While a wealth of resources on both the technical and logistical aspects of photography can be found in books and video tutorials, there are things that only time can teach. Here are some things I wanted to whisper to myself when I was younger so that I could help others.
For anyone starting their journey as a photographer, hobbyist or professional, the journey begins with a struggle to figure out where the path really begins. head. This journey is greatly influenced by everything else going on in one’s life, whether financial, social, physical or even emotional. As a more experienced version of yourself, what would you like to whisper to younger people? Also, if you considered yourself the younger character in this situation, would you listen? These are the things I would tell myself when I was younger.
1. Your passion will be the most important fuel in your journey
No, passion is definitely not all you need to have and overcome the challenges in your pursuit to become a successful photographer, whatever your definition of success is, but it does. is undoubtedly one of the most important foundations for your success. really start learning and keep making progress, especially when things get tough.
Personally, I don’t know where to start, but I’m passionate about photography. I just remember trying out a friend’s camera first. But the important aspect is that you can maintain it. During the first five years of my photography journey, I jumped from genre to genre and basically shot anything that interested me. I will read and collect photography magazines. Whenever I see an image that really grabs my attention, I try to imitate it or at least figure out how it’s done. From portraits of family and friends to field shots of insects, I explore as much as I can without thinking about what genre I will focus on. Even years after I’ve focused on landscape photography, the lessons I’ve learned from trying almost anything still work for me in ways I never expected, and they continue to help me overcome the odds. through challenges and seize new opportunities inside and outside of your comfort zone.
2. You Need to Learn to Get Hurt
It is absolutely impossible for someone to progress as an artist and even as a creative entrepreneur without ever feeling frustrated or emotionally hurt. One way or another, you will find people who simply don’t like the quality of your work, or worse, who simply don’t like you for personal reasons.
An important skill you need to learn is being able to identify haters and mockers from people who actually offer constructive or even reasonable criticism to you. The people in the past are people with no objective basis, just making empty comments and most of the time they do it not for the sake of making a change but instead simply to make them feel recognized and nurture their fragile self-esteem.
It’s important to separate them from those who seem equally hurtful but are actually offering valuable lessons or at least areas for improvement, which you can really benefit from if you let go. emotional pain and try to take in what they are. speak. Constructive criticism can sometimes deal a huge blow to your self-esteem as an artist, but at the same time, lends you a helping hand to lift you up. Put aside hatred, learn lessons.
3. The path is not straight and the destination is not fixed
Photography itself is always changing. The technology we had half a decade ago now seems so far away from the cameras and other devices that are being released. These advances in technology pave the way for new styles, new methods, and even new ways to use photos. Likewise, any photographer who is constantly looking to learn and improve, any artist who is constantly looking for inspiration, can and will find new paths to take and change. the direction they are going.
When I first started photography, I mainly wanted to shoot concerts because of my love for music. Within two years, this turned to portrait photography and even exploring macro perspectives. After six years of passionately trying almost everything, I find myself happiest when it comes to landscape photography, which eventually led to professionally photographing architecture and also taking the parallel path of write about photography and test new equipment.
My version, who was just starting to tinker with the camera, wouldn’t even be able to imagine what I ended up doing, and at this point, I knew there were going to be many unexpected turns. more on the road. It’s important to keep an eye on them and be ready for new challenges.
4. Your device will never be enough
At some random moment, you will tell yourself that all you need is two or three lenses, maybe just one or two camera bodies, and that’s it. There are some people who will be able to be honest with that, but the natural tendency is that that will change as well. As you continue to learn and gain a better understanding of what you really need to make the images you envision, some of the things you initially listed may no longer be the best options. At the same time, if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford more expensive gear, whether earned from photography or another job, your choices also tend to change. Of course, all of that adds up to the fact that there will always be newer devices that you’ll probably want later.
5. Your Portfolio Will Never Be Enough
No, this doesn’t mean you’ll never be good. If you play your cards right, you will succeed. But if you keep the same passion, you will always aspire to do better and create more impactful images. “Never stop learning” is perhaps the most used advice from photographers of all generations, but it still holds true. If you are continuously learning, you are continuously changing. Whether ultimately improving or simply changing to a parallel style, this means the content of your work changes with you. There will always be photos that you loved before that will no longer appeal to you and that just means you are growing.
The only thing constant in your journey as a photographer is the stream of challenges and inspirations that come your way. How much you accept and embrace them will accelerate your journey towards ever greater opportunities and challenges.
