Photography can be fun and it can be challenging. I have written many posts already on the challenges that we face as artists, creatives, and working professionals in the work of photography. Check the archive for these. As a wedding photographer based in Houston, and as a teacher, there are always new things to consider, new challenges to meet, and new problems to solve. On the other side, we have to still enjoy what we do and have some fun. It is our passion for the art of photography that should drive us to continue to produce better and better work. If you want to read some of my thoughts on the lighter side of photography see my post ‘Don’t Forget to Have Fun in Photography.’ Without the elements of dedication, passion for the art, enjoyment, and creative challenges photography, like any endeavor, would become boring. I think that too many people get into the business for the right reasons, but end up in it for the wrong reasons. The most common wrong reason would be to make money. Now before you go screaming out of the room or head on down to the local coffeehouse to don the starving artist costume, I do not mean that you should not get paid for your photography. I just want to emphasize that money should not be your number one reason for creating photographs. Create because you enjoy it, or you like the challenge, or you want to be creative, or just for the sheer joy of it. If you are a happy photographer then you will be a successful one. Those that are merely money driven become miserable and it shows in their work. They get stressed, they don’t care about their clients, they are in a rush to get done and get out of there. These are all not good situations.
Along those lines I would like to share with you my list of 5 nevers in photography.
1. Never give up
Giving up means that you have already lost. Photography, like life, is going to be challenging. Embrace that. I like the challenges and the problem solving. Your clients will like it too. It is easy to give up. It is hard to persist. You can read more about this idea in ‘4 Simple Truths of Photography.’ Putting making money as your number one priority is giving up.
2. Never stop learning
I am a big proponent on education. That is one of the reasons that I am a teacher. I have always been learning about photography and I started when I was a little kid. I just went to a seminar last week. So don’t think that you know everything about everything, or even your little area of expertise. If you do then maybe you should be the one up there on stage at these conferences. Check your ego at the door. Learning keeps your mind fresh and your ideas current. It makes you a better person. Go read a book, a blog (like the wonderful Red Photo blog), or a forum. Get active in local photography organizations and watch, listen, learn.
3. Never second guess
Boy is this a hard lesson to learn. Remember that time that took that test in school and you went back and changed half your answers to better ones, and they were right to begin with. Trust your instincts. That is your creative mind at work. Pure creativity is never wrong. Never. Go with your gut.
4. Never ignore the light
Hello! We are photographers and photography is all about light. Color is all about light. You should be all about light. Your number one concern in every photograph that you ever take should be the lighting. Take time and find interesting light and shadows or create your own. For more on this you should read some quotes from Jerry Ghionis who I talked about in my ‘Photographer Profile- Jerry Ghionis’ post. His first principle to to slow down and look for the light. That is where he begins every photograph that he takes.
5. Never settle for less than your best
Anything worth doing is worth doing well. You made the effort to get to the place to take the photograph so don’t blow it. So often I see people just settle for mediocre. Mediocre is not acceptable. It is downright boring and near criminal. You don’t have to be Ansel Adams or Richard Avedon, but at least do your best. Then you should strive to get better every time you photograph. This moves the artist wheel ever forward and that is a good thing.
So now it is up to you to implement these ideas. They will make you a better, happier, more satisfied, and more liked person.
Gary Miller
Houston Fine Art Wedding Photographer
Eye Candy and Brain Veggies
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