What No One Tells You About Becoming a Photographer
What No One Tells You About Becoming a Photographer.
I haven't written a blog post in a VERY long time, which is partially what this post is about. Now, don't get me wrong from the title of this post. I absolutely LOVE photography and most of everything that comes with it. However, I have found myself in a creative rut for the last several months, which I know can be normal in doing anything that you love. Becoming a photographer on a professional level is stressful, demanding, but also rewarding.
I have SO many amazing couples that make me realize why I'm doing this and they bring my creative fire back, but even then, it can sometimes become very monotonous. You're on a constant schedule of photo shoot, editing, wedding, editing, events, editing, marketing, editing - well, you get the idea.
Within this past year, I got to the point where I didn't even want to pick up my camera. When I first started out, I used to love to take pictures in my free time of my kids, animals - anything really! It was, and is, my creative outlet when I am feeling out of sorts. When it got to the point that my creative outlet was no longer working, and I no longer wanted to take pictures of my kids because I was tired of looking at my camera, I knew I had to make a change.
The first thing I changed: MY ATTITUDE. A better attitude made all of the difference. Once I realized how lucky I was to be able to do what I love and create memories for other people, it helped so much.
The next thing I changed: MY TIME MANAGEMENT. I had to put myself on a strict session/event and editing schedule. I dedicate certain days out of the week just for business and the other days, I dedicate to my family and friends.
The last thing I changed: I PICKED UP MY CAMERA. I started taking my camera everywhere with me again. I started taking pictures of my kids, of different things I love to shoot, and I truly enjoyed it again. I felt myself coming out of the rut quickly just by changing these three simple things.
It is okay to feel stuck. It is okay to want to give up or get frustrated in yourself. But, I challenge you to do one thing for yourself every single week. Something that makes you happy and fulfills whatever you feel you're lacking, even if you're really, really tired. Whether it's taking more photos, painting another picture, reading another book, taking a longer walk around the block. You'll be surprised how big of a difference it makes.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
If you found this helpful, please feel free to share it with someone who may need a little inspiration.
