{get past the noise, and watch what you will find- can you see her?}
If there is one constant ‘buzz’ I hear with my students and new photographers in general it’s the noise of insecurity.
I’m a believer in people. I’m a believer in mind over matter. Of putting something out there in the universe and it will ‘be’: be it negative or positive.
I’m here today to tell all you fine folk to GET OUT OF YOUR WAY. And just as important? Ignore all those that try to roadblock you- because you know they are doing that right? THEIR insecurity coupled with ego. A toxic combination and you don’t have time for that 🙂
The road to becoming a professional photographer be it business or hobbyist is filled with these insecurity land mines. You must go around them to save yourself from imploding.
Dramatic? Ask any photographer on any given day how crippling insecurities are, and I’d say I’m pretty right on with that analogy.
Here are common insecurities and ways to get around them:
1. There are too many photographers.
Yes, there are a ton of photographers. With the onset of technology and affordable dslrs, the landscape has drastically changed over the past 5 years alone. There’s also a lot of nail salons and coffee shops too now aren’t there? But what makes you go to said nail shop/coffee spot of choice?
The service. The end result. The people. The location. There may be many photographers in your area, but as I always say, there’s only one you. You have a distinct way of looking at the world through your lens. You have the power to demonstrate how you are different. You also have the power to not use this as a reason why you aren’t succeeding. Point of difference is HUGE here. What is yours? Do you have one? Find it.
For me I think people hire me for a mix of three reasons: my work, my personality, my customer service. Am I the best photographer in NY? Heck no. There will always be someone more skilled and someone less skilled. This is why I don’t let my mind go down that road. All I know is I deliver honest, personal images to my clients in a timely and professional manner.
That’s my point of difference over a lot of photographers who takes months to deliver on what is promised and who over air brush the heck out a child’s already perfect face.
Real. My point of difference which has become my life as well as my shooting mantra.
{shooting and living my ‘because real is awesome’ mantra in one of my point of differences.}
2. I’m not good enough to charge/I wasn’t trained/no schooling in photography.
When will I know I can charge?’ ‘When will I be good enough to charge?’ I hear this question probably more so than any other. Do people want to hire you? If they are willing to pay for your art, you charge. Legally. And a decent amount please. You can portfolio build and charge 50% off what will be your ‘regular’ rates, but put those ‘regular’ rates out there so people realize you aren’t cheapening your work, you are just building your body of work and will eventually charge ‘x’ down the line.
I read this piece the other day from Design Aglow’s newsletter. I know many would disagree but I do not feel you need a degree to be a photographer. Do you have to work at it? Research? Read? Shoot yourself silly to learn? YES. But take a look here. This man photographed the most iconic woman that will ever grace planet earth- and he’s self taught.
Don’t limit yourself by thinking you ‘have’ to do anything other than study your craft in a way that suits you. Â http://www.projectlife365.com/marilyn-monroes-last-sitting/
3. No one will hire me for the style I like to shoot in.
Hogwash. Pure, straight up hogwash. When I started out almost 5 years ago, this whole ‘lifestyle’ trend (which BTW has gotten way off track but that’s fodder for another post ;)) wasn’t really that big. In fact, I didn’t know what the heck to call my photography other than photojournalism. I only know I liked to shoot raw, candid images without overly processing them. Very much like I used to when film was truly the only option. There is a market/photographer for everyone.
TIP: Make sure you put out only what you want to be hired for. Example: want to be hired for documentary work? Then having a black backdrop with Dad holding baby’s head in his hands should NOT appear on your site. People will hire you for what you show them you are available for and what your style of art is… period. I never get contacted for posed/studio type work because anyone with one good eyeball can see that isn’t my style. Again, don’t shut yourself down before even trying. When you say you can’t/you won’t, then you won’t!
{from a client shoot. I am always hired for the style I like to shoot in.}
4. I’m not original.
As of late, this whole ‘you stole my idea, image, concept etc.’ is on fire! Though social media and sharing (pinterest, instagram etc.) is wonderful, this is one of the many pitfalls. Whereas years ago it wasn’t all ‘out there’ for the world to see, everything is broadcast these days and it’s hard to separate ‘inspiration’ from flat out copying.
My motto is pretty simple. Everything has been done. EVERYTHING. Every teaching style, every pose, every location, every type of lighting, you name it, in history, it’s been DONE.
