My #1 Tip for New Photographers

Over the years I've had various "newbies" reach out with questions about this or that. I remember being in their shoes and just wishing someone would give me a roadmap so that I could figure out how to get paying clients and turn this little dream of mine into an actual job.

When I am approached with questions, I try to always be honest and let them know that I'm still learning every single day and trying to do better than I did the previous year. There are things I still wish I could figure out and that I need to improve on, I don't think any good photographer would say "they know everything there is to know," especially with the ever-changing world of technology we live in.

Maybe you have a pretty good guess at what my top tip would be for beginners. Maybe you'd guess it's to shoot as often as possible, even if you have to shoot for free. Maybe you'd guess it's to go out and buy the nicest camera and computer for editing, along with lighting equipment and props. Or maybe you'd guess it's to order 100 of the most aesthetically pleasing business cards, tee shirts, and tumblers to "get your name out there!"

While all those things are fun and exciting, those aren't anywhere close to my #1 suggestion. You need to practice and learn manual mode for sure, but I wouldn't recommend doing tons of free shoots. That leads to lots of "price shoppers" for clients that always want you to undercut your talent fees and expect free or extremely discounted sessions. Trust me friend, those aren't your people.

And, yes you need a decent camera and some sort of editing software, but I shot with a relatively low-grade dslr camera for years before upgrading. It doesn't matter how fancy your camera is if you don't know how to use it properly.

Lastly, you don't want to be stuck with a bunch of merchandise before you've really hit the ground running and have a little momentum. Of course, all of that is just my personal opinion, you do you photog boo. 😉😘

All that being said, my #1 Tip for New Photographers is:

"Unfollow" all the photographers you are currently following on social media.

That includes both local and celebrity type "influencer" photographers.

That's it. That's the secret sauce.

Because comparison really is the thief of joy, and in my opinion, progress.

I can't tell you how many times when I was starting out, I'd finally get a "real" paying client, and I'd think to myself, that was a great session, I've got tons of good shots! And I'd post those shots and even get great feedback from the client or my little audience of 40 followers.

And then....

I'd scroll and see another photographer post a session. And it looked like it was straight out of some magazine. Of course, the clients would be super popular and their "likes" and comments were just blowing up all of social media.

It would literally feel like I'd been gut punched and I would just flip a switch and go into a grumpy, depressed, irritable tailspin. It was awful. And I'd join another webinar and watch 10 more YouTube videos on how to do all the things.

Looking back, that was just such a silly waste of time, energy, and completely depleted my excitement for why I wanted to be a photographer in the first place.

It took me awhile to finally admit that it was a problem and when I finally unfollowed everyone, I found MY style and MY groove. And let me tell you, it felt so refreshing. I love to chase the sunlight, to have those beautiful backlit beams shine through. I love the big hearty laughs and the little side giggles. I love the raw, real emotion and that is the lane I chose to stay in with my bright, warm edits.

So whatever field you are in, be it photography or something else, my top tip will forever be to unfollow your competition. And honestly, at this point, my top tip to anyone is to just get off social media completely. Take a month off and watch how your attitude changes toward your kids, your spouse, the person cutting you off in traffic. Our nervous systems are seriously in full-on overdrive because of our scrolling habits so take a beat and get off all of it for a bit. Trust me, all the news and doom will be there if you decide to get back online after your break.❤