Listen to the automated audio version of this article:
If you ever want to become a better Photographer, there is one thing you need to start doing right now.
Particularly when you're starting this new career, it's very easy to fall into traps.
You buy a new camera because you saw all the great examples of what it can do in YouTube videos or Instagram posts, and you go straight out capturing everything you see. You find your photographer “role-models” and start comparing your photos to theirs. And when everything goes right, it feels absolutely fantastic. But when it doesn't, it's way too easy to become discouraged. Think you're not good enough, fall victim to anxiety, and that you'll never become a better Photographer.
Believe that you are a failure. Which you are not.
I've been a photographer for over 20 years (watch my story in this video or read about it). I just got featured in two Photographer Of The Year exhibitions; I work with worldwide brands, post gorgeous sunrises and sunsets on my Instagram, switch to different genres…
Do you think I never fail? Think again: I do.
The video
As I show you here, there are many ways to fail (including during the actual filming of this video). Some you can control, some you can't.
The key is to acknowledge that and be OK with it.
The failure is not the end. It's only a step in your journey, a stop at a red light.
But from there, you start again and move on. And this is what ultimately will let you become a better Photographer
Direct link, in case the embed fails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvvYdPr_Jqo
I believe this is very important for everyone who has ever felt social media anxiety because social media is this perfect world unfolding in front of your eyes every day. But in some cases, it's just fabricated. In others, like mine, the “perfect” photo is the result of many prior unsuccessful attempts.
I just never stop trying.
My writing is probably more profound than my talking, but I hope these both can help you overcome your fear of failure and let you become a better photographer.
Have a good one!
