If you are reading this, you are a person who LOVES photography, or at the very least are interested in it.
It seems as if there are a million of us, right? A million people who eat and breathe this craft of capturing beautiful and thought-provoking images as either a hobby or profession. It is easy to feel lost in this crowd, standing on the sidelines as you watch others make a name for themselves in our little corner of the world. You may sit and wonder why you haven’t been noticed, or feel jealous at all the attention others are getting.
What do they have that you don’t?
Well, I am here to tell you that most of these photographers have put in an incredible amount of work to be where they are. And that you, too, can be in this place. How? Well, it is very simple: you must put in a ton of effort, productivity and be bold! Whether passionate hobbyist or hard-working professional, you can be a major player too. Are you ready for some ideas to get you started?
BECOME RECOGNIZED
Get out there and network! Talk with other photographers. Message them, join a project, regularly comment on forum threads, and enter contests. Volunteer for photography needs in your neighborhood, introduce yourself to people you want to learn from, attend conferences or workshops, start your OWN photography group and ask others to join, teach a kids camera camp in your neighborhood… the possibilities are endless.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES
When I was just starting out, I walked up and introduced myself to another local photographer, Becky Healy, who worked in my community. (I had a couple glasses of wine in me, which helped!) We forged a friendship quickly, and would meet regularly to discuss ideas and create projects. Together, we have completed a 365 project, held two gallery shows at our local art center, with plans for a third in the fall. We have a coffee table book of our neighborhood we are working on, to be published next year. Becky has shot for street banners in our neighborhood, teaches at the art center, local library, and is the photographer for our local papers. I have started my own client-based business and just opened a beautiful studio. All of these things that we have accomplished came from NOTHING. Nobody handed any of this to us. These were all just ideas that we had that we worked hard to make come alive. Opportunity is everywhere, you just have to actively seek it out. You have to be a mover and a shaker to make it happen!
UNDERSTAND THE KEY ELEMENTS
This concept is simple, yet very important. You need to know the foundation that exceptional photography is based on. We can network and chase opportunity all we want, but if you don’t have a product to back it up, chances are you won’t get very far. It all begins with the basics (i.e. exposure, composition), but then you must take it further. KNOW light. Be a storyteller. Try new things. Learn the rules. Break the rules. Shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. Continue your education. Share your efforts. Do the work.
BE YOU
Knowing whom you are and what your style and vision is vital in standing out from the crowd. You MUST know your style and have a vision…and it needs to be your OWN. (Remember, it is okay to be inspired and try something somebody else does, but you must remain to true to yourself. No copycat has ever stuck out from the crowd!! ) Also, think about your WHY. Why are you doing this? Why is it important to you? What do you want to achieve, accomplish, say? What type of shooting or images make you weak in the knees? Listen to your heart and go with that. These things are what make you unique, special and YOU.
Being a zigger isn’t about being lucky. Being a zigger takes a lot of work. It is having patience, perserverance, courage and spunk. It is taking chances and leaving your comfort zone. It is putting a great deal of time in. It is knowing that if at first you don’t succeed, then you must try, try, try again. Being a zigger is putting your heart and soul on the line. And being a better person for it.
The post Set yourself apart: How to be a zigger in a word full of zaggers appeared first on Clickin Moms.
