I WISH I HAD KNOWN THESE TIPS BEFORE STARTING...

Things I wish someone had told me before becoming a photographer

My goodness, it’s been a wild ride. From the day I picked up a camera, not having a clue, to deciding to take the monumental leap from passion project to career - it has been nothing short of an incredibly exciting journey.
Ok, so ‘exciting journey’ doesn’t really depict it well enough IMO. Exciting journey to me reads like it has all been rainbows and fluffy kittens, quite the walk in the park. To be honest, it’s been quite the opposite. Do not get me wrong, I have adored it, but from money worries, expensive equipment, CONTINUOUS marketing and being so passionate about getting it right that you cannot sleep – this is being what a business owner entails. 

To really explain it in a way that is very understandable, this to me was the best explanation of owning and running a small Creative business in six easy steps.
 
STAGE 1: This is awesome!
STAGE 2: This is tricky
STAGE 3: This is shit
STAGE 4: I am shit
STAGE 5: This might be ok
STAGE 6: This is awesome
 
However, once I got through all of that cluster mess above, it really is the most enjoyable leap that I have ever done. If I could go back in time, these would be the most influential bits of advice I wish I had been told: 

• Do not compare your work to others. Please, I cannot stress this enough. It will bring you nothing but misery. Appreciate other creatives work, but only compare your new work to your old, this is how you will grow.
•  You do not need a degree in photography or the Arts. What you do need is a good eye, bucket loads of determination, and the fiery passion to pour your heart and soul into your work.
• When starting out, someone, somewhere will ultimately love what you do – find them. These people will be your cheerleaders and help you to succeed. They will help you discover your niche.

• Really good work takes a really long time. Master your art, experiment as much as you can, practise, practise, practise. Do not give up but be patient and kind to yourself. 
• On top of the last point. Create daily. Even if it’s complete nonsense, keep going. It’s much easier to build your skill while working continuously than to give up. You can’t improve if you do not try.
• Reach out to other photogs! We have all been in the same position of panic and worry at some stage and you would be surprised what an amazing, supportive community you can surround yourself with.
• Lastly - do not set unachievable goals. You are one person. Be proud of your accomplishments each and every day. Remember your why. ​

As a photographer, one thing I believe we can do is translate an emotion or narrative into a tangible image. For me, if I can help tell other people’s stories through my content and imagery and turn an everyday scene into a universal emotion that others can connect with — then I have won.
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I love what I do and I thrive to create authentic imagery for all my clients. If and when you are in need of a photographer, and if my style matches your vision then please connect now - let's create magic!