What was I thinking…..
A few years ago I had the great idea of becoming a school trained photographer. Why not? I have my GI Bill money to pay for my schooling and I want to do something that’s fun. Besides, I already had some darkroom experience and I finished my training with the New York Institute of Photography, a correspondence course that was much harder than I imagined it would be. So, sometime in 2016 I enrolled in the San Antonio Art Institute with a focus in photography. Immediately I realized this was not going to be easy. Add to the strict curriculum that I’m still a full time employee (yes a real job) and now I’m in deep stress.
It’s been a roller coaster of a ride and I’ve loved every minute of it but there have been times when I doubted my decision. I wondered if I would be any good, or would I be better off “sticking to my real job”.
I realize starting out is never easy and sometimes, all we really need is someone to tell us to keep going. It’s worth it and everything is going to be okay. I’ve been at it now for 3 years and come December 2019, if all goes as planned, I’ll add a BFA in Photography to my list of degrees. It’s been real and it’s been fun, but some days it wasn’t both. So I’m writing any younger photographer a letter and share some of the things I know for sure now – I’ve done a great deal of research on all of this so it’s legit!
1. Get a mentor
A good mentor! The more you grow and develop as an artist the more you need one to ensure that you continue to grow and succeed. A good mentor has walked the path you want to walk but knows all the shortcuts and potholes to avoid. I had a couple in person and a few more who I followed online. Robert Trebor Dicus http://www.roberttreborphotography.com/ I did my internship with Robert. Through him I learned more about studio lighting and wedding photography than I would ever learn in a classroom. I learned weddings are very long, scary, and fulfilling. They pay well too. My online mentors are not only great photographers but they also teach. Karl Taylor is well rounded in the UK and Lindsey Adler in New York for portraits.
2. “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
The one question I asked the most is “What camera will make me a better photographer?” And the answer is whatever camera you are using now.
I started out on an entry-level Nikon https://www.nikon.com/ and kit lens. A year later I bought a second body and lens because I read you need 2 cameras in case one craps out. Then I bought a full frame camera thinking that will be better. Now, 3 cameras later, I only shoot with my Nikon D750 and a Sony 6300 for travel cause it’s so much lighter.
There are many photographers doing amazing work on what some would consider average gear. There are just as many photographers creating mediocre work on top of the line cameras. It’s not about the gear. Focus on learning the craft.
3. Make your bed every day
I’m Army retired and one of the first things we learned to do every morning was to make our bunks. Sounds ridiculous right? What can doing your bed every day possibly do to improve your photography? It’s not about making the bed. It’s about finding discipline and Making the bed each day also brings a sense of control and order and something consistent to come back to.
4. Photograph the things that you love
In class we have many requirements and we have specifics on what to shoot, how to shoot it and when. So, when I had the time I shot what I wanted just for FUN. Applying all the lessons I learned to what I liked really helped me stay the course. That’s when I finally fell in love with photography.
5. Take a step at a time
I wasted so much time not starting projects or trying new lighting, software etc. because I was so hung up on doing everything perfectly. The stuff that I started and allowed myself to suck at first are the areas I’m most proud of today. It’s okay to suck at something the first few times you try it. The important thing is that you start and keep moving forward. I kept reminding myself not to be afraid to suck, and trust that the next step will always appear. I still suck at many things. I keep trying new things and get better each time.
6. Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you
This was a real game changer for me. I’m doing something that takes a lot of technical and creative know how. It’s not easy. Having people around me who believed in me and inspired me really changed the way I saw myself as a photographer and gave me the courage to grow and develop my skills and take bigger risks.
7. Worry is a misuse of the imagination
This one I learned from my son who graduated from AFI Conservatory. http://AFIConservatory.com I wish I spent less time worrying about all the things the could go wrong and focused more of my attention on all the amazing things that could go right!
What advice would you give your younger photographer self? I’d love to hear from you.