Why most people don't succeed at their passion

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Most people don't recognize opportunity because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.
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On my channel you will find videos about photography, cinematography, post processing tutorials for Capture One, Lightroom and Photoshop, photo assignments that YOU can participate in, the Artist Series and more. The Artist Series is an ongoing set of videos I produce as documentaries on living photographers. I am extremely passionate about photography and video and my goal in making these videos is to share my passion and enthusiasm with you! Don’t forget to subscribe and make sure to hit the like button and share this video if you enjoyed it!
Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[@karlagerst111]

I appreciated the “small world” Jeep story. Random connections can be a boost. Also, appreciated your realist comments on life.

[@gastonroulstone5025]

Took a break from photography to focus on a 2nd job to deal with the financial shortfall but now I’m back on the wagon and actually the break helped. Feel like I’m having fun and don’t care about the 12 likes I average on Instagram.

[@alexmetcalfe4668]

Good for you man.

[@cevisuals]

Ted, Thank you for this... I've been struggling myself with trying to stay positive, thinking about (even hamster wheeling) about what a reset to my work even looks like. As someone who ONLY knows being a photographer (for over 30 years professionally) I don't know what else I'd do outside of it. Being a photographer - specifically documentary and street - gives my life meaning, documenting the human experience in all its complexity, that's what drives me to keep at it even when others around me say get over it and get a "REAL" job. I have to keep telling myself I did what others said twice before and I paid a price business wise, emotionally and physically. At the end of the day, even if no one else is willing to be supportive of my decision, I have to live with myself, wake up to myself, and I have to do what I know, not just feel, is right for me, even when no one else supports my decision. Again, Thank you for this Sunday morning "sermon" aka pep talk....

[@aquasquishy9278]

I needed to hear this today. Thank you.

[@glennsak]

Thank you. This is an important, timely and thoughtful talk.

[@johnwaine56]

Running a business, holding down a job, being an established creator requires hard work. However, the energy needed to start something (to seize an opportunity) is many times greater. Think of a big heavy bird like a goose sitting on water then taking to flight - it must be physically draining to get airborne but then relatively easy to fly around the sky. If you wish to fly because it looks easy and smooth, you first need to understand how tough the take off was! BTW - a jet airliner on a trip from say London to NYC will burn one third of it’s fuel for the journey just taking off and climbing to its cruising altitude - that’s how demanding getting something off the ground is! Thank you Ted for making us think, for encouraging and inspiring us. I wonder how many people owe their take off to you!

[@sebastienlarrivee2492]

You're really a marvelous speaker!!Thanks for another episode that give that feel good feeling!

[@nocturnus009]

Gratitude for sharing Ted, I just commented on Manny Ortiz’ video at the start of the weekend about how Walter Moseley made the point that the, “Most Talented” novelists will probably NEVER get published because they will probably stop or give up before getting their 1st (or 1st problematic) draft to completion with the skills in their early toolbox. He also makes the point that the revision of who is today would write a different Devil in a Blue Dress, BECAUSE of the accretion of writerly problem solving skills in his current toolbox. As an aspiring storyteller the projects on your channel have been intertextually valuable.

[@ales_krejci]

Very inspiring and very interesting! So nice to see you returning to this type of content, much appretiated!

[@fernandosantos8573]

Awesome! Please do share those stories because they truly inspire us.

[@washingtonradio]

You made a great point about paying your dues and being willing to pay them. Most fail to realize that dues will be paid in some form.

[@cartilagehead6326]

What I like about that quote is that it addresses all of the possible avenues and narratives that people mistake for "random opportunity knocking". Like you could have a "right place, right person, right time" moment where a chance meeting with somebody leads to career advancement---but you still have to be in the right place and you still have to have something worth recognizing. So that means grinding away at those skills/projects/portfolio elements. It means putting in the groundwork to get into those "right places" to show those "right people" what you've done. Or you have people that slowly build their careers over many years, until they're at the point where they've "arrived" because they've been there so long and done so much. In either case, it takes work and the humility to not expect anything meaningful back to get there.

