What compels a man to abandon the predictable comforts of a successful career for the unpredictable embrace of the wild? For Roger Emerson Fishman, the answer lies not in escaping life, but in truly living it.
Fishmans journey is a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one's passions. Leaving behind a thriving career in business and marketing, he embraced his lifelong dream of becoming a photographer and world traveler. This wasn't a mere career change; it was a life 180, a conscious decision to align his work with his values. His story isn't just about stunning photographs of remote landscapes; its about the internal landscapes he traversed to arrive at those very locations.
| Name | Roger Emerson Fishman |
|---|---|
| Profession | Photographer, Adventurer, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Company | The Zizo Group, Inc. (Founder & CEO) |
| Notable Works |
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| Personal Philosophy | Emphasis on living a full, present, and purposeful life; advocates for the "10 Percent Rule" making small, incremental improvements for significant personal growth. |
| Reference | The Zizo Group Website |
From the icy plains of Greenland to the arid deserts of Namibia, Fishman immerses himself in the environment, experiencing the world in its rawest form. He's slept in tents buffeted by 50 mph winds in -50F temperatures, stayed in shacks breached by polar bears, and even scraped penguin droppings from his gear all in the pursuit of capturing fleeting moments of eternal beauty. These aren't mere anecdotes; they are tangible evidence of his commitment to experiencing life beyond the ordinary. He doesn't just photograph landscapes; he becomes a part of them.
Fishmans work extends beyond breathtaking visuals. He seeks to inspire others to live more consciously, to find purpose and presence in their own lives. He calls this the 10 Percent Rule, a philosophy suggesting that small, incremental improvements across various aspects of life can yield significant returns in personal fulfillment. Its about pushing boundaries, not just geographically, but within oneself.
His photography captures the duality of life the ephemeral and the eternal. In Ephemeral & Eternal: Greenland, the largest fine art collection of the islands remote beauty, he collaborated with scientists from prestigious American universities to unveil the magnificence of the land and highlight the consequences of our actions on the environment. He doesnt simply document; he advocates, prompting us to consider our place within the grand tapestry of nature.
Fishmans book, What I Know, distills the wisdom gleaned from a 38,000-mile journey inspired by his grandfathers advice. He sought insights from individuals at opposite ends of the life spectrum, capturing their perspectives on what truly matters. This project, like his photography, underscores his commitment to exploring the human condition and sharing his discoveries with the world. All videos for the project were filmed and directed by Fishman himself, adding another layer to his multifaceted creative endeavors.
His journey, however, isn't solely about outward exploration. Its a deep dive into the inner self. He describes moving not just towards his goals, but also "deep inside [his] heart." This introspection, coupled with his external adventures, forms the core of his artistic expression and personal philosophy. He doesn't merely observe life; he internalizes it, translating his experiences into a language that resonates with others.
From corporate executive to world-renowned photographer and adventurer, Roger Fishmans transformation embodies the spirit of pursuing ones true calling. His work is a testament to the power of embracing discomfort, seeking wonder, and living a life defined by purpose and passion. Its a call to action, a challenge to us all to examine our own lives and ask: what steps, however small, can we take to live more fully, presently, and purposefully? What would it mean to embrace our own 10 Percent Rule and embark on a journey, not just across the globe, but within ourselves?
Fishmans journey continues, his lens capturing the beauty and complexity of the world, while his words inspire us to explore the uncharted territories within our own souls.
