As a matter of opinion, it’s time to get some cojones. Or whatever clever slang you’ve cooked up for the female equivalent, or whatever will help you understand the following point. Sure there’s plenty of good things to honor about the past of our photography industry. A lot of the trails have been intelligently blazed by those before us, a lot of ditches have been dug. But…ahem…generally speaking status quo in photography doesn’t know which way is up. Surely you’ve noticed.
So I ask.
What is your photographic vision?
What is your brand vision?
What is your business?
What is your marketing?
What are your effing goals?
This is not a fluff piece. This is truth: there ere are a bazillion photographers in the safe little ‘status quo’ bubble that will keep the status quo quietly marching along. So many that, in fact, it will be just fine without you.
Which is precisely why you should leave it behind.
What does that mean? It means take a chance. Or Three. Charge away from convention. Break shit. You can always go back to the status quo if you get scared or get knocked around a bit, because the reality is that it’s not going anywhere. You’ll be told that they won’t take you back if you leave, but that’s a scare tactic. In reality, they’ll take you back in a second, because… the SQ voice depends on numbers. If you don’t have what it takes, it will always be there waiting with open arms saying, “We knew you’d be back” or “I told you so.”
But the funny thing is this: I’m banking that when you push it, when you leave the status quo behind, and make some new in-roads, some new habits, that you might just get comfortable with the new you, and lo and behold you’ll be ready to push it again. That’s when the magic happens. That’s what we need. That’s what–I’m guessing–you need.
Well when you step away from what people expect sometimes it not appreciated because the dont know anything else but that.
@ Nicolae – Your work is beautiful. I especially like the photo of the lady in front of the Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe.
@ Natalija: thank you so much, you manufacture baby stuff?
@ Nicolae – yes, I hand knit one-of-a-kind items for newborn photographers which I sell online.
Nice post Chase! Thanks for all your insights.
Thank you Chase, you just back up my beliefs, that has long bothering me, if I am doing the wrong thing. I’m not a professional, I just enjoy the craft and passionate of creating it. I’ve been surrounded by those SQ that will make you feel worthless. Thanks for throwing the rope….
Thx, again for this post.
Yes break out, but which direction?
Follow your heart? There are a million ways to go, what if its the wrong way?
What if I am the one who won`t achive his goals, there are some people who don`t make it, and try really hard too, right?
Nico
break out in the direction that feels right to you. if it’s the wrong way, then you’ll fail.
toughen up.
but when you fail–if you have what it takes–you go at it again, but differently.
of course you don’t need to make all the mistakes of those before you, but you should try to be the first person to make a particular mistake.
“if it’s the wrong way, then you’ll fail.” -> thanks.
“but you should try to be the first person to make a particular mistake.” -> Thank you so much. I think I can do that.