That is not to say that people KNOW everything has been done. Example: garage lighting. I have a film book back from 10 years ago that speaks to the fact this is an awesome light to shoot in. The phrase nothing new under the sun couldn’t be more true. So how do you not fall into the trap of flat out copying? You have to find a way to make it your own. It could be through perspective, processing, subject, whatever, but you CAN make it your own because there is no one that sees the world like you do. Be your own unique self as I say. That carries over into your eye. OR try being inspired by something OTHER than photography. Find inspiration by the way the light hits the side of the child’s face, by music, by dance etc.
Said it before, will say it again, purge those ‘likes’ of yours and you will have a clearer head.
I know it’s all the rage to like every page out there, and lots of networking is going on, but inflated numbers based on ‘I like your page, please like mine?’ don’t make me excited. I don’t buy it. I want people to like my page because they like my work: be it what I shoot, or what I write, or what I teach. Quality versus quantity. My clients could care less how many people follow me on FB- they only care about their images.
That’s all.
5. Other photographers in my area won’t associate with me {aka the mean girls or guys- but honestly guys aren’t that petty- let’s be real}.
I laugh when people get territorial over certain things. They feel they cannot associate with other photographers for fear they will *gasp* steal their secrets and clients. I completely understand not sharing everything like your business plan/marketing strategy. But understand where this territorial feeling is coming from… you guessed it. Insecurity. So next time you reach out to say ‘hey I love your work, what lens did you shoot that with?’ and you get crickets, well, chances are one of two things are happening. Either A. they are like me and get a good amount of offline questions as well as online and I just plain overlook it/have a brain freeze on it or B. they are insecure and don’t wish to share.
Some of the top photographers in the country obviously get a gazillion questions, and there’s no way they can answer them all, but you know the ones I am speaking of… the ones that don’t wish to see anyone succeed other than themselves. Those people can produce the prettiest pictures in the world, but there’s a whole lotta’ ugly going on there, so move on.
In regards to people being afraid you will ‘steal’ their clients. Sure there are some out there that try to undersell, but honestly, if one of my clients wanted to use someone else, more power to them. I look at it as I either didn’t do the job I had set out to do, we just didn’t mesh, or they have placed a lower value on photography and my work and I’m better off without them.
6. Don’t allow yourself to be bullied.
You are in control of how you react to situations. It’s that simple. If you allow yourself to be bullied by certain groups out there- that’s on you. You gave them power. Don’t give them power. Just don’t associate with them. Because really you are the company you keep. And who the heck wants to keep company with grown women acting as if they are in high school. I don’t care HOW talented you are, or how awesome your work is if you aren’t nice, I don’t want to know you. Move it along….
7. You will not be booked solid. For a while. Embrace it.
Overnight success in photography is rare. It may ‘feel’ like some photographers are overnight successes but that is just because of an explosion where suddenly you turn around and they are everywhere. Chances are, you go look at their portfolio and they started out just. like. you. That said, the lulls in business will be frequent. USE this time to
- work on your branding
- work on a personal project (365’s or 52 week projects do not have to start January 1st!)
- work on a business plan
- learn a new piece of equipment
- breathe. We have busy seasons. We have times where we pull the hair straight out of our head because we haven’t showered yet.. and it’s um, 7pm at night. Remember those times and the lulls will be a welcome time to just refocus and chill.
{images from my personal work this winter when it was slow season. I explored shadows and light and OOF. And l loved every minute of it.}
8. Define what ‘success’ means to you and set out to achieve it.
OK so this isn’t an insecurity BUT once you define what ‘success’ in photography is to you, a ton of insecurities will evaporate. Success in this field can mean many things: a source of income, industry recognition, teacher of the craft/business, award winner or hobbyist. And these are just a few off the top of my head. There is no one definition of success but you can find which one (or two) applies to you and work to achieve those successes.
If you are blessed to be a hobbyist and do not rely on photography to put food on the table and clothes on your kids backs, embrace it. You are STILL a photographer! One of my most favorite photographers was never known until years after she passed away, Vivian Maier. By now I am sure you heard of her as she gets tons of play posthumous. I read about her early last year and was hooked. A nanny who took some of the best street photography back in the 1950’s and who never really divulged that she shot so much to anyone. You want to sit here and tell me she ISN’T a photographer? If you have a passion for photography and shoot as much as you breathe and hone those creative skills, you are a photographer in my book. Define what success means to you and don’t get caught up in all the nonsense noise out there.
