Risk & Reward

Rejection and failure are a risk, but so is doing nothing. With every success, you must first take the risk of uncertainty. Some dreams require you to take a chance before they can become a reality. Risks often reap a reward. 

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

Winston Churchill

It's astonishing how many more risks we would take if we weren't afraid. Playing not to lose isn't the same as playing to win. It's necessary to know the risks involved with a new venture, but it's equally important to understand what not taking the chance could cost you.

Is the business idea in your head that you're scared to execute the doorway to the lifestyle of your dreams? Do you try to push it to the back of your mind, but you can't stop thinking about what it could mean for your life and business? Can you accept your lifestyle conditions if you never take the risk?

Perceive the risks from all angles. How would defeat in this endeavor look? Monetary loss or "wasted" time? How would success look? Thriving instead of merely surviving? Is the reward greater than the risks?

If you can handle the risk of failure, you're already a step closer to the reward. Sometimes we give fear of the unknown more power than it actually holds. We tend to act like it's this severe thunderstorm looming overhead, but it's only a gray cloud with a chance of rain. It's only as intimidating and scary as you make it.

Even the word "risk" can make some nervous. Thinking about everything you have to lose can keep you from making that leap. But don't let it overshadow everything you have to gain. There's always a chance it won't work out, but there's always a chance it will.

Let both risks and rewards teach you their lessons. Calculating risks can help you reevaluate your priorities. Taking risks cultivates resilience and perseverance. Risk shows us what we're prepared to lose in pursuit of reward. 

Take risks and grow from failures. Take risks and inspire others by what is possible to achieve. Whatever you do, don't sit on the sidelines of your life. It's never too late to start something new or change your life's direction.

If success was a guarantee, how many more chances would you take? 

Don't Post for Your Peers

It's always exciting when another photographer starts following you, especially if it's someone you admire. Often, many of a photographer's social media followers are also photographers. Because of this, it's easy to start posting for your peers without even realizing it. Why is this something to avoid?

You can get so in your head and think, "So and so follows me, and I want them to be impressed by this photo." When you post with your peers in mind, you inadvertently play the comparison game and lose focus of the goal behind your account. Although it could be subtle, potential clients may still be able to feel that you're not speaking directly to them.

If you're posting with your peers in mind instead of your dream clients, the traits that set you apart can easily be lost. Your photographer followers are not your target audience, so don't let them dictate what you think you should post. Stay in your lane, and don't be distracted by others.

The purpose of every post is to grow your brand awareness and attract new clients. Validation from fellow photographers is terrific, but it doesn't necessarily translate to clients. Share what's authentic to your artist's heart, and don't think about if your photographer following will "approve."

Posting with your peers in mind is also limiting to you. Every photographer has some images they love that may not be technically perfect, but they deeply resonate with them. Avoiding sharing them because you worry your photography community will think less of you as a photographer is a disservice to yourself.

It's 100% ok to repost the same photo. Shocking, right? During engagement season, it's crucial to post frequently and share your best and favorite work. If that means reposting a photo from last year that may even be far down your feed, don't hesitate to do so! Strategically use those hero shots to book new clients. Who cares if your friends have already seen the image if it brings in leads?

Leave behind the self-doubts and worries about what other photographers may think about you when posting. Don't be afraid to be yourself through your posts! Show up as the best authentic version of yourself and see the deeper and more genuine connections you'll be able to make.

Have you ever caught yourself posting for your peers?

How to Be Intentional Behind the Camera

Are you intentional behind the camera? Do you know why or what is inspiring you to press the shutter? Many people love shooting film because it makes them more intentional with every shot, but the same principle applies to digital photography.

Intentionality will make you a better photographer no matter the medium you shoot. You'll be more present when you're behind the camera, your photo keep rate will increase, and you'll save time when culling. Knowing the purpose of every photo you deliver when telling a story adds a deeper meaning that will resonate with your clients and audience.

Intentionality has many layers. It's composing the shot and waiting for the magic moment that makes you feel something, knowing that the moment or emotion expressed deserves to be captured to last forever. It's also being aware of everything going on in the frame.

Have a reason for every artistic decision you make when shooting. Understand how your style of direction translates to your clients and how subtle nuances speak in the final image. Know why you're using specific camera settings, lighting choices, or locations.

Intentionality should start before even picking up your camera.
Be proactive in your client interactions by providing outfit inspiration and location recommendations with the ideal times to shoot at each place. You're the expert, and they trust your knowledge to guide them with the best advice for a spectacular session.

Photographers create their art in the moment, so slow down and take your time to craft your masterpiece. Be fully present and let your subjects and surroundings inspire you. Ensure any elements in the frame lend themselves to the story and your vision. Even if you've photographed the same location multiple times, approach it with fresh eyes and keep your mind open.

Build trust with your clients so they'll feel comfortable with your direction yet free to be themselves. Direct and compose, but allow space for authentic moments to happen. For portrait photographers, it's a skilled balance between creating moments and capturing them as they unfold.

It's your job as a photographer to create art that embodies your clients. Develop an understanding of what would be a genuine reflection of their personalities and work to capture it. Strive to provide prompts or poses that would come naturally to them.

Pay attention to the smallest of details. Be conscious of hand placements, horizon lines, facial expressions, and distracting objects in the background. Do whatever you can to capture the photo as close to perfect as possible to save you time in editing.

An intentional approach will bring your photography to the next level. Being conscious and deliberate with every decision will take you from being just a photographer to an artist.

Are you ready to change the way you approach a shoot? You can do it.

Cheers,
Your Ginger Team