Though I am not a veteran by most people’s standards, I’ve been in the photo business for 3 years (and unofficially working on my craft for years before starting my business.) It seems that since digital cameras have become a norm for most people, so has the desire to create beautiful photos. Since receiving my first camera (a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot) and even before that, I felt the desire too. I still do – it’s what drives me every day.
However, most pioneers of the photography craft are plagued with three issues. One, a lack of technical knowledge regarding their equipment. Two, a lack of community – and three, a lack of commitment.
1. The first problem is one that may be the easiest to solve. Admittedly, I have never taken a single instructional photography class in my life. I learned everything I know from the online community of photographers that I have followed since middle school (more on that later.) Quite simply, use the internet. Google things. Go out and shoot, and when you don’t get the results you want, figure out why! A simple adjustment of ISO or aperture may be the one factor that is preventing your images from being everything you hoped for.
2. Perhaps the most integral thing that I have done from the beginning is stay immersed in what other artists are doing. Since middle school I have followed photographers that were light years ahead of my experience and knowledge. Slowly but surely, I would try to duplicate certain aspects of photos that I liked. I’d pinpoint what I liked about others’ work, and I’d try to mold it into something uniquely my own. Staying aware of what others are doing in their craft helps you keep a healthy view of yourself and your work – knowing where you fit in the puzzle of the millions that claim the title of photographer.
Another benefit of staying involved in an online community is the feedback you will inevitably receive if you put in the time. I spent a few solid years on Flickr joining groups that required you to take a look at others portfolios and leave a certain amount of comments, etc. Sometimes it was tedious, but most often it broadened my scope of what people are creating, and in turn made my work better. If you are serious about becoming a better photographer, you need to be serious about creating a conversation about your work with people who aren’t just going to tell you it’s great because they know you.
3. Most people that begin the journey of becoming a successful photographer have every intention of making it happen. However, I know how hard it is to produce work and never get any feedback on it. For me, feedback is extremely important. I’ve been wondering recently if I rely too heavily on it – but since I work to create art with everyday people in it, I naturally desire to hear their thoughts. There is nothing worse than posting a few photos that you are in love with and not hearing from anyone about them. In my experience, it’s all about knowing how to get your work out there and create conversations. People won’t care to leave feedback on a photo that doesn’t speak to them, or a photo that they’ve seen a million times. Creating a new perspective, or even making an image of someone who has never been photographed professionally before allows that person’s friends to see their beauty captured in a new way. That’s exciting, for most. So, if you’re making work that you love and you’re not getting any feedback, consider the work you’re posting: is this something that people see often? have I captured something ordinary in an extraordinary way? have I managed to catch this person in a genuine moment? These are the things people want to see.
My encouragement is this: Learn the technical aspects of your camera so that they are second nature to you, don’t give up if you’re not getting the feedback you desire right away, and ultimately keep creating images that you love. Eventually, with a little work, you’ll find a pocket of people that loves them too…and the rest will be history.