Here’s a sure-fire way to blow your career in photography: 
1. Take lots of photos.
2. Get on twitter.
3. Start a blog.
4. Assist for another photographer.
5. Buy a better camera.
6. Create a “style” that’s all your own.
7. Hire an intern.
8. Get an agent.
9. Do behind-the-scenes videos.
10. Get a studio.
11. Franchise your business.
12. Live off your stock library.
13. Sell your prints.
14. Get some gear sponsors.
15. Teach workshops.
16. Do a book.
Now you’re confused.
Ok, so my point is NOT to avoid doing any of the things on the above list – there are lots of good things in there. My point is that old recipes die hard. And guarantees are few and far between.
By following some old-model plan for how to be a photographer, a filmmaker, a creative whatever, you’re surely doomed. Because there isn’t one anymore. If you’re not……actively looking for a way to differentiate, to blaze your own path, to nuke the mold, your chance of survival is slim and your chance of raging success is even slimmer.
Chase you really do cut to the er…
love these bite-size chunks of wisdom, keep em coming bro!
Cheers Chase.
Your post is like giving a push in the right direction in the right time.If you know what i mean.
K.
fit xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx tum
i need a poooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
“But, Chase….
I feel safe doing those things.”
You’re right on brother. Following a path is much different than creating a path. The problem is, as more people learn this lesson for themselves it forces the rest of us to push ourselves harder.
To paraphrase Seth Godin: Safe just isn’t safe anymore.
It gets harder by the minute to have a unique style with so many photographers out there. Yet a healthy competition makes me get even more laser-focused and brings the best in me. I say, take all the ingredients and make the recipe your own with your own “secret recipe” touch.
Hmmm? I agree with the principle but this isn’t one of your better posts Chase.