What possessed you to go without pay for two months?

Whitelake Lightstation

I have been asked that question, or something similar, more than once lately.  Often times, yes they do really ask "What possessed you..." For me, it's a no brainer, it's a challenge and can be a big hardship, but if I turned it down I would wonder why I was such an idiot.

So here is some data on why, for me, this is a no brainer.

1) I love the outdoors.  Camping, hiking, taking pictures, looking at the stars, etc.  I love it.  I feel at piece while outdoors.  I feel the most refreshed falling asleep to rain falling on my tent and waking to the birds singing in the morning.  Yes, some might think I'm nuts, but that's fine, it is who I am.

2) As a photographer and artist, this is a fantastic opportunity to create a solid portfolio of work I get to spend 6 weeks at a single park as an official volunteer.  I get to explore the park like few others can because of the position and the length of time that I'll be there.  Who wouldn't want that opportunity?

3) Adventures like this are a part of who I am, simply put!

4) It is a challenge and I sometimes need challenges to help move me forward, well a different challenge.  Trying to make it as an artist is getting harder, more so for photographers because so many people think they can buy a nice digital camera now and get a great shot.  Might take them 10, 20, 40+ tries to get that shot because they really don't know what they are doing, but they think they can.  Doesn't matter how many years I've put into studying and working with cameras, both digital and film.... anyways, that's another article.  This is a short term challenge to work on.  I have a definite list of goals to accomplish which helps to keep me focused. I need to come up with $4,000 to cover my bills and expenses, I need to prepare where I work so I can handle many computer and finance issues remotely, I need to work on the concept of leather and photography more, etc.  Each of these are short term goals that I can solve.

Want to know something?  Just comment with the question :D

Steven