Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Today's Top 10 List for Success....

You want to be a photographer? Pay attention.....

1. Be passionate or get rid of your camera. You can't do this (or anything else usually) half hearted. You have to love what you are doing because it isn't easy. There will be plenty of times when you will want to take up plumbing because you see some weird stuff out there. If you are passionate about photography, it won't matter what anyone else is doing. Do your own thing.

2. Be flexible, but not too flexible. Be willing to try new things. New compositions, new themes, new ideas, but retain the standards that make you who you are.

3. Be positive. Nobody wants to deal with somebody that is constantly moping around. You should be enthusiastic about what you are doing. it should give you satisfaction. If you aren't, or it doesn't, please refer back to #1.

4. Make those around you look good. Be professional and humble. Make your clients look good. If everyone you affiliate with business wise looks good, eventually, people will figure out the common denominator.

5. Be loyal. Nothing is harder to repair than a reputation. You don't want a reputation as a photographer that uses and abandons clients and employers.

6. Work hard. This should go without saying, but what you get out of this is directly proportional to two things; your talent, and how hard you work.

7. Be proactive. Play the ball, don't let the ball play you. Don't wait until there is a problem and just react to it. Anticipate the problem and head it off. Pay attention to what is going on around you. Keep your head on a swivel. (Is that enough sporting metaphors?)

8. Embrace change. Change happens. Sticking your head in the sand doesn't help. Believe me, I know this to be true. I tried to ignore digital photography and kept telling myself it was a fad that would fade away. It isn't and it won't. It's here to stay folks and film photography is pretty much already a niche business, and it's going to get more and more rare as the cost of silver drives up the cost of film and papers.

9. Speak up. Have opinions, and don't be afraid to be wrong. Engage in conversation about your craft. This is where some of the greatest ideas and self discovery is made.

10. Have fun. If it isn't fun, you aren't doing it right. If you truly love what you are doing, it isn't work.

17 comments:

Kylie Bowers said...

Oh wow beautiful work :)

Alicia said...

great tips I think everyone can use these in life

KIM EDWARDS said...

Thanks for the great blog!

Unknown said...

great fotos and nice list!

hy said...

great post!
xo
mary jane

A Luminous Spark said...

Great advice! And perfect timing!

Thank you :-)
aLS

Anonymous said...

Excellent tips. And awesome photos. Great job on the blog :-)

Anonymous said...

Excellent list; while they might be a bit obvious to some, it is great to be able to reiterate such thoughts into one's mind. Thank you and good luck in your future success.

Willow's World & Willow's Wool said...

another great post Scott, i always enjoy reading your blog. It made me stop for a minute and just remember why i love photography so much.

TotusMel said...

What a great list. We all need a little reminding now and again.
-pam

Moonchild Dancing! said...

Another amazing post! I'm inspired and I am passionate! :D

P.S. Original said...

Good advice and beautiful photography.

LazyTcrochet said...

Very inspiring...I like your FAQ too!

Sarah McBride said...

I think every photographer, or budding photographer, should print out these rules, laminate them and carry them around in their wallet.
very good advice, thanks for sharing.

LoveMeKnot Creations said...

oh Scott, your work is amazing! I love the cedar shake shack ...(tongue twister by the way)

Elise of Argyle Whale said...

great advice for any media!

f2images said...

I agree with Alicia. These tips apply to photography, but to whatever we may be passionate about. Thank you!