I was given one more photography book for my birthday. I hadn’t mentioned it already as A) it came by sea so only arrived recently, and B) it has a few more words than most photography books so I had to sit down and read it.

The book is  A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel: My Journey in Photographs by Annie Griffiths Belt, a National Geographic photographer who has managed to juggle her career with two kids and a camel. (Something you don’t even see at Cirque Du Soleil.)

A Camera, Two Kids, and a Camel by Annie Griffiths Belt

It would perhaps be best described as an illustrated autobiography. The author talks about her life as a National Geographic photographer and there were several interesting facts or pearls of wisdom along the way. These included:

“Assignments in those days (early in her career) averaged three to six months. No assistants. No shot lists. No excuses.”  Photographers were sent to a place after a five minute phone call and then it was their job to find the story behind that city or region and to photograph it.

Interpersonal skills are one of the keys to being a travel photographer. Being able to change a NO to a yes. Convincing strangers to not only let you photograph them, but to let you into their home.

Access. Go where other can’t, won’t or fear to tread.

Enjoy it. You are probably doing one of the best jobs in the world.