Letter From The Editor [August]

I’m one of those that constantly reevaluates myself and is always learning new things about my tendencies to figure out if I need to improve on something or not. This past month, I have learned one valuable thing: I’m a control freak. Holy mother of L. Ron Hubbard, do I ever need to be the man in charge of things! Further, it’s hard for me to relinquish the vice grip I have on whatever project I’m working on. So, this past month has required a lot of squeamish moments of giving in and letting someone else… help. (*gasp!*)

Already learned about myself, I like getting involved in as many things as I can juggle in the air, never fearing the impending chaos that could occur should and extra object be thrown into the mix. While July has given me many changes that have ultimately turned for the best, I’m riding this emotional high all the way into August, and it has given me so much motivation to do things that I have decided to actually finally definitely add a much-needed added help around this place.

Enter: Jeremy Greenidge.

I have decided that one man can’t manage to increase the awesomeness of Fuel Your Photography alone, so I have made Jeremy my Assistant Editor. Now, as much as I wanted to call him “Assistant To The Editor”, he has been kicking so much ass around here lately that I have discovered that is unnecessary. He’s been doing a great job of corralling my scattered thoughts into something legible and tangible for the staff, which has resulted in a great start to this month.

Another great thing Jeremy has contributed to FYP is his ability to accumulate not only new writers for the team, but add an international element greater than what we have presently. Sure, it’s been great having American and British writers, but in his Barbados ways, Jeremy has grabbed writers from Japan, Venezuela, and Hong Kong. Their unique vantage points will add a great touch to the style of FYP, and throwing in another fellow DC photographer and one from NYC is always a plus. We’re expanding our reach, and I’m hoping it will broaden your photography spectrum, as well.

Sometimes, the best step you can take for yourself in order to progress properly is to ask for help. I’m certainly not above doing so, and while some may view it as a step backwards, I tend to think the opposite. It’s been such a relief knowing that someone has my back, which has allowed me to take on more projects. And as I described above, I’m all for that. Plus, he’s brought a fresh perspective to FYP that has been much appreciated. His new and great ideas on how to better run this ship have been fantastic, and I’m hoping it will create an even better experience for you, the reader.

It’s interesting to see how many people let pride get in the way of asking for help, as if it’s a sign of weakness. As if you can’t handle the challenge.

As if.

Some things are too big for us to take on by ourselves, and simply asking for help doesn’t mean you are incapable of doing the job. But if you want it done right, a little assistance never hurt. I love watching photographers who think they’re too big to ask for help, and on the day of the shoot, they fail miserably because they let their egos get in the way of creating a great shoot. As much as I would love to see FYP succeed, I know that isn’t going to happen if I attempt to do this alone. Jeremy has stepped up wonderfully, and it’s made me realize the power of asking for help.

So now that I have him taking care of everything, I fully intend on sipping piña coladas on the beach while he takes over! Nothing like having a cronie to boss around and dish out orders to! I could use the vacation…

Ok, maybe not so much.

Jeremy is a much-needed addition to the team, and while he has been a great writer for FYP, I can already tell he’s going to be a great Assistant Editor, as well. I hope we can implement his ideas to better the experience for you here at FYP, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the newbies are going to churn up!

Until next time,

- Patrick
Your Fearless Leader