Thích Quảng Đức 1963: self immolation
When I started this blog several years ago I didn't really know the direction it was heading. I didn't know if I would just write about photography, if I would include my personal life and if I would speak on controversial subjects. Today I have a much clear direction.
I've had many well intended friends speak to me about the content of my blog. They question if I should post my view point and point out I may alienate some of my clients/blog followers. Because I am working so hard to establish a following and build my client base this was a concern of mine as well. However the more and more I thought about it the more I feel if my blog doesn't have my view, what's the point?
There are people that do not enjoy reading my blog. If that is the case most likely they wouldn't enjoy my company, do I want those people to be my clients? And do they want me as there photographer? I would like to add that I know not everyone shares my same views. I am so aware of that and I'm 100% fine with that. At no point is it my goal to change their minds. That would just be a bonus (ha ha). My goal is to speak from my heart and what my experience is. I do hope that most of my posts are relatable and those commonalities overpower any differences. I'd like people to read my blog and see the human side of me.
I've studied marketing and I know that the entire population can not be my target market. I know what I need to have a clear demographic. This knowledge makes the decision even more clear for me. I will draw those who enjoy or tolerate my thoughts and without conflict separate from those that are repelled by them. I also may draw in a few who have to giggle about my crazy thought process (you know the coo coo Mommy stuff) which is fine to... I guess my blog is to show that I'm not perfect and hopefully you, the reader relate to that.
So why the photo of Thích Quảng Đức. Well his story is unbelievable and his devotion to what he believes is AMAZING. He literally volunteered to lite himself on fire in protest, his body took 10 minutes to completely burn. He was re cremated later but his heart remained intact.