1. Believe that your art is worth the time to perfect. Too many people get intimidated by other photographers, feel too frustrated with the technology, or feel upset when they can’t come up with a masterpiece idea. Remember that everyone has been there at some point or another, and that it is a cycle. If you are not feeling intimated, you are not growing. If you do not push yourself, you can never learn. We all start somewhere, and where you are starting is the perfect place to grow into the artist of your dreams. You are not alone in wondering where your art will take you. Just remember that it is worth the time you put into it. Everyone starts somewhere.
2. Strive for perfection, but never reach it. If you feel that you have reached perfection, you will never grow past your current skill-set, whether it be conceptually or technically. There is always something new to learn. There is always room to grow. Never stop reaching.
3. Understand that there is not one road to success. Even the photographers that you look up to had to go around twists and turns and bends to get to where they are, and even those photographers feel like they are still climbing uphill to reach their goals. Your success is relative.
4. Write down what you want to achieve and then try to achieve it. Having goals and dreams will set you on a road that is made for you. Don’t be afraid to dream, and dream big.
5. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t know what you want yet. Experiment. Try new things. Learn different skills. Most importantly, ask yourself what makes you happy. What do you love to shoot? Start making lists that detail all of the words that define the type of photographs you enjoy taking. Teach yourself to learn.
6. There is never enough praise, and there are always too many insults. Try not to get into this mindset, though it is an easy trap to fall into. There will be people who like your photography and those who don’t. Learn that all input is valid, aside from malicious intentions. Remember that if you share your work, you invite those comments, the good and the bad. The good is no more valuable than the bad. It will all help you grow. Listening too much to the praise will stop your growth, and listening to much to the negativity will do the same. Listen only to your inner voice for guidance.
7. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that luck has anything to do with success. You have to work hard to get what you want, and it will be worth it in the end.
8. Figure out what motivates you and become aware of what inspires you. These are two of the key ingredients to success: motivation and inspiration. If you can stay inspired, you can continue to create and grow. If you can find motivation, you can put that inspiration into practice. Everyone finds inspiration and motivation in different ways. Figure out what your process is and quantify it, let it be something that is strategic. Figure out exercises you can do to find inspiration, or put in place a reward system for motivation. This will help you tremendously in case the extreme ecstasy of beginning photography wears off.
9. Never compare yourself to anyone else. Do not worry about the “competition”. Be your own critic and your own praise. Create what you love, not what someone else loves. The opinion that matters most is your own.
10. Be confident. If you exude confidence, other people will believe in you and your art too. It will get you farther than most other things in life. Confidence is contagious.
{ 23 } Comments
That is great advice, Brooke. Not just for newbie photographers but for anyone! We can always use a little reminding to keep our eyes where they need to be and stay in the right mindset.
Thank you for this enlightening post. I will be following all these rules because they are extremely helpful to say the least. As a struggling photographer in Toronto, we need to see more advice like this around us, because there is a lack of it in this city. Thank you for the guidance and I hope you continue to write more tips in the future.
Great advise. Gonna print it out and hang it somewhere within eye view. :-0
Thank you so much for your words! They are just what I needed at this moment…excellent advice for all of us, whether new or not. Dream big. Yes.
My girlfriend just shared this list with me and I must say, it is all very awesome advice! Thank you!
Thank you for this. You have already made me feel so much better that I am not the only one struggling with all the above.
I need to write it down.
Hi Brooke, my name is Sara and I’m from Spain. A friend of mine posted me this, and I really like it. I appreciate your advices, I agree with you in everything.
THanks for encouraging!
Thank you
Wonderful advice that we could bear to repeat to ourselves often.
But most wonderful of all … that photo at the top. Holy smack! I am amazed and inspired.
Neil vN
Very nicely done Brooke. Rather wise advice for all, not new, not seasoned but all photographers. Thanks for taking the time to share these thoughts! Hopefully you will reach those who need these words!
As Neil said, your image here is awesome!
You couldn’t say it any better! I have struggled with all these points and still do. But, I am still inspired with others photos and even my own moments. One of the biggest feelings and inspired moments for myself was when I donated a couple of framed prints to a charity auction. I was there and got so many compliments and sold several more prints, it was such a inspiring moment for me.
My wife says, ” it doesn’t matter if you ever make any money, it’s the passion, love and creativity of the art that will take you to your dying day is all that matters”.
Don’t be scared, take on the day!
Thank you so much for these uplifting and very encouraging words ! Just the words I needed to read… I’m struggling with all that you said. I constantly compare my photos with those of highly talented photographers and I very often become discouraged. But at the same time, it helps me to grow. When I look at their work I can see what needs to be improved in mine.
I admire your work greatly, your photos are real masterpieces and wonderful delights for the eyes !
Have a great day tomorrow !
Thank you Brooke :-)
Wow, what a timely treasure chest of advice for me… Thank you for your generosity Brooke. And BRAVO for your formidable work.
Brooke. Wow. That’s why I’m so in love with you and with your works.
Wishing you every happiness and love.
;)
I love your work, Brooke. I find you really inspirational and the words you write and the clips you create to show your way of working are brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing your tallent with us :)
Thank you so much, this is such timely advice.. I was ready to get intimidated and started to question my ability, because of others comments. I love the photo with the girl and the umbrella.
Inspiring words!
Thank you for giving me hope
Well said! Thank you for inspiring…and motivating! :)
You work is amazing!
Thank you for the advise. Big help for me.
Thank you, Brooke! Your words help me to realize that in the end is most important be who you are and don’t forget that you only have to follow your dreams. :)
I love the mysterious quality, but even more the subtle texture and feel of the clouds. Nicely done!
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