mentoring

Filter Out the Noise

in

To my dear photographer friends:

I received a note from another photographer recently. A lovely one filled with kind words about my work. 
I was flattered beyond measure.

But intertwined with the compliments, was an undercurrent of uncertainty.

What should I do?
How do I manage?
I don't want to miss out.
How do you do it?
Help?

The answer is: I don't know.

I can't give you an exact formula, no one can.
That's why you see so many posts and messages and comments on the same thing.
How? Why? 

Because it's about you. And that's the very best part.
Because it's about your limits & desires.
Your focus.

You control your schedule. What you shoot. When.
Which clients you work with. How often. What kind.

Your business. Your art. Your rules.

So if you're here. Serving your clients. Serving your community.
You might as well enjoy it.

You might as well shoot what you love. Because then you'll shoot the best.
You might as well set your schedule. Because then you'll shoot the best.
You might as well set aside time for your family. Because then you'll shoot the best.

Being overworked, stressed, lonely. That doesn't lead to good work.

And with good work. And peace. And finding yourself.
The work will come.

Because your images will sing. They will cheer. They will breathe.
They will mirror you, and how you love what you do most.
Refreshing and honest and pure.

So be gentle with yourself. Allow your faults and your times of imbalance. 

Then move along and breathe and recoup.
Because then you'll find your why and your way.

washington dc baby fine art baby photographer

Kate Juliet Photography specializes in natural maternity, newborn, and family portraiture in the Washington DC and Northern VA area.
Contact me to begin planning your custom portrait experience.

For Photographers | A Reminder for when you feel like Quitting

in ,

You're swamped. Between the kids, the job, and life (if you even still have one of those) it's all too much.
You're frustrated. And tired.
And just done.

Everyone has been there.

It would be so easy to just give it up. Think of all the time you would have!
No more inquiries to respond to. No more sessions to plan.
You could have your weekends to yourself and your family again.
No more late night editing marathons.
No more worrying about your work or taking classes or upgrading your gear. 
Sounds pretty good if you ask me.

But then... what would you be giving up?

You started a photography business for a reason.
Do you remember what it was?
What your vision for this creative outlet would be?

Are you staying true to that?

My guess is probably not. So before you throw in the towel, try re-thinking things.

Make sure you're shooting what you love.
Shoot something new, or re-visit something old.
Whatever it is, shoot something that inspires you.

Make sure you're shooting who you love.
That you're finding the right clients.
That they love what you do as much as you do.

But as much as you love it, don't overbook yourself.
Give yourself room to breath, room to grow.
Space.

Muscles get stronger the day after we work them.
Because growth doesn't happen in the work, growth happens in the rest.

Take care of yourself.
And look at your work again. The images that you've given your clients.
The gifts you've given their children.
Think about how much fun this job is.

Then take a deep breath,
pick up your camera.
And get
               to
                    work.