So I’ve mentioned in the past that I went to the University of Toronto to study Astrophysics. It had always been a lifelong obsession of mine and remains nothing less than that today. Growing up I wished nothing more to have a career working for Boeing or Lockheed Martin, maybe N.A.S.A. although they were third on the list. Anyway, I grew up and knew that I actually didn’t want a career in that field anymore. Although I did want to learn more about it hence the degree. I took up photography and could not be more thrilled with my choice in career path.

This brings us to more recent times. A few weeks ago, a beautiful young angel who shall remain nameless and works at the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing gave me a phone call. It was about a job they had for me. And something she could not have known would make my day/week/month/LIFE! Professor Stephen Hawking would be coming into the Institute for a visit and I was asked to document his time there. I agreed in 4 nanoseconds and awaited the day eagerly. The day came, I did my thing and afterwards there was a short reception. I managed to squeeze in a brief conversation with one of my personal heroes and someone I have admired my entire life. I was absolutely elated for the opportunity to photograph Hawking no less speak to him!

I’m not going to bother attempting to put to words how I felt that day. However something I had realized after the fact really made it even that much better. I realized that through whatever reason, I met Stephen Hawking. No, wait. Not for whatever reason, but because of photography. The funny thing is that I also have the pleasure of having a friend who’s going quite far in the world of physics. Much further than I would have likely gone had I pursued it. He was jealous of my encounter with Hawking. Even though this is his field of expertise, he knows that it’s unlikely he’ll get a chance to meet Hawking let alone have a quick chat about the future of mankind. It really got me thinking how great photography has been to me.

The thing to take away here is that you never know what the future holds. I got to meet an idol of mine, and I would have never thought photography would be the thing to get me there. So follow your path, regardless of what it is. Photography was mine but yours can be anything. You may be overwhelmed with what comes your way.

Thanks for reading,

David Dvir

Don’t post something for the sake of posting something.

Dave