Using Your Craft not just to make a Living but to touch Some Lives

A shot captured by a photographer. To what end could he have taken the above photo? Read further to know, learn and get inspired. Obviously, the pursuit of money has stolen the concern for humanity by humans. Just look at everyone around you. What did you see? Desires or wants everywhere. You can think of every Tom, Dick and “Joe” as being in some sort of want. Wait, you were expecting to see Harry right? That’s fine but my name is Joe and I just had to infix it somewhere. So you’ve got to excuse me on that one.

Common sense would tell us that no man is equal right? We’ve got the upper, middle and lower class. Don’t even argue this; Aristotle has got my back this time around. Besides, it is a glaring truth that is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf.

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But guess what? I’ve got good news for you. There is a common stuff that makes all humans equal. You want to know right? It is WANT. Yes, I called it WANT. It is often said that human needs are insatiable. Now take a challenge, show me any man born of a woman who has no want and I will show you a flying pig. In fact, whether small or great, rich or poor, free or bound, young or old, low or high and white or black, in want, all humans are equal. These wants have triggered the persistent efforts and dogged pursuits to satisfy or meet these desires. Hence even in our want, we should learn to reach out to the world and show a little kindness.

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Here is a global photographer by name Adrain Mcdonald. On his trip to New York for a contract job I guess, he came in contact with a homeless family on the side way begging for alms to perhaps gain their feet or make ends meet. The creative snapper was quite touched and moved. But he had no silver or gold at that moment that could had possibly solved the jam of the nuclear family.

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But guess what he did? He displayed his craft. How? He brought out his camera and took a shot of the family. He delved into his websites and media handles to create a quick awareness and sought for some help. Oh! Did I tell you that he robbed minds with the couples? He did and still gave some donations. Interesting right?

The image above (the photo attached to the write-up) was the shot he took.

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In Adrain Mcdonald words:

I captured this shot on my trip to New York earlier this week. Whilst walking the street I saw this homeless couple and immediately I knew I had to use my art to bring some attention to their state even if it is only a little drop in the ocean. I spoke with them briefly and thereafter I came to one conclusion. “Just as love can easily become hate, everything can easily become nothing.” May they find favour in life again.

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Now I wonder how many photographers could have thought of doing that. How many? Such an act simply implies using one’s craft not just to make a living but to leave a legacy; to make a mark; to reach out to the world; to touch some lives. It makes the world beautiful to live in and illuminate one’s own world.

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Right now, I really don’t give a damn about what craft you are deeply into, all I want you to do is to reflect on how you can use it to touch someone’s life today for the better.