As many photographers, when I first started out I had big hopes and dreams. I thought I was a good photographer, decent at least. I started my Facebook fan page, and started networking with other photographers and prop shops. Doing so, I got very discouraged, seeing how beautiful and crisp other photog's photo's were, mine just didn't stand up next to them. I booked my first Wedding, it was a long time friend of mines wedding, and that's when I got even more discouraged. A more established photographer who I had met and worked with personally (that is all I will say) wanted to book the wedding as well, and got very upset when she told him she was going with me. He then went on to post on Facebook
"Pisses me off that these Brides book a photographer who has absolutely no talent, when there is talent sitting right in front of their face".
When I read his post, I knew it was about me. At the time, I was jealous of his work, and though he may have a reason to be saying the things he was. I had been getting more Portrait sessions, reading more books, watching more tutorials, and growing every shoot. I knew it, and I was happy with my work, even though I still had room to grow. But then again he writes
"I don't understand all these people are booking sessions with her, she has no talent".
By that time, I was out to prove something. I was out to prove that I was talented. At first, I wanted to "show him", but at the end of the day, it was for myself. I stopped looking at other people work who had already developed their skill and wishing I could be that good. I started looking at myself and seeing what I could improve, what I wasn't getting. I took a couple workshops on posing and practiced with my camera, natural lighting techniques and studio lights whenever possible. I ordered new books on editing, and spent hours on YouTube.com watching tutorials. I did my homework. I upgraded my equipment (for me, it really helped) and I am happy at the place I am at. Not trying to be cocky, but I actually blow his images out of the water now, and he has completely stopped talking to me. Truthfully, it makes me feel good, but it inst important, I would like to see him grow as well, just loose the attitude in the mean time.
I guess, the main lesson of this story is, don't listen to others that put you down. Also, don't put others down that you think aren't as good as you. Encourage them, if it bothers you that they are that bad and you think you are so much better, help them! At the end of the day all that matters is that you believe in yourself. Do not compare yourself to others, find inspiration from them to nurture your inner talent. One day, those photographers may be taking inspiration from you. You don't get that far ahead being jealous, you dig yourself into a rut! AND, no matter how good you get, you can always get better, so no giving up!
I know that I still have lessons and techniques to learn, but I am better then I was a year ago, and next year, I will be even better! I know that I have an eye for photography, but I still have more skills to learn (photography is ever growing, new techniques and lessons are to be learned everyday)
Now, here are some shots from when I first started out, over 2 years ago......
Here are some shots about a year ago....
And, here is my work today.....
As you can see, anyone can grow, you just have to believe in yourself and do your homework! I am excited to grow more over the next year!
