot of catching up to do I know I only have so many years left on the street.

I make time because it’s worth it, and if that makes me a loser, so be it.

  1. stephenffaust said: Respect. Walking is the best exercise IMO. Walking and street photography are a perfect match!
  2. michaelcomeau-blog posted this
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