One of the coolest things as a photographer is befriending other photographers. Especially the vastly more experienced, better established, and more accomplished ones who are kind, mentoring, and willing to sign their books for you.

I am a lucky little bunny. I have meant many such photographers but one who stands out in my mind is Paul Liebhardt who I am a die hard fan of his travel photography and hope one day to reach that level of work. I meant Paul when I was a student and a photographers assistant on the Fall 2012 voyage of Semester at Sea.

At the time whenever I saw him he always offered a kind word, advice, and was generally just awesome to sit and chat with whether in port or in the dining room. I was introduced to him and his work through Semester at Sea and I walked off that ship wanting to own his published works. So when I got home and after an acceptable recuperation period had gone by I messaged him and purchased some of his works.

He graciously signed them and the advice and words he wrote in Sea Life have stuck with me since I received and read them.

The world sees in only one tongue captured my attention and that phrase has lived in my mind for a long while.

On bad days, or days when I question what I am doing I remember I am speaking in a different language and I am working for the audience that seeks out what I am saying. That I am capturing feelings, thoughts, and the dreams of others as much as my own to share with the world.

I hope Paul’s words can inspire you and your own works!