Stages of a photographer <- clicken Sie here ...

I found this beautiful diagram of a photographer´s life on Robert Benson´s Blog. It is very funny but also very true.

That "dammit I suck" dip is awesome. I first got aware of this magical moment in the development of any skill - photography or otherwise - when I read "Pragmatic Thinking and Learning", a book aimed at professional software developers. One chapter is about the the five stages in the journey from novice to expert, and how to recognize which stage you are in. The model described there is also universal, not just for professional software developers. Interesting enough it mirrors the graph shown above.

One clear sign that you are in stage 2 - advanced beginner - is that you think you are an expert in your field. Once you figure out "dammit I suck": Congratulations!  You are not an advanced beginner anymore. Beware, though:  The journey to expert is still long.

The book states that most people never leave the advanced beginner stage in their profession, or any other skill for that matter. Makes sense: To them the journey is over because they already are experts! I just love that insight. Been there ...

Beware: Just saying "I suck" just to feel you are in the next stage does not count. It has to be a revelation!

My 40th birthday BBQ

This weekend I had a BBQ party for my 40th birthday. Excellent party! I am very happy for all the nice people who came a celebrated with me: I had a great time.

Thanks for everyone for coming, and thanks for your contributions for our trip: They went straight to our savings account for Australia!!