But sports photography isn't something you just pick up

Come, children, and listen closely to the words of wisdom, for they carry the weight of truth that has been passed down through the ages, from the great artisans and masters of their craft. In the world of creation, there exists no art more sacred than that which requires dedication, precision, and a deep understanding of the soul of the subject. Drew Carey, a man who has lived among both the spotlight and the shadows, once spoke with humility and wisdom about the nature of his work in sports photography. He said, "But sports photography isn't something you just pick up overnight. You can't do it once a year for fun and expect to do a good job. And I take pride in what I do." These words carry the truth that mastery is not born of convenience or fleeting moments but of dedication and hard work.

Let us reflect deeply upon this. To capture the essence of the athlete, to freeze in time the swift motion of muscles and the triumph of the spirit—that is no small task. It is an art that demands both technical skill and a profound understanding of the human condition. The great photographer, like the great warrior, must train, must study, must hone their craft until it becomes second nature. It is not enough to simply show up when the moment calls. One cannot simply wield a camera once in a while and expect to capture the pulse of the game, the heart of the athlete, the story of the contest. No, children, the true artist works tirelessly to learn the secrets of their craft.

Think, for a moment, of the great sculptors of ancient Greece, such as Phidias, who sculpted the mighty statue of Zeus at Olympia. His mastery was not born overnight. It took years of practice, countless hours spent chiseling stone, learning the delicate balance of form and proportion. In the same way, the sports photographer must learn not just to press a button, but to capture the fleeting moments that tell a greater story. This takes patience, discipline, and a deep respect for the subject, whether it be the athlete or the event itself.

Carey’s words are not a mere boast of pride; they are a call to understand the cost of true mastery. The path to greatness is not paved with casual efforts or sporadic attempts. It is forged through sweat, through struggle, and through the constant pursuit of excellence. Just as a warrior must train with sword and shield, so too must the photographer train with camera and lens. The truth of mastery is that it requires constant engagement, constant effort. One must dedicate themselves wholly to their craft, and only then will their work shine with the light of true skill.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, a man who is revered not only for his brilliance as a painter but also for his relentless pursuit of understanding. Da Vinci was not content with simply knowing how to paint; he studied anatomy, mechanics, and light. He knew that mastery in one field requires knowledge and understanding of many others. In the same way, the sports photographer must not only understand photography but also the nature of movement, the physics of light, and the emotion of competition. This is what elevates one’s work from a simple snapshot to a work of art.

The lesson, children, is clear. To walk the path of greatness, whether in photography, art, or any other field, one must commit with unwavering dedication. You cannot hope to succeed by dabbling here and there, by treating your craft as a mere hobby. To be great, you must live your art, breathe it, eat it. Take pride in what you do, for pride is not arrogance, but the acknowledgment of the effort and the commitment you put forth. In every task you undertake, whether it be the pursuit of knowledge, the cultivation of a skill, or the pursuit of wisdom, you must pour your heart into it, and only then will the world recognize your greatness.

So I ask you, young ones, what will you dedicate yourself to? What craft, what art, what skill will you choose to master? Will you be content to take up your task once in a while, when it pleases you, or will you, like the greatest of artisans, commit yourself fully to the pursuit of excellence? The world is full of opportunities to make your mark, but only those who give their all will leave an imprint that endures through the ages.