[@Sourpusscandy]

Good talk, thanks for sharing this. I”m helping a friend resurrect his darkroom. He has a few roadblocks but overcoming them will make it worth it. I remind him of the joy of the finished product. It is reviving my passion too.

[@SirMo]

What a great story and video. Thanks for sharing as always!

[@brucehumphrey7446]

Hi Ted, I am also a Jeep Wrangler guy but in South Africa. Love your channel apart from the gear reviews which leave me cold. I did an MA degree and then became a professional photographer. I remember the early to mid 2000's very well as I was a well established photographer especially in Architecture, Commercial and Corporate. But already in my mid-50's by that time. My real edge over everyone else was my proficiency with large format cameras and darkroom work. I was, and still am, very good friends with a number of the top South African photographers, mostly around my age. It was a horrible time watching the base of my business being cut from under me by the digital revolution and some sad stories of photographers going from success to bust over a matter of a few years. My one friend was considered in the 80's and 90's to be the best wildlife and bird photographer in the country and made most of his money from image banks. He saw his income dwindle to almost nothing and had to move back to England to get on social security. I was lucky in that I was financially secure enough to retire in 2010, but many were not so fortunate. I still do photography as an amateur and love editing, but harbour a degree of resentment at how digital photography curtailed my career. Cheers, Bruce

[@Jackbrsp]

I always been an enthusiast of photography since a young man, but never had the chance to get to it until now. The pandemic started 2 months after my Nikon D3300 arrived. I was devastated because lockdown forced me to stay home for almost a year. The opportunity I was hoping to go out and shoot was slipping away. But then I began to watch KZbin videos on photography. I took online workshops, classes, read books, etc. I learnt so much from all this and, when I got the chance to go outside for the first time, I was fully trained and ready. Of course I'm still a beginner, but I have different eyes and attitude now. It may be early to decide this, but next year I'm going weekends on portrait and boudoir photography business in my town. The plan is to have it as a full time job in 2 year from now. The opportunity I got I'm using to build the chance of a lifetime and I won't let this go. Ever. It will work! You, sir... You are responsible for my new beginning. I took inspiration from you, everyday, since I discovered the marvelous gem that is your channel. Thank you so much, Ted. I feel stronger than ever. ❤️ from Brazil

[@adriansavio118]

Fantastic video. I’ve watched many of your vids now and this one hit home the hardest. I love that the same attitude applies to every profession and walk of life not just the world of photography

[@rjhoff2391]

Milton Berle has a great quote on success: "Too many people simply give up too easily. You have to keep the desire to forge ahead, and you have to be able to take the bruises of unsuccess. Success is just one long street fight." There may be a time to quit, but you gotta give it some time first.

[@Stone1108]

On the nose Ted, appreciate the fact that you are so honest and sincere. Big fan., thanks.

[@jessieg8851]

I feel like this video on opportunity is probably the best I’ve ever heard. Nothing gets handed to us in life. We all need to appreciate the hard work and the process

[@drmatthewhorkey]

Thanks for the inspiration! Great story and go Wade!!

[@TJ_ONLY]

I needed to hear this. Thank you.

[@jimwlouavl]

Good stories well-delivered that were timely for me. Thanks.

[@Emmett2000]

I'm a fellow Jeep Guy, guitarist, and photographer, love your stories, videos and reviews. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@DennisSwansonP1022]

Your videos are very encouraging Ted! God bless you and keep up the good work!

[@michelpapemsiphotography692]

Thanks Tedd, a very inspiring video. You are so real🙏🏿💚

[@saashuseini56]

Thank you. You’re so inspiring

[@boyankrivoshiev679]

Great story! That's kind of video i look for in your channel. And it's why i subscribed for your profile few years ago! Keep up the refined taste! Keep inspiring!

