Dear Newbie,
So you’re a new photographer huh? You’re entering a saturated market no doubt. You have competition up the wazoo, and there are a million articles telling you what to do. There are rules you are told not to break, every blog topic seems to be taken, and you are struggling to find your own style. You look around and see all this amazing work and wonder if you will ever amount to what you see before you. “I got this.” ” I have no idea what I’m doing.” “Why can’t my work look like theirs?” “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” are just a few of the things running rampant in your mind.
In the midst of all the chaos I have one piece of advice:
DO YOU!
Yep you heard me right, do what you want to do. Rely on yourself for inspiration, and know you are capable of producing greatness. It’s going to take time, and practice. This is your business, not the writer of that blog post you read. You want to break the rules then break them! You can’t seem to make every session look the same because your style changes then embrace it! I did! I personally feel it’s an injustice because every story is so different and should be reflected differently. Make it your own. Make it your brand.
Don’t let the voice of others drown out what make you unique! You have quirks? Own them! You can’t seem to follow the rules of composition? That’s a okay: rules are meant to be broken. Most people use natural light but you have a love for you flash then use that damn flash!
On the other hand, you may read some articles that tell you why photographers fail, and you may be guilty of some of the things you read; however, again, it’s important to follow your heart: take what you like, and drop the rest.
“Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever the fuck you were gonna do anyway.”― Robert Downey Jr.
The moral of the story is as followed, people will always have something to say, and it’s impossible to please everyone. This advice might not be everyones cup of tea. But did that stop me? Why go crazy trying to make everyone happy? Attract the clients & the followers that love you for who you are and what you stand for, and blow kisses to those who just aren’t fans. Stay humble, but don’t sell out. Everything is a learning experience. If something doesn’t workout, then change it. If you fail publicly, then realize it’s okay and it’s not the end of the world. Keep climbing through the adversity of learning the ropes, and you will become the photographer you always dreamed of be.
Live, Love, Laugh, and Stay Fabulous,
Yours Truly,
Sidney Baker-Green.
