Get In Line And Follow

It is so easy to just get in line and follow everyone else. We are told to do it so often throughout our lives that we do it many times without even thinking. That is why I think that it is a good exercise for everyone to periodically stop and evaluate where they are, what they are doing, and where they want to go. And it is not hard to do. At the beginning of a new year it is a good time to reevaluate. Even if you do not change what you are doing or saying or believing it serves as a good checks and balance system. This goes along with the idea that I have presented before about not being mediocre and not settling to just be like everyone else. See my post ‘Mediocre is Not Acceptable‘

I was recently at a workshop about becoming clear about your business and your goals. It was a good challenge because the idea was no to present you with answers but rather to present you with questions. The idea was to question what is unique about you and how does that apply to your business. For me it is my extensive background in photography and fine art. I want to apply those to the wedding photography market. My personal style is fine art documentary. Weddings, especially here in Houston, can be a bit conservative. So I had to make a decision whether to photograph in a more conservative style and get in line with all of the other local wedding photographers, or take the risk, be my unique self, and stand out. If you have been following this blog for any time you know that I am a big advocate about not being a cog and making yourself into what Seth Godin calls a ‘linchpin.’ If you are not familiar with Seth’s work you really need to read his books or blog. They will be very enlightening. But it is scary to step out of the mainstream. It can be hard and you might fail. Failure is a great teacher. Jeff Jochum of Start Up Strategy reminded me of that recently. He said that he loves failure because it teaches you something. Success does not, it only reinforces the skills that you already have.

It is too easy to go through life keeping your head down, not making too much noise, and passively following along. I am recommending that you step out of that routine. Now is the time to get out of line and make your own thing, your own art, your own life. That is what I have done and I encourage you to do the same. Find your own path. For some guidance read ‘Follow the Path or Not.’

Gary Miller

Houston Fine Art Wedding Photographer

Houston Wedding Photographer

www.redphotophotography.com

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