Myth of Self-Made

We live in an era where people glorify self-made success. Successful people, successful businesses, and the amenities and luxuries that come with it are that much more impressive if the success is achieved without the privileges of inheritance, connections, or social status.

For example, form CEO of Apple Steve Jobs is idolized because of his unusual background. He was adopted, he quit college, and yet he managed to build one of the most influential companies in the world. I’m writing a post on one of his products right now.

Other examples include Denzel Washington, J.K. Rowling, Abraham Lincoln,

Oprah, Darryl from the Office, etc.

We call people like these men and women “self-made.”

Is it true, though?

Obviously, I cannot speak for Steve Jobs or Denzel Washington. However, I do know that I’m not self-made, and I would never want to be described as self-made even if I achieved their level of success. I would like to share why.

I have shot and done many things.

I began with just architecture, cities, travel, and landscapes for fun.

Then I took pictures of a small summer school Bible camp.

I also offered free family portraits for those who made a big impact in my life through my college years.

Then I shot engagement pictures for my friends.

I even worked for a local interior design firm by moving furniture because I just needed work. Driving a truck full of tables and couches.. moving in and out.. I learned the hard work. And I enjoyed every second of it. Then I offered to update their designs and set up photos on their website with my camera. They loved it.

That led to more commercial photography, and I’ve also shot commercial product photos for Ford Motor Company.

And as you know, I now shoot weddings.

So here I am. A travel photographer, landscape photographer, camp photographer, family portrait photographer, interior design photographer, commercial photographer, and a wedding photographer. I can be any type of photographer,

except a self-made photographer.

A self-made person is someone who has achieved their success through nothing but their own efforts. First, the word self indicates the “nothing but their own” part.

When I look back at how it all began, it was more like “nothing but other people’s support” rather than “nothing but my own effort.”

No, I didn’t have formal training as a photographer. My parents didn’t buy me my first camera. I had no connections. But that doesn’t make me a self-made photographer.

It doesn’t negate the kindness, generosity, and trust given to me by friends and the grace of God in my life, without which I would never be where I am today.

Obviously, I’m not “made” yet. There are millions of people who are better than I am. To be honest, though, it doesn’t even matter how many people are better or worse than I am. The most important thing is that I know where I’ve been, where I am, and where I want to be.

So by the definition, I’m neither “self” nor “made.” As much as our society glorifies being “self-made,” I hope that I’ll never be called self-made.