[@alexanderpons9246]

Excellent topic Ted Forbes thanks for talking about it! We must differientate between doing what one loves and getting recognition, many times they don't come together and like your Dad said there is always a price.

[@tenzinlekden5617]

As always, I really enjoy watching and listening to you. Please continue. Thank you

[@christopherbgriffith]

Great message! I’m also a fan of “luck favors the prepared”. 🙂

[@amyverhague1491]

Good stories, good talk. Thank you for sharing your insights.

[@RockWILK]

Yes to all of this. So glad I watched this video today. Thanks for sharing.

[@philipshucet9481]

Ted, the message about being positive, looking for opportunities and putting in the work is spot on. Thanks!

[@mikebahr68]

Like many others have said ... " I needed this today " ive really been getting in my own head about things, so going to take what you said and make every effort spin things around for myself. Thankyou.

[@AdrianWilsonBridders1234]

Ted, you have hit the nail right on the head and a great inspiration, your wise words give me the positivity and the drive to move forward with my photography, than you from here in the UK

[@SantiagoBilly]

This is so important, hard work makes it happen! Never surrender, always keep walking.

[@johnjacob7287]

Thanks for sharing.. motivating!

[@jcs2207]

Many thanks for these encouraging words. I am just recovering from burnout and find a lot of wisdom in your talk. Best regards, Jean

[@_lucid_one]

I'm not really even sure how I came across your videos but damn grateful I did. Beyond words I appreciate your positivity and perspective on topics surrounding photography. I felt Iike I heard something I needed in this one and cannot thank you enough. Happily subscribed and fellow photographer. Thanks again.

[@corklimerick1]

Great video.. especially during the pandemic..

[@GamerNxUSN]

I had a boss that would put his arm around me and say: "Jonathan, I have an opportunity for you to excell!" Then would proceed to assign me a less than desirable task. Lol.

[@lucasgoncalvesdasilva30]

That's really inspiring, Ted. Thank you!!!

[@outtathyme5679]

Ted talk

[@davidabarak]

Your timing couldn't have been better, Ted. Way back 20+ years ago I was a newspaper photographer and I got out of the business to concentrate on family. Two or three years ago I decided to get back into it but I stepped into a new world with new challenges. At the end of June I'll be retiring from government work with a m̸o̸d̸e̸s̸t̸ tiny pension, a new marital status and a new mortgage - plenty of changes to present a personal challenge. Your video gave me an extra burst of enthusiasm exactly when I needed it.

[@davep6603]

Great message. This idea of turning negativity into something positive reminds me of something I read about Fujifilm and their transition to digital. Thanks for the video!

[@basiacdno8268]

Thank you. I needed to hear this.

[@Bob-Horse]

What a lovely story about your friend Wade. It just shows you don’t know until you are prepared to work hard and try. Thanks Ted, you are a cool guy and I have followed and subscribed to you for quite a few years now. You always have something interesting to say.

[@leenak.5646]

Thanks, Ted. Your videos are inspiring.

[@davidjb9199]

Once again you demonstrate how your channel and approach to the subject of photography is unique and different. Photography is about a lot more than glass, EVF's and pixels. THIS is why I subscribed. Hope you keep on keepin' on....BTW, what you have described here I have, in a way, experienced, and would love to get back to. Good job, as usual.

[@seraniagency]

Thank you for this video. We all need this positive thinking

[@huonglarne]

thank you a lot for sharing this

[@brentkollock8370]

thanks for the positive spin on things Ted, always good to hear that. If we believe in something, and apply ourselves, why can't we succeed??!! Like your friend, and kudos to him. Picasso was once asked if he believed in 'inspiration', he said yes, but it must find you working. Working is the key, always looking for a way, always fighting to make your vision reality. Keep up the good work sir, hope our paths cross again soon.

