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Sometimes professional photographers lose their passion for photography. It becomes work.
As a new photographer I wanted to shoot anything and everything that was asked of me. I wanted the money, the exposure, and the experience. But it didn’t take me long to realize that I loathed trying to pose a newborn in a basket. But when I started only offering in-home newborn sessions I left feeling excited and inspired for each session.
Sometimes in the transition from hobbyist to professional photographer and business owner you see your love for photography overshadowed by client demands and deadlines. What was once a deep appreciation and love for the art can quickly become a discouragement. How do we keep our inspiration alive amidst all the demands on our time and creativity?
Here’s ideas on how to keep passion alive in your photography journey:
- I read something simple but profound from Travis Smith, owner of Boka Studios, “Shoot what you love – period.” It might take you some time to realize what you love and what you don’t love. But when you stick to what really drives you, you can become more specialized in that area and feel confident knowing your heart is going into your work.
- Invest your time in personal projects, for example, Project MCP. Not only does this feed your creativity but it also opens new opportunities, expands your knowledge, and creates new potential clients. Some of my favorite shoots have not been paid sessions.
- Don’t take more work then you can handle. Sometimes in the beginning we feel like we have to pack every session in as quick as possible. Don’t be afraid to make people wait. It helps you keep your sanity and people will still book you. In fact booking out 2-3 months (or more) gives a perception that you are busy and full and makes people want you even more.
- It’s been said a bazillion times but DO NOT COMPARE YOUR WORK TO OTHERS. Concentrate on improving each and every session.
This article was written by Kristin Wilkerson a Utah based photographer and you can also find her on Facebook.
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Great post! I’m in that phase of not loving what I’m doing anymore and trying to figure out what I love to shoot best and go for that 100% instead of just taking anything that comes my way and then dreading it when I wake up in the morning. I’ve also decided not to look at another photographer’s work for the month of June while I do this because I do have that bad habit of comparing myself to my favorites, who may have been in the business for longer than I’ve even owned a camera, because it makes me feel discouraged.Thanks!
I agree with Shannon on the last point. I often view other photographers’ work to get inspired or gain ideas for new poses. Often, though, I start comparing and over-critizing my own work. It leaves me feeling insecure. I hate that feeling, because, for me anyway, the road to confidence has been a long one. I have to walk away at that point and do something else for awhile. Thanks for a great article.
Hi Great post, your last point is not as true for me. I think the internet allows people to be exposed to a greater number of great pictures, and in a sense raises the bar and introduces more people to new techniques that at least in my case pushes me to be better at what I do.Of course you don’t want to confuse great photography with different photography and try to be like anyone else… Thanks
Great tips!