Tuesday's Tip: Common Pitfalls in Outlook/Attitude

Today I wanted to talk about outlooks or attitudes that I feel are common; they are things that I would try to stay away from as a photographer starting out.  I've seen others make these mistakes I don't think sets them up optimally for success, I'll try to explain why I think so as I go through.

Find Personal Fulfilment in your Craft 

I love this photo

I understand when people really like something they are likely to buy it but I have personally found that some of the most vocal individuals are people who were never going to buy. For example, another children's photographer is unlikely to hire you to take pictures of their kids, so it isn't a big deal if they don't like your pictures of children. Likewise someone who is already married doesn't need to be in love with your wedding photography- it's great if they do but they're not your target market. There are some real trolls out there, some of them are other photographers who get off on criticising others.  I find that photographers who are too involved in what everyone thinks about their work have two big problems 1) They chase trends and try to please everyone instead of developing their own style. 2) They lack confidence in themselves and their work, regardless of their skills or their works artist merit. Do listen to people, sometimes they have a point that could be realistically improved upon but don't take photos to please the masses. Look for personal satisfaction in your work and aim to please the people who are actually buying from you. Even when you don't have clients, keep shooting to develop your personal style and acknowledge the value of your skills and the images you have.









Be open minded; Be teachable

I took this photo at a workshop I did

I have heard it said that there is no such thing as constructive criticism- there is only criticism and good advice and although they may come one right after the other they can't be dealt out simultaneously. Often times I think that in trying to not let criticism hurt, artist can be closed minded to all feedback. In a way this is the opposite problem of the aforementioned pitfall. While its great to have confidence, there is a place for people who are creditable and legitimately trying to help. I find the best way to be teachable is to go into a situation where you are obviously the student- like a class taught by a reputable teacher. some of my best experiences have been great classes. Although, not every class I've taken has been amazing. Frankly, some have been downright crumby but even the crumby ones improved me somehow- if only my patience :) While you may or may not be hanging on their every word, you can always practice listening and decide to take away at least one thing from the class. That is also how I listen to people's advise, I listen to it all and try to initially respond positively to all of it without letting too much sink in yet. Then after the conversation I then decide to take one or two points away and actually work on them. Assessing the creditability of the advise is also very important- while great advice can come from an amateur and horrid advice from a pro statistics favor the opposite.










There is No Magic Pill

 I'm still working at it

There are no lighting fairies or glass gods out there. Your destiny in photography is not the result of luck, fate or even a photo deity. It's your practice and hard work that make the difference. The end point of your work will depend 99.9% on you! Go shoot, go shoot, go shoot, then edit, edit, edit, network, network, network and REPEAT. Likewise there is no magic class you can take that will automatically transform you or piece of awesome equipment that will make all the difference the day you purchase it. Yes, everyone possesses different talents but every photographer is going to have to put work into some aspect of their business. There really is no substitute for hard work and rather than comparing the amount of work others seem to be doing keep you eyes on your own prize!

I recently read this quote

" Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
- Thomas A. Edison

REVAMP 10 Networking Tips For the Shy or Sheepish

Originally I wrote this post in 2010 after coming home from Photoshop world conference, I have since learned some things and I wanted to update my suggestions for those of us who don't exactly love getting out there and working a room.

I still have my own little brand of social avoidance. I love people, I love to get involved in their lives and make strong friendships- I'm just not a huge fan of talking to strangers and I especially do not enjoying being the first one to strike up a conversation. While I think this is a rather common trait I am still trying to over come. Fellow photographers seem to still represent a much greater mental obstacle than clients.

Here are my updated suggestions!

1) Fake it til you make it!
I'm leading off with the most painful of my suggestions. Grit you teeth, get a good antiperspirant, and hold something so they can't see you shaking and just go talk to people.

2) Stay positive.
I seem to inevitably say something totally retarded when meeting new people but try your best to just keep smiling. Do retract any outrageous statements but don’t dwell on it. Don't put yourself down- that's not humility, its self deprecation. Also no one likes a whiner try to always lead off with positive things.

3) Bring a friend or "wing man"
If you already have a buddy who fits in the atmosphere bring them along- as you meet people introduce each other. This also avoids the awkward standing in the corner by yourself feeling. Often I socialize with my husband and much to my horror he will start telling people what I do- after the initial discomfort wears off though I've struck up good conversations and made connections. So go ahead and cling to the social butterflies maybe it will rub off a bit.

4) Be a good listener.
Most people would rather talk about themselves than hear about you. So ask a simple question like, “What upcoming projects are you excited about?" Also people love to hear their own names so use it during the conversation- it may initially feel strange but especially at the end of a conversation it lets people know you were listening. Furthermore if you say their name you are more likely to remember it later.

5) Have good business cards and USE them
It's great to make a contact but it will only last if you can contact them again. Enter business cards! And no need for some covert secret handshake or slip-it-into-their-pocket-like-a-thief-in-the-night action to give them out say something like, "I've really enjoyed chatting with you, I'd love it if you could email me a link about that camera you were talking about" and hand them your card. You get bonus points for getting other peoples cards too- go ahead and ask. I don’t think there is anything cool about waiting to contact people either- it’s not a date- it’s a business interaction. Playing hard to get is kind of silly, so the next day send those email and solidify those contacts before you forget what was talked about.

6) Check your appearance frequently.
If there is food being served check your teeth, if you went to the washroom check for tp on your shoe, if you decided to wear the false lashes make sure they're not on your eyebrows. Although people might talk to you if you have something amiss in your appearance it's likely not the kind of attention you want to attract. I carry a purse with things like lip gloss, chewing gum, lotion, antiperspirant, tissues, a comb and a tide pen. After finishing each drink a make a quick pit stop at the bathroom to make sure everything is looking the way it should. No need to stare into every mirror you see but quick checks are good.

7) Move around the room.
I have this personal obsession with really awesome shoes (that aren't always very practical) so I need to work on this one more too. Many people stick to their own corners and circles, use suggestion # 9 to try and get into a new circle of conversation.

8) Look for mentorship from and people AND to mentor others.
No matter how many years of experience, education or equipment knowledge there is a distinct chance that someone else's work is superior to yours. The flip side is also true. Always try to check your ego and don't make assumptions, often at social gathering we're not carrying our portfolios around with us. I personally feel it is safe to take the humble road and not brag about my work. I'll talk openly and honestly about what I do but I leave the horn blowing aside. If you are talking to someone who really seems to be blowing their own horn politely move on- I find such egos are often not helpful for me to know even if they are a fantastic artist.

9) Compliment others.
Most of us feel reassured and admired when someone says they like our work. Take it even one step further and give a very specific compliment, this will be easier if you know their work or something about them. If you haven't seen their work compliment their attire or an attribute of their personality (I'd avoid complimenting anything physical as to come off professionally interested, NOT romantically)

10) Be Yourself!
Although it may seem obvious, cliché and possibly interpreted as contradicting #1. Being yourself is also vital to the longevity of a contact. If you were so into another character when you initially talked to a person additional contact may leave them feeling like you have a personality disorder. While I would discourage giving your life story to anyone, be honest and open about who you are and what you are about. If your primary goal in the industry is to make money to support yourself or your family don't go off on a rant on the value of having clients become close personal friends. I find writing things down about how I want to present myself helps me to have a professional veneer that still lets the essence of who I really am shine.

Selling my brand online and networking in person are 2 distinct skill sets both of which I am in the process of acquiring. If you found this post helpful or if you have even better suggestions I would Love to hear them! So please leave a comment :)