[@rejeannantel1185]

Lack of positivity is certainly not your Golden Ticket to get better at your art. And if I’m humble, I will say that I can get quite negative when the weather conditions aren’t just right for photography while my inner voice tells me the opposite. Any weather is good, sun, rain, or whatever. One has just get to work harder and get out of your comfort zone to find out that he’s missing out great opportunities. When I started photography, landscape was my thing and I detested portraits until I found out that entering people as crucial elements within my landscape improved my photography. Since that day, I started to explore domains I never thought I’d love. Getting out of your comfort zone is a must for one who searches creativity. Great video Ted!

[@adrianadrust1216]

Your enthusiasm is inspiring! Thanks Ted 👌

[@daisycantor-moore4098]

I have worked in the professional photography world since I was in college, about 51 years and I have seen it go from film to digital. There is one thing that never changes, you have to have an eye, without it you are just a mechanic. I ran my own studio in Manhattan in the ‘80s to the ‘90s and know the tough business end of photography, yet without talent and drive you will be left on the side of the road. This year as I turn 70 I have converted my woodworking space in NYC into a photography studio, money pressure is not so great allowing me to go right back to my passion, I can’t be held back. Christopher Moore

[@oakarusa]

This Video to me is reallly motivating... I would like to find my way back to my love for photography listening to this ... helps alot .... thank you

[@JPWineberg]

I keep plugging away and know that my opportunity is around the next corner or the one after that! As long as I love what I’m doing, it’s all worth it! Thank you for this Ted!

[@cody484848]

Very inspiring story Ted. I happen to relate well with what you discussed about doing what you are passionate about. I semi-retired back in February of this year to focus on becoming a successful landscape photographer. I've heard it all from my family and friends ranging from how could you leave a six figure job to landscape photographers are a dime a dozen. Ive had some of the best days of my life in the past three months taking landscape pictures and even at 58, I'm confident I will succeed. Thanks again for sharing those stories about your friend and the Edison quote is one of my favs.

[@markquiram9012]

Thanks, for some reason I needed this tonight for reasons you can't imagine.

[@yuriajones]

Thanks for this. Being positive can be so underrated, but in this world, I think positivity is the antidote for many things. Thanks for that Edison quote!

[@RobRides]

I appreciate the positivity!

[@aboutphotography]

Great video! Thank you!

[@dalemews1]

I've followed you for years. I live in the UK and love my JL Rubicon. Small world.

[@ThomasClemens]

Very true words for any profession.

[@ThunderApache1604V]

This talk was needed.

[@tchidell123]

great advise!

[@NKPHOTOGRAPHER]

Thank You !

[@everyone33]

Thanks for making this video bro bro really helped me . And ur right unused this time to rest how I think and do things and how I want to shape my inner self to reflect my outside

[@saikatghosh5167]

Nice discussion Ted , more videos like this please. I just want to add sometimes it is really hard to find the route in photography so more on that topic please.

[@PatrickDodds1]

Thanks for this Ted - very much needed. Have a good day!

[@sbai4319]

Hi Ted! Thanks for another great video. There is already enough negativity and doom in the photography realm. I was thinking the other day about ways to improve my photography without spending a cent. And the ideas kept coming. Pretty soon, I had enough material to keep me “focused” on the work that I felt positive about the future. Nothing really compares to. a really good print on the wall that was made with your own inspiration. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@hansmeyer1270]

This is just what I needed right now, thank you

[@vincezapata342]

Fantastic video!

[@elgringoperdido.]

Very inspiring as usual, thank you Ted!

[@stephenward5133]

Thanks for this! Inspiring.

[@JohnSchellphoto]

Great, timely advice. Something I needed to hear. Cheers, Ted. Thank you.

[@jcs2207]

Dito.

[@melvinshuster]

Thanks!

[@FoodTechLife]

🙌🏻 “What are you positive about?” Loved that ending.

[@maryanjanevski9711]

Hey Ted many thanks for these words of wisdom, they have come at the right time for me so this really resonated with me 🙏

[@GermanPaak]

Great words. Regards from Argentina.

