To be an artist is to question yourself it seems. Art, whether it be painting, or sculpture, or photography is kind of a terrifying and extremely gratifying thing. It feels amazing to create things and see them out in the world. That feeling is amplified when you see your creation in someone else’s life; in their home, on their walls, etc. However, it is terrifying because it is a piece of yourself out in the world. Free for other’s judgement, criticism, and opinions. I think many artists are torn between the desire to create pieces they love and the need to create things that their clients or the world loves. The ideal scenario is one where you are able to create something that takes both of those ideas and they are harmonious. In some ways, art is a lot like love: it’s scary because you are making yourself vulnerable but when it is reciprocated it’s the best feeling in the world.
This morning, I was having a bad morning. Straight up pity party in here. Photography is entering the slow season which means that there is a lot less people booking but still the same amount of photographers eyeing those leads. I don’t have a ton left on the books this year and I was having a freak out. I also have witnessed some of my photog friends experiencing some snarky and terrible attitudes from other photographers.
Enter my little community of cheerleaders. I can say that my life is full of supporters. A great deal of that comes from the photography community and I am so blessed to know some of the photographers I do. I genuinely care for them and their businesses. They are always there to back me up, boost my self esteem, or give me advice when I’m not sure what to do. I consider them my allies, but more importantly friends. These girls make putting yourself out there not seem so scary. They also help make our area better for clients. I urge you to reach out to your “competition” in your field and introduce yourself. You might find out you have been missing out on great networking and friendship.
And just because.. a photo of Huckleberry in glasses. Because it’s adorable.
