Don't Compare Yourself
Hey all: Rant/Frustration/Things I've Learned/Mini-Motivational Speech ahead--
Everyone sees these photographer blogs -- their glamorous lives traveling from place to place, snapping pictures in Ireland, New York, Hawaii...you name it, someone has probably blogged about it. These posts make everyone want to become a photographer because 'It's easy and you get to travel' and sure, those are the perks, but what you don't see is how hard it is.
I don't know how many of you have tried to start your own business, but it ain't no walk in the park. There is so much blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. There have been countless nights where I haven't slept well, cried about how stressed I am or been worried about how I can't seem to book clients.
On top of starting my own photography business, I am working another job and attending university full time all while marketing, shooting sessions, editing, and whatever else is going on in life.
I constantly compare myself to other photographers. Wondering why I'm not booking my "ideal" clients, why I don't have ten thousand followers on Instagram, why I only get 15 views on my blog posts...the list goes on and on. If there is one thing I have learned it's this:
I'll never be Jose Villa or India Earl, and that's okay. It's good to have role models and people to inspire you, but do not compare yourself to them. Period. You absolutely cannot let yourself get discouraged over these small details. I have spent way too much time trying to be like these amazing photographers, trying to figure out their presets because I'm too poor to want to buy them instead of finding myself out, finding my own style and figuring out how I want my photos to look.
When it really comes down to it, be yourself and you'll attract the kind of people you want to work with.
It doesn't matter if you are just starting out, or are a more established photographer, these things are hard. Life is hard, and we just have to learn and grow from these trials we are going through. (Sorry this got a little preachy) It has been hard for me, and it still is, but
I am learning,
I am growing
and
I am finding myself
and I couldn't be more proud. I'm sure there will still be more tears, but it is all a part of the learning experience.
So the next time you get discouraged no matter what the situation, just remember to be yourself, be proud of your work and have confidence in yourself. YOU GOT THIS!
Everyone sees these photographer blogs -- their glamorous lives traveling from place to place, snapping pictures in Ireland, New York, Hawaii...you name it, someone has probably blogged about it. These posts make everyone want to become a photographer because 'It's easy and you get to travel' and sure, those are the perks, but what you don't see is how hard it is.
I don't know how many of you have tried to start your own business, but it ain't no walk in the park. There is so much blood, sweat, and tears that go into it. There have been countless nights where I haven't slept well, cried about how stressed I am or been worried about how I can't seem to book clients.
On top of starting my own photography business, I am working another job and attending university full time all while marketing, shooting sessions, editing, and whatever else is going on in life.
I constantly compare myself to other photographers. Wondering why I'm not booking my "ideal" clients, why I don't have ten thousand followers on Instagram, why I only get 15 views on my blog posts...the list goes on and on. If there is one thing I have learned it's this:
DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS. THEY ARE NOT YOU, AND YOU ARE NOT THEM!
I'll never be Jose Villa or India Earl, and that's okay. It's good to have role models and people to inspire you, but do not compare yourself to them. Period. You absolutely cannot let yourself get discouraged over these small details. I have spent way too much time trying to be like these amazing photographers, trying to figure out their presets because I'm too poor to want to buy them instead of finding myself out, finding my own style and figuring out how I want my photos to look.
When it really comes down to it, be yourself and you'll attract the kind of people you want to work with.
It doesn't matter if you are just starting out, or are a more established photographer, these things are hard. Life is hard, and we just have to learn and grow from these trials we are going through. (Sorry this got a little preachy) It has been hard for me, and it still is, but
I am learning,
I am growing
and
I am finding myself
and I couldn't be more proud. I'm sure there will still be more tears, but it is all a part of the learning experience.
So the next time you get discouraged no matter what the situation, just remember to be yourself, be proud of your work and have confidence in yourself. YOU GOT THIS!
Comments
Post a Comment