[@TodColbert]

It took many, many years of blood, sweat and tears to build a successful remodeling business. So many negative voices along the way - “too competitive”, “saturated market”, “prices are commoditized”. Yet, like you say, I found my niche and stayed with it and did the work. Now, I’m close to retirement and feeling that pull again but this time, with photography. But I know the path will be hard and need to find my new “opportunity” that meets my needs and desires.

[@marysweeney-reeves3389]

Ted thank you for your inspiring talk. Also putting into words the negativity which seems to have taken hold in our society. I really like your suggestions on how to deal with the situation by turning off the news, media, and choosing audio books and walking...I do the same thing to cope with stress.

[@twwtb]

Taking a break from the media and news is a very good suggestion. I call it a "media fast".

[@oakarusa]

Thank you for what your saying

[@scarcesense6449]

Great stories, love the Edison quote. All this talk of passion and ambition to build a career is a completely different world to mine. I'm not looking for any opportunities, I'm not very artistic, I don't see my photography as any sort of potential career move and I certainly have no desire to famous or popular - I don't even have an Instagram! I'm a little odd in that I'm quite happy taking photos for my own sake. My situation is one most of the more artistic types in these parts would probably struggle to fathom. I'm an aphantasiac - which is to say I have no mind's eye, I can't visualise things, I don't dream, and without the photographic log of my experiences the visions I experience just blink out of existence the moment I turn around - so I try to capture a lot of what I see. I play with my camera, I play with editing and I keep my images around to bring me back to my lost memories.

[@TerryToole]

Great story, thanks a million.

[@WeddingStoriesByRakesh]

You actually saved me. Thank you for this video.

[@rap36case]

There are a lot of writers out there that don't learn about writing literary fiction. I think the cell phone is the same way. There is joy in learning and I thank you for your videos!

[@Danny2009ie]

Well said!

[@phillipmurray8848]

Well said Ted. So true. Thank you.

[@andreamai]

Those are some cool stories. Opportunities are everywhere, but they don't look the way we think they ought to. Indeed!

[@jamesr5564]

just watching this now, great episode, s Great episode. Just seeing it now. Like it so much, I'd like the kids to listen...

[@zoftigbeatnik]

I have been into Photography since I bought my first film camera when I was 10 years old. I have been through film and digital and I don't do it for money or fame. I do it because I love it and as a hobby. P.S.I also have a Jeep!

[@theoldmanoftech4039]

Ted, you hit the nail on the head here. Whenever I review people’s photo work, I do a lousy job of it. Why? Because I tend to see the beauty in everything and even if the photo is off due to some technical problems I always tell them good job. Why? Because I do see what they were after and i want to make sure that I encourage people to get out and follow their dreams. As for me I have no issues remembering the gas crisis in the early 1970’s and all that fun. Lol. Keep inspiring everyone. Great job.

[@danfiore8130]

“Sometime all it takes is a new roll of film” … me. Ted, thanks very much for your information and inspiration.

[@cillizza]

Thank you 🙏

[@NPJensen]

Great stories. I have never even had a driving lesson (getting a license is very expensive where I live), so of course no Jeep either - or any other kind of car for that matter. I do have a Koga bicycle, and when ever I see other people on Koga bikes, I know, that they know. It's not at all the same as the Jeep thing, but it's something. There is a saying about "live to work or work to live". I work to live and live for photography. That's what works for me. Work is work so to speak, but photography is freedom. So for me, I'd hesitate before making what I live for my job. I admire those able to pull it off, but I enjoy photography so much as my reward to myself for working hard (with something I'm aparently better at, than I care to admit), that I don't imagine I will ever make photography my way of earning a living.

[@keshaunbates2586]

Continue this conversation

[@ikemadethis894]

Great video, thank you.

[@marshalljvanderhoofphoto]

Ted, Thank you for the great message. You are so right that we all need to find the things that make us have positive thoughts. Life is short and what we make of it. I will reuse your opportunity story at some point. Overalls!