It’s true what they say: you never stop learning – both in life and in business.
One of the things that has always appealed to me, working for myself, is the heady mix of variety and challenge on a regular basis.
I’ve worked with an incredibly wide range of clients over the years, spanning the length of the country (and abroad on one occasion). From individuals just starting out, to international brands and corporations with multiple offices dotted around the world. The old cliché tells us that no two jobs are ever the same and sure enough, this has always been a constant reality.
It’s also true to say that some of the most rewarding commissions have been those where an obstacle or ‘challenge’ (to put a positive spin on things) has needed a spot of lateral thinking in order for a job to be seen to completion.
This might have been a technical aspect, people management, location-specific considerations or any manner of things.
It’s always an experience.
Another reality is that in 16+ years (at the time of writing) working as a professional, I have been very fortunate to have undertaken so many assignments where things have worked out exactly as planned. Yes there might have been a few unexpected hitches here and there, but we always took these head on and got the job done.
People often ask me about the realities of being a photographer.
Is it all glamorous? Not always. Is it exciting? Very often.
It’s no different to any career, I suppose – you have to take the ups with the downs, the rough with the smooth.
Here’s my current situation…
As I write this, I’m mentally exhausted.
I’ve also picked up a bug, which is hardly surprising.
We’re coming to the end of what has been a very hectic year. Christmas is almost upon us and I’m trying to re-group after what has been, honestly, one of the most stressful months of my entire career. I’ve taken big hits on both the people-management and financial fronts – a double whammy of unwanted frustration which has pushed me to the limits and forced me to adapt and grow.
I’ll save you the details and refrain from dwelling on the negatives (of which there were a good few). Instead, I think it’s important to focus on the positives. So, here’s a quick…
Top 10 list of the things this past month has taught or reminded me:
1. A plan or agreement is no good if those involved do not stick to it.
2. You can’t help those who won’t help themselves.
3. I enjoy the process of storytelling more than I realised; it’s my ‘thing’ and I need to make it the main focus of my work from now on.
4. My Outdoor Impact package is a powerful thing, capable of helping so many brands get ahead – I’m very proud of what I have to offer.
5. Know your worth and distance yourself from those who clearly don’t value you.
6. Just be you. Letting others’ opinions influence your day is fruitless.
7. People who pretend to love the outdoors (but clearly don’t), in order to impress others – you can spot them a mile off.
8. I really enjoy sharing short video content; I need to produce more of this next year.
9. You can’t help others if you don’t first help yourself.
10. “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back.”
I was having a conversation recently, in which we were talking about honesty and how, as professionals, a lot of people don’t like to share this sort of thing. I can understand why – but I also think that it’s in people’s interests to get a balanced view of the realities of working life within a given industry.
And as you know, The Active Photographer is all about behind-the-scenes, what it is to be a working photographer etc… so in my mind, this makes perfect sense.
I’m quite a private person, so you rarely hear me talk about the specifics of my personal life. Equally, I’m not one to rant; rather, I like to give a considered view.
The above could easily have turned into a rant / pity party.
But at times like these, I try to remain philosophical.
I was encouraged to put this post together for my own benefit, to get things off my chest. I think I’ve done that. But I also hope that by sharing my experience, you might have picked up a few thoughts or ideas which will help you, too.
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