This is a great article from professional photographer Valerie Jardin.
It’s time to put a stop to all of these excuses and start practicing confidence as well as new photography techniques. They will help you on your way to becoming a better photographer. You don’t need a new camera, you don’t need a new lens, you don’t need a better background – just go out there and start shooting!
“I‘m in a creative rut, I need to go to an exotic location to get out of it.”
Everyone gets into a rut. One solution is to learn to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, see the new in the familiar. Go out into your own backyard and see it with fresh eyes. Give yourself an assignment such as a photo-a-day project for a month or a year. Create a theme for your photo walk and it becomes a treasure hunt. Shoot with fellow photographers. Give a camera to a child and see the world “fresh” through their eyes. Once you get out there and use your imagination, you’ll be free from that rut!
“I’m not going out to shoot today because the light is bad.”
There is no such thing as bad light. As long as there is light, there is opportunity to make amazing images. There is also no reason to limit yourself to the golden hours on each end of the day. The most adverse weather conditions are perfect for making the most beautiful pictures. So get out there!
“I need hundreds of pictures in my portfolio before I can show my work to clients.”
This is just not true. What is true, and important, is to be discerning about your selection, show only your best work. Quality over quantity is your guideline here.
“I’m making money with my photography. I learned everything there was to learn about the craft.”
Nothing could be further from the truth! Once you think you know it all, you will stop growing. The world of photography is so exciting and is changing at the fastest pace ever. All you have to do is to keep current with the latest technology and embrace it.
“Pro photographers are better than amateurs.”
Just because some photographers make money with their pictures doesn’t make them better shooters. A successful pro will be able to offer quality and consistency. I see the work of so-called amateur photographers every day that far exceeds the work of many pros. Actually, pro photographers run the risk of losing the passion for their craft if the work becomes a routine and this can adversely affect the quality of their work. It is very important for pro photographers to make time for personal projects in order to keep their passion alive.
Read the full article over at Digital Photography School.
Source: Digital Photography School
