Taking Risks

I’ve been excited to start blogs for other photographers, and I feel this one is the best to start with… Because taking risks is required.
That moment you decided to try out photography? Congrats! You took a risk! It took me years to do that. There are so many other photographers out there, and I know how intimidating it is when you first decide to venture out into the unknown. In fact, for the longest time I swore that I just knew another photographer I admire probably hated me. I thought about the things they’d most likely say behind my back about my images because I did not have faith or confidence in myself or my work. Imagine my surprise when we ran into each other one day (and yes, my heart was pounding) and had a full blown conversation where this person actually told me they liked my work – and I was blown away!
When I first decided to play around with my dad’s professional camera, it took some close friends to really persuade me to even start a Facebook page to see if I could even get anywhere in this business. I made SO many excuses as to why it wouldn’t work, and let the negativity of others bring me down to believe it was an impossible goal to be a successful and professional photographer. But I did finally give in and I haven’t looked back. I’ve done some things that my parents sat me down about to inform me they didn’t feel it was smart to do for my life… Such as choosing top of the line gear over buying that semester’s text books, or dropping out of classes to chase a hope. But those are chances I took to follow my passion. Taking those risks may not work out, but I’ve learned that you never know unless you try (just be smart about it).  Had I not taken that risk to just try, I would still be sitting there staring at the work of photographers I love and wishing I could also have that life. You have to try for what you believe in. HARD. There are so many ups and downs when you first start – like when you booked a ton of clients only to have them cancel on you last minute, or when you get your first negative feedback, or even that time you let others start taking advantage of you, and let’s not forget the time where your accountant informed you of how much you would OWE on taxes, and that paperwork you had to fill out to even become legal, and when you realized you’d need a website and a logo and packaging and ways to deliver  everything and then you find out your expectations and obligations to clients and staying up super late editing thousands of photos and then blogging everything and figuring out bank stuff and being an adult, and that all spirals into this crazy mess called LIFE and running your own BUSINESS…  And it’s tough. But this is where learning comes in, and that’s so important. People ask me for help all the time, which I’m happy to give, but giving away advice won’t make them better – going out and doing things on their own and learning what works for them and what doesn’t work is what will do that. It’s hard and it’s frustrating, but it’s a process that is completely unique for everyone and so very worth it.

Taking risks goes beyond just mental risks though. There are also physical risks that I have fully experienced this summer. It’s been a tough one on me, but it has been so worth it.
Examples:
“Wow, this shot would look way better at a lower angle… on the ground…” where apparently poison sumac was.
“This location is going to be the BOMB.” where apparently a horde of ticks lived.
“Even though I’m in a boot from a broken foot, I can totally walk ten miles in Chicago to get amazing photos!” … but for real.

Were these smart decisions? Nope. Not the slightest. But I got the shots I desired 🙂 It takes hard work, dedication, and the will to do what you need to in order to thrive in a saturated society. I’ve played it safe before, and it got me no where because I’d sit at home editing these “good” photos yet wishing I’d gone out and done something GREAT that would make people talk about my work instead of staying safe with typical shots that anyone could get. After a couple of times of wishing for that, I finally did it. And I was shocked because I’d told myself that clients wouldn’t be interested in trying different poses or angles, yet they were. Maybe I’ve just been blessed with open-minded clients, but I believe it comes from them having faith in your work and trusting the results will be as amazing as you tell them it will be.

All of this being said, take risks. Try new things. Trust in yourself and your clients will trust in you too. If it doesn’t work out, at least you tried! And that’s what counts in this life.