- Advertisement -

Let’s get straight to the point and give me the chance to talk to you about the lowdown on having a lengthy career in photography. LOSE THE EGO. Failures and disappointments are part of the journey, but having an ego after success can be the reason for the decline of your business/career.

Remember that success is never final and failure is never fatal, one must learn from both scenarios and keep improving. It’s about staying hungry and keeping that mentality from day 1. The mentality of growing into a skillful individual who is capable of photographing any given scenario.

- Advertisement -

The industry is getting bigger, with new blood of photographers sprouting up each month (not to mention photography equipment becoming so affordable), the photography scene is very much alive in the city. However, even with all of us here, the demand for photographic service is still high. You can’t really expect that one or two photographers can cover the whole month filled with events? Like photographing all the people in the city getting married or debutantes celebrating their coming of age right? There are clients everywhere and everyday is an opportunity, its all up to you on how you reach them or find them.

Let me go back to the ego issue again, the fact that you can photograph events does not make you successful. The fact that you can buy material wants and needs does not make you successful. But I know that there are different definitions of success, but in my own personal standpoint, success is a bill with daily dues. Our success is defined by the people we elevate through our craft, our success is not defined by our own terms but by the people who see our work. Celebrate it, tap your shoulder for the good work and carry on.

 Photography comes easy for some, and some even consider themselves as artists. I respect that. But at the end of the day, its all about making your client satisfied with the output. Working with models / talents can give photographers a massive reach in social media for beautiful content, however it is important that we keep in mind that the photograph is a collaborative effort of people involved in the shoot. From the make up artist, stylist, designer, model, etc, all recognition is not yours alone. Give credit where credit is due.

Having years on your shoulder makes you see things that you could not see when you were starting out. The competition with other camera holding people is there, no doubt about it. But the real competition is always with yourself. Looking back to my early days and until now, I question myself from time to time if I’ve learned another thing or two. I guess, its not just about who or what you photograph but its about how you do it.

I’ve had clients taken from me under the table by other photographers, I’ve ranted about it so many times. The actions that you take towards other photographers will shape the outlook of the photographic community, and this will greatly affect how you do your business. I can’t really blame people who’d go all out on getting clients, its survival and we have to put food on the table. But if the client already has a photographer in the works, have the decency to walk away and find other jobs. 

I pride myself for my thirst for learning new skills, lighting diagrams, shooting techniques, and meeting amazing people who are as passionate as me. But what saddens me is that some twisted principle is often spotlighted as passion. As a photographer, its not about me. Well, partly it is my vision that is reflected in the photograph, but the aim of it all is to showcase the image and not myself. To tell the story of a dish, person, place, or event is the overall goal. I mean that’s why photography was invented right?

You can learn to work alone or prefer to be in groups, respect the preferences of other people who are in pursuit of the craft. I’ve been questioned many times why I don’t use filters, and my answer will always be the same. I have respect to people’s choices when it comes to their photographs, may it be filtered, edited, or straight out of the camera. Don’t get me wrong, filters are amazing tools that a photographer can use in their outputs. However, in my own opinion, I believe that you will not remember your debut, wedding, or event in different colors. But hey, if its what works for you, go on right ahead. It doesn’t mean that its different, its wrong.

The saying goes that people should follow their brain and not their heart. But in the realm of photography you have to follow both and create this balance that success will not get into your head and failure will not destroy your heart. Lose the ego, stay humble, keep grinding and always keep moving forward. Be humble.    

Disclaimer

Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.

- Advertisement -