I’ve jumped off the cliff before. The last time I quit a job and started a new business was almost twenty-five years ago; I bought a house on the same day. Somehow I failed to mention that to the mortgage people as we signed the papers.

So now, those twenty-five years later, I’m leaving that business in unorthodox fashion. I left the company a month ago. The economy’s not great and this time I have two young sons. Things feel a little fragile, but if I’ve learned anything in my life it’s this: do good work and good things will come to you. Do nothing—that’s worse than doing bad work— and you’ll regret it.

When people ask you why you’re doing whatever it is you’re taking a risk to do “I don’t know” will always be an acceptable answer. Doing whatever it is you’re taking a risk to do may not be rationale, but I could give you a hundred reasons why writing a song or writing a book or helping people you don’t know build a new house is irrationale. Not being able to put into words why you want to write a book or a song is OK. Not writing a book or a song because you can’t isn’t.

So my only option now is to do the best work I can do everyday and that, my friends, is a gift the gods have given all of us.

If I don’t get hit by a bus and nothing happens to the many people I love, it’s entirely possible that 2012 will be the greatest year of my life. At this point, success will be measured by how much of myself I give every time the opportunity presents itself.

Ironically, at this point, my greatest fears are silly technical website stuff. Will computer demons rear there ugly heads on launch day? Is my inability to think like a web designer going to be a source of frustration for the people who want what I have to offer?

But I know in my heart that simple internet mechanics will not define How to Photograph Your Life. I will. And you will.

I’m so thankful you’re all here.

I’m Nick Kelsh, just one more better than average photographer, making up stuff and putting it on the internet. Turn off those crazy computers, people, and go love your families. Thanks for listening.

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