Comments on: Achieving Success On One’s Own Terms

By: Patrick Mulligan

Patrick Mulligan — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:58:33 +0000

Cole, I so enjoy your thoughtful posts of wisdom and common sense, as well as your wonderful black and white photography. As a side note I feel a connection with you, I used to live in Ft Collins and would ride my bike through your valley on my way to Estes Park and back. Thanks for sharing.

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By: Nonie Cabrera

Nonie Cabrera — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:32:15 +0000

Hi Cole,
Just joined your blog and just saw your work through Youtube…excellent work! Very inspiring.

By: Gary Larsen

Gary Larsen — Sat, 21 May 2011 17:38:18 +0000

Your blog and these comments are very interesting and all came at an approriate time for me too. I am always intrigued by the fact that my wife who is a painter (and who should share at least some insights about my work) often remains non-committal or clearly isn’t impressed with a photo that I show her. At first that certainly disappoints me… but I then realize that her viewpoint is unique to her. Even more interestingly, these very images are often chosen by others as their favorites. And ultimately, I like them (or I wouldn’t have spent so much time on them). So the bottom line is the same. Create art only to please yourself and let others decide for themselves! For me, nothing beats the satisfaction of completing an image that I like.

By: Dianne Poinski

Dianne Poinski — Thu, 19 May 2011 21:54:18 +0000

I am always inspired by what you write Cole!
While I am extremely fortunate and grateful that my husband is able to pay the mortgage, I still have to say I photograph because I “need” to. Maybe not to pay the bills, but to keep my soul alive with passion and purpose. With that in mind, I still have studio bills and overhead to consider. However, I have found time and time again, if I start making photographs because I think others will like them but they don’t make my heart sing, than it’s a waste of time. Those “should” images are never as strong as my “because I love to” images.

By: Bob Barley

Bob Barley — Thu, 19 May 2011 05:06:16 +0000

Hello, Cole,
I recently spoke with an artist who paints wonderful –from my viewpoint — abstract pieces. She lamented that gallery visitors often discount her work and barely pause to look at it. She continues to work despite that reaction. She does it because she enjoys it.

I should also say that my photography is primarily for my own enjoyment – which is good since it is clearly just in the development stage. It would be easy to be discouraged by external reactions. My desire to learn more pushes me forward.

Thanks for the post.

By: Bill

Bill — Wed, 18 May 2011 21:52:59 +0000

Love this post Cole. I photograph because I want to…not need to. A real luxury I never forget. If the image speaks to me I like it, play with in the darkroom, and print it. If the image does not speak to me….I do not. I never snap the shutter or work in the darkroom for others. Wben others love my work it is a bonus. I read others ‘artists statements’ and am sometimes completely confused and amazed by what I see there. While I admit I would be so gratified if others liked my work…I could never photograph for them. By the way Fountainhead changed my life…and your images capture it a way that very consistent with Ayn Rand’s philosophy.

By: Patrick Mulligan

Patrick Mulligan — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:44:22 +0000

When one does not have to earn a living from their art, or chooses not to as you do, we are free to continually reinvent ourselves to prevent stagnation and burnout. My love is landscape photography but I enjoy macro, black and white and more recently photography after dark. The variety keeps me alive and successful in my own way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. They inspire me.

By: Cole Thompson

Cole Thompson — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:36:28 +0000

Mike, excellent point, we should all have a creative passion in our lives!

And Donal, those “Two Trees in Snow” are in my backyard and that image has become a measuring stick as I watch them grow each year. They also remind me that I don’t have to go somewhere to create a great image!

By: Donal McCann

Donal McCann — Wed, 18 May 2011 13:28:07 +0000

Hi Cole,
Love your recent post, it makes alot of sense.
I’m also loving the Tree stream with ‘Two Trees in Snow – Laporte, CO – 2006′ being my fav. You’re work is always an inspiration!

Donal