I think that about covers the top insecurities I keep hearing- but if it doesn’t- let me know. Write it on this post so others can see and feel less alone on their journey.
Remember, it’s 9.5/10 times YOU who is getting in your own way with these insecurities. So print this article out, hang it up, revisit it, write down ‘get out of your way’ on an index card and pin it to your wall, find supportive groups (they exist, I know, I have one for all my students) and keep your eye on your own prize, no one else’s.
Your journey. Your life. There is no time to waste it on pure, straight up NOISE.
Now, get moving and get out of your way. xx
About the Author: Jennifer Tonetti-Spellman, owner of JellyBean Pictures is a die hard, natural light photographer based in NY. Her goal at every shoot is to capture awesome in a documentary style with little posing and props work has appeared in Professional Photographer Magazine, New York Family Magazine, and on strollertraffic.com.  Her manual {don’t} say cheese was written to address the importance of capturing real smiles along with other tips + tricks she picked up along her journey thus far.
Visit Jennifer at her WEBSITE | BLOG |FACEBOOK pages today!
Thank you for this post! I was directed here by a comment on Facebook from Rock the Shot! I am a photographer in the making, I guess I should say. I have a lot of learning to do. I am still figuring out manual, for goodness sake. I always get so nervous when it comes to what I dream of doing one day. I am a stay at home mom and feel like I can pursue my passion of photography and still be able to be there with my son and God forbid, more children in the future. But it scares me to get my neck out there. Anyways, I am rambling. Thank you for this post again!. It really opened my eyes, and gave me that,”I can do it!” attitude!
Wonderful read. I’m not a professional, nor do I wish to be. I just want to take amazing photographs. Sometimes I feel like giving up because there is so much I do not know. But when I start feeling that way I think about all I know now that I did not know a year ago. That keeps me going. Thanks for the inspiration. This is not an industry that is kind to newcomers, so I appreciate your words.
EXACTLY what I needed this morning! Thank you, thank you!
Thank you for this! I truly needed to read this article today. Just recently I started turning my hobby into a business and I have moments of self doubt every day and sometimes they are definitely crippling! I needed these reminders to get out of my own way! Thank you again!
Great article! Thanks!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really can’t say it enough times. Just what I needed to read.
This post is amazing! Thank you so much for the encouragement! I get dejected by many of these things as I am trying to get my photog. business off the ground!
Thanks for this article. I’ve been shooting for several years, but am still hesitant to call myself a professional photographer. I think this goes along with #2, as a self-taught photographer, I’m insecure in that I don’t know everything there is to know about photography – specifically artificial lighting/flash. I generally work with natural light… so when I know flash is going to be used, I can feel the anxiety start to build. Posing is another intimidating situation. I know they look to me for direction… I’m just not a fan of sit in front of the camera and give me your best fake smile. The combination of those two seems like a whole different form of photography to me… so I have to remind myself of the basics, take deep breaths, and pray for a good outcome. I feel that until I know EVERYTHING there is to know (which I know is already a set up for failure), that I can’t legitimately call myself a professional photographer. Until then, I continue to produce and continue to grow. I think I’ll be learning until the day I die simply because there is so much to learn, technology keeps advancing, and I’m eager to gain the knowledge. Thanks again for your contribution and article. It does help to know I’m not alone in my insecurities.
I love you! No, I mean I REALLY love you! I needed to read this today. I have been a photographer for most of my life, falling in love with it around 8 when I would steal my mom’s 110 camera and use up all of her film. I just started getting paid for my passion a few years ago and so many days, I feel like hanging it all up and moving on. I have allowed myself to be bombarded with so much information and so many images that I feel I can never live up to what a true photographer is “supposed” to be. So, today, I am cleaning up my Facebook news feed and email subscriptions and getting out of my way!! Thanks, so much, for putting into writing what so many of us out there need to hear!
I believe this may be my favorite post EVER on photography on any site anywhere. Most of it also applies to my other passion, writing. Post-it going up over my desk today!
Love this! Self doubt sucks. I keep telling myself everyone I admire in photography started somewhere. Great read!
You all are SO WELCOME! I’m glad you all are getting so much out of this piece. It’s sad, but it resonates with so many… good luck on your path xx – Jenn
I experienced the “mean girl” photographer in my area just recently and I think subconsciously it did affect me. This is exactly what I needed to read to get out of that funk!
