Taking the plunge. Send encoragement.
Wow. This blog has been neglected a bit. I am now just getting the hang of juggling the different places I write, and I think that I have finally come up with a solution. So more posts (in all of the places I write) will be coming soon. I jumped a little fast into the networking ( a good thing….. but got distracted). Now I have a better plan of action, so I will be able to write more here, as well as other places. I am very excited.
Speaking of writing other places, I am now writing at Blissfully Domestic in their Photo Channel.
If you have not been over to Blissfully Domestic, go.
Wait. Read the rest of this first. I mean, please fawn all over my words here first before you go and fawn over there, distracting you from the the awesomeness that I offer you. Oh, and it is and will be awesome.
Anyway, Blissfully Domestic. So I have written a few articles over there, some of which are scheduled to appear at a later date. But, some of my photographs have been highlighted over there as well. And…… they have been well received. I have received complements on them. Which is very important to me, because the ladies that read and write over there know what they are talking about when it comes to photography.
I have always been hesitant to show my photographs. Mostly because I am UBER critical of alot of them. It bothers me when I take 100 photographs, and only a handful meet my definition of acceptable. I know that is what alot of photographers face, but it still bothers me that sometimes, I just don’t get the shot right. I am a perfectionist, I guess. The skill of other photographers ASTOUND me. And, so, when photographers whose work I have seen and respect comment positively on mine, it makes me feel worthy of being in such a group.
So, here it goes. I THINK I am going to take the plunge and start my own photography business. I really want to pal around with a photographer in the Philly area first (if you know of one that needs help on weekends, let me know), but I think that I can do it. The real problem is not the photos. The real problem is that I know very little about business. I was a science teacher. I was not in the business world. I need help with doing the books, setting prices, marketing. That stuff makes or breaks a good photography business. So, it looks like in the coming weeks, I am going to have some learning to do.
So, if you are out there, and have your own business, send some encouragement my way. I need it so I don’t run and hide the other direction, thereby giving up on a dream.
8 Responses to “Taking the plunge. Send encoragement.”
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The business side has been the stumbling block for me too. John Harrington’s book was a good read. He explains the business of photography in a clear, concise, and entertaining manner. I highly recommend it. You’re on the right track, as far as understanding the importance of the business side goes. I’d rather have mediocre photography skills and great business skills vs. great photo skills and mediocre business skills. I just need one more mediocre-to-great upgrade (I’m not talking about lenses either) and I’m good to go.
I get really critical of my own photos too. I can spot a forehead-slapping, easily avoidable mistake before anyone has the chance to ooh and ah.
I also hate it when I grab the camera, capture a priceless face, then realize the camera is set on ISO 1600, the wrong white balance setting, JPG BASIC SMALL, or any combination of those setting.
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Oh, how I hate those moments of the wrong ISO or white balance. Shooting in the RAW helps with the white balance issue. But I have experience the problem of ignoring the more global settings before taking a photo. The results are not pretty.
Thanks for the book name. I will be sure to check that out.
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Congrats on the new gig over at BD!!!! Thats wonderful news! And I am very excited to hear you’re looking into a photography business. Wow. I got your back girl! And I can’t wait to see more of your stuff too!
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Best of luck in your new endeavor. If you ever want to see if coaching can help, I’ll give you a free session. (In the hopes that you’ll LOVE it, and invest in program, of course. But, totally risk free. You get to decide after the session if you want to sign on or not.)
I helped Ariel Gore (editor of HipMama magazine, and author of a BUNCH of books) tranition her career. It can be a creative, graceful, engaging, and easeful experience.
Looking for a mentor is a great start! Running a business is a lot like running a family; the more organized you are about it, the more smoothly it runs. Right? Except, of course, for those times when organization needs to be put on the back burner for a day or two, and creativity gets to totally hold sway. In other words, don’t forget to schedule in some time for chaos!
peace, and have a great time!
-LaSara
http://www.lasarafirefox.com
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Thanks for your transparency and congrats on your decision to press forward on your photography career. I fight similar notion with my writing – I love to write, but hate to share it (mostly due to being overly self-critical too). I once spent a year writing my Master’s thesis. My BFF was listened to me rant, cry, and torment over it…when it was finally done and my grad degree was in hand, I wouldn’t even let her read it!
So, stay encouraged and know that you’re not alone…I think that anyone who pours her heart into something, whether it’s photography or writing, has trouble revealing it for public consumption at some point. It’s all just so intimate sometimes!
Looking forward to seeing your business flourish!
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Thank you all for the encouragement and the advice. It does mean so much to me to have some of these feelings validated and encouraged. Thank you all.
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[...] worst critic, but have learned to relax. I’ve dipped my toe in the water. This year I’m taking the plunge [...]
Corina, I am truly enjoying your style. I am a successful business owner and would gladly share advice and tools that can help you succeed. Helping and giving back is my niche. It really feesl good to help others out. You have my email if you ever want some help. To your Success!
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