Very well written, I love how each gig is different and can be so inspirational and life changing. Although, I disagree with one of the comments below and believe it goes against what was written, not just "anyone can be a photographer." Many can take a good photo but not everyone knows what it takes to be a good photographer and what comes along with the job-even after 17 years of photography I am still learning, the game is always changing and you are constantly learning new things and every different aspect of the industry is forever changing which is why I consider myself and some I know great photographers because they just, as you said, embrace the changes and keep on moving forward. One can buy a camera and start taking photos but you also need to learn everything there is to know about your camera and start learning about the art of photography itself, it's not just point and shoot and if that's all you do than you are just a camera owner not a photographer. Every niche is different, no job is alike and each one brings it's own individual joys or challenges. Although I do enjoy the fact that most of my friends have gotten the photo bug I also am annoyed with the fact that most people with a camera now a days are coming at my clients for much cheaper. It hurts when concert venues stop paying you because they have college kids who will do it for free or amateurs who work for bar tabs. At the same time, I feel our work speaks for itself and hope that the consumer can choose their photographer based on quality and experience rather than price. You want to pick up the camera as a hobby, that's wonderful, you want to learn the trade that's fine too but please don't target my clients as if they are free game. I guess it just forces all of us photogs to aim higher and explore other markets.