This is just what I needed to read right now! I’m in a huge ugh moment and doubting my work and everything to do with the industry! And this is perfect thank you !
LOVE this.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WRITING THIS POST!!!! Its exactly what I needed! I love your attitude! hopping over to your website, blog, and facebook now so I can follow you. I need positive photographers in my life! WHOOT! 🙂
Jenn, you’re a star! You picked it straight on the head! Thanks so much for your down to earth advice and wisdom. You rock!
I love how direct and no nonsense this article is! Thanks for writing it and sharing your experience and awesome – real photography. I would love to hear what you have to say about lifestyle photography…
This article is amazing Jennifer. I am a hobbyist truly and do some small portrait work. I have followed you for quite some time now. You are awesome! I don’t consider myself super insecure but the information in this is incredible and so useful. Thank you!
http://www.jesimages.zenfolio.com/blog
Thank you so much. 🙂 Really!!
Thank you! I’m always hesitant to acknowledge my goals. I have wanted to be a photographer my entire life. I have allowed people to tease me about always having my camera with me and have been almost embarrassed to let people know what my dreams and goals are because of the fear of failure. It’s hard to step forward to the next level without purchasing the equipment to move up and it’s harder to allow myself to purchase that equipment when in the back of my mind I keep hearing, “What are you thinking? You won’t be able to make enough to pay for it.” I have been the driving force in businesses for other people and grown them from a dream to establishments that are successfully in business and have been for over 10 years, not once did I doubt myself, I keep asking why I can’t have that confidence in myself. This article was just what I needed to hear! Thanks again:)
What a great article and I love your positive attitude!
Thank you a million times, Jenn! I, too, found this article through Rock the Shot and the timing couldn’t have been better. I’ve been shooting for years, mostly for others. I just recently decided to start a biz all my own and it’s been nerve wracking. Insecurity is by far the largest hurdle, but you’ve done an amazing job to put it all in perspective here. I’ve bookmarked it so I can read it anytime I feel overwhelmed in this journey. “Get out of your own way” now hangs right above my desk so I never forget your mantra. Great stuff!
Beautiful! And exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks you so much!!
Wow! Just came across this website and your article. It couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks for you insight. Great advice!
I am BLOWN AWAY by the response on this piece and want you all to know I read each and every comment here, on the RTS FB page and on my own page. Sara- I love that you bookmarked it and put Get Out of Your Own Way right over your desk. It is SO EASY to forget the tips to block out that noise- so kudos for that idea. You guys all rock and kick those insecurities where the sun don’t shine. I have something in the works that is going to put this all into ACTION so be sure and set your FB settings to keep my page in your stream… we all know how fickle FB can be 🙂
Thank you so much for this! I really needed it. BTW… your awesome.
Simply put, I needed to hear this and am printing it in hopes that on the days I’m feeling insecure (which is a lot), it will melt away like it did just now! I so admire you and am a huge fan! 🙂
Right on!! I had so nod “Yep, that’s me” several times while reading this!! I appreciate your support given to hobbyists. I really needed to hear that this morning!
I’m going to read and re-read this article again and again! All you’ve said has hit home on so many levels and left me feeling so uplifted and inspired.
When I took my first steps on this photographic journey I was like a child, so wide eyed and excited. Now, after the website is up, the facebook page is going, etc, etc,…. it’s like now that I have declared myself “photographer,” there is suddenly very critical eyes upon me heavily judging the work I do. My insecurities have quickly begun to pile up. Shew. Thank you for this article. Seriously exciting and refreshing to hear your honest perspective.
Wow! This is the most inspiring article I have read by far! My insecurity is when I show up for a shoot with a client. I am so nervous about the posing and getting the shots they want. I just started charging for my work so I feel an added pressure to be perfect! I am usually pretty happy with the way the photos turn out but still soooo nervous before I do the shoot. Will this go away with time? Thank you again for this article… It couldn’t have come at a better time! Bookmarked it too:)
THANK YOU! and is it wrong to say I might just love you?! lol I found myself saying “yes! Exactly!” out loud more than once while reading. Could go on about my ah ha’s but I won’t…. just… thank you for writing such a candid and honest article.
Thank you for the encouraging words! You rock!
Holy moly THANK YOU for this! It’s so easy to get caught up in your “I’m not good enough” thoughts, especially when the photography market is so saturated. SO helpful and inspiring