Watch This…
My friend, Trista, sent me this great video by the amazing Zack Arias. I needed to hear a lot of what he has today and I think a lot of you do too. I especially loved what he had to say around the 8 minute mark.
I get so many emails asking me where I found certain props or where certain locations are or how I achieve my look. I think the key to being a great photographer is to be you. Look to photographers for inspiration, but in the end be you. Not someone else. In the photography world there are certain “rock stars” (and especially in wedding photography). I think the whole thing is so silly. They are wedding photographers… they are not curing cancer or finding a solution to global warming. They are shooting weddings. And while that’s an awesome way to make a living it’s not rocket science. Sure, look to these people for some inspiration, but look elsewhere as well. Look to other types of photography. Look totally outside the world of photography. Look at movies. Look at everyday life. Look at fashion. Look at photographers who aren’t considered “rock stars”. There are so many awesome photographers out there who don’t get the same recognition as the same 10 photographers who are on every “best of” list. Step outside of the box and be different. Be you. That’s what made those photographers so great. They are being themselves.
And be patient. It takes time to be good. And it takes even more to be great (I should know cause I’m not there yet!). We all start out the same way. Sure, some may get there faster than others. But, just like Zack says we all suck at first. It’s true! You want proof? You can go visit my first blog. I don’t know why it’s still live. Totally embarrassing, yes. But it goes to show how bad I once was!
Happy Friday!
About DrewB
I’ve started this blog as a way to connect with other moms who love photography. Whether you are a professional photographer who is looking for advice on how to manage your own business and your family or if you are a mom who is looking for tips on how to take better pictures of your kids, I hope that you can find some good information and be inspired!
whatevs.
you never sucked.
at all.
and you got robbed at the spotted awards.
totally robbed.
and you are a rockstar.
I think you are so right! We can all be rockstars!
thanks drew!! i needed this today. AND..thank you for showing your first blog. I think it helps a lot of beginners realize that everyone started off as a beginner. so thank you
Yeah, Drew. You totally sucked…(said during a MAJOR eye-roll). But thanks for giving all of us confidence in ourselves and our evolving abilities!
it never ceases to amaze me how just when i need something it finds me. i watched zack’s video when he posted it + i loved it. everything about it spoke to me. but then, of course, self doubt crept back in over the course of the week + i felt overwhelmed beyond belief. i am trying to start my own photography business + there are days when i think i just cannot ever measure up to (a) or (b) or (c) photographer. you gave me the perspective today, to remember that i don’t have to, really. i don’t have to measure up to them or to be them, i just have to be me. and i need to perfect what i do, not be a perfect someone else. so truly…thank you.
and ps…i agree. you are a total rockstar!
Sunday morning over coffee I watched the video and I had a little tear in my eye. The piece of wisdom so needed and so true. Thanks Drew and by the way your first blog was great.
Thanks for posting this video. Awesome, awesome work. As one of the new photographers that totally sucks, who can’t figure out what shutter speed to set in this situation or what aperture in that setting…this was so encouraging to see. And also gave helped me to have a little perspective, too:)
Drew, Thanks so much for this link. The video was so “to the core” of what artists deal with. There is something so deap within us as artists that know we are having part of “us” come forth when we make a photograph. It’s sometimes so vulnurable and revealing. Your path is your own. You are doing a amazing job as an artist…as a wife and mama…and wow! you are so young to have come to the place that you already are. You go girl!
Thanks for this, Drew. It’s exactly what I needed to hear…. it DOES take time, and it’s about the journey, not the destination (because what is that destination, anyway??).
So spot on and so true! plus the joy is in the learning and that moment when you’ve finally figured something out!
amen
Thank you so much for that post! I get so frustrated with myself when I can’t capture EXACTLY what is in my head and thru the viewfinder. I always have to remind myself that I am still learning! I just got my camera a year and a half ago and one day too I will look back on my old blog and see my improvements! I just wish I had a beach nearby to practice on as you do!
Great blog- keep on inspiring us mommy photogs!
Thank you for putting that up…. it was sooooo good & so insightful! Actually I just love the entire post! It’s good to remember that we all have our dark days, but through the tears & the laughter we persevere! And transformation is the theme of my life… I hope that I am never content with where I am at, but that I strive to better myself with everything I do! And, I must confess, I started crying during the video… I’m such a softy! Thank you again!
Thanks for sharing this video! I needed to hear it too!!