Chasing A Dream Copyright Carla Coulson
My photography teacher sent me the most beautiful letter when I was still at photography school. Often long after the day had finished, I would remain in the darkroom enchanted by the magic of watching my images appear in the developer. There were times when my teacher had forgotten something and would drop into the darkroom and run smack bang into me. ‘You still here’ he would laugh.
This happened over and over again until one day he sat down and copied the words out of a photographic book by Czech photographer, Jan Saudek and sent them to me (by mail). I was so moved to receive this letter when he could have handed it to me on any day at school. For years I kept this letter as a lucky charm in my pocket till it one day it dissolved into little squares.
Chasing A Dream Copyright Carla Coulson
The words of Jan Saudek went something along the lines of ‘that no matter how many exhibitions he had, how many books he had published, how many awards he had won, that he was still happiest in the darkroom where he had so much more to learn’. Humbling and passionate words from a photographer who had been working for almost 30 years.
An indescribable passion overtook me in those early days of photography that pushed me to continue when things got tough, when the fear kicked in that this life as photographer wouldn’t be possible – it was this passion that drove me on. The reward was so great simply holding an image I had created – it was like being filled with love.
My passion and love for photography has been my driving force, more powerful than any other talent that I may possess. It is this love and passion for photography that makes me jump out of bed in the morning with a skip in my step, dying to start the day.
Your passion will take you a long way, follow your passion.
Follow you passion! These words are just what I needed today, thank you! I am chasing a dream and some days it seems like everything is against me. I will remember these words forever. Thank you!
It is indeed an indescribable passion, Carla!
A very Greek ‘feel-it-in-your-soul-and-dance-like-no-one-is-watching’ Zorba moment in the first image, by the way! Oooopa, Francesco!!
Well as you know dear Carla, I found my passion late in life but I’m seizing the day with as much gusto as I possibly can. Your words moved me to tears. Merci.
V
PS And thanks for the shot of “The Hunk” . I needed that today !
Loved reading this Carla.
Like you, I too follow the dream.
It can be scary at times but it’s the fear that makes it exciting.
Mx
p.s. I’ve started a sculpture range……
How did I miss this post Carla… Your passion and humility and love shine on. Grazie mille!!!!!
Poignant. This is very inspiring.
What grace, humility, kindness and generosity of spirit shown to you by your teacher and now by you to those who love what you do! If only there were more such giving people in this world… xx