One of the most interesting books I’ve read about life and work of a photographer is On Being a Photographer by David Hurn.

It’s not one of those thin guides which promise that following their step-by-step method everyone can become succesful and admired professional photographer. Instead it’s a thick book which draws a picture of branch in which it’s not enough to be a business person or an artist, but one need to have skills in many areas – often contradictory to each other. No cheap promises of instant wins, but honest and true wisdom by a photographer, to photographers.

David Hurn writes about styles, subjects, genres, philosophy of photography. But also, like title says, about the life as a photographer, paying bills, traveling, carrying one’s gear, walking…

Because as a photographer one must walk. Walk a lot.

According to David Hurn, best shoes for photographer are Dr. Martens Chelsea boots. Not absolutely perfect in any special feature, but very good in many. Suitable for long walks in rough pathways, suitable even climbing on rocks. But also, elegant enough fo flaneuring on boulevards and transit halls on airports.

I am not a copycat, but since the book convinced me in many other aspects, I decided to trust Hurn’s opinion and give these shoes a try.

He was right. Dr. Martens 2976 are The Shoes for photographer, versatility being the keyword. The have kept me going as well in wet and cold winter at home in Helsinki as the heat of Barcelona spring. Snow or dust outside, my feet feeling comfortable inside. I guess they will serve me many years to come. And I guess that after this pair has done it’s job, it will be replaced with another. I suppose that classics like these will not be dropped out of production in nearest future.

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