Anything Worth Doing is Worth Doing Badly Until You Get it Right

How Comparison helped me grow

If the title of this article resonates with you - know that I’ve felt the same way! Any of these sound familiar?

You’re afraid to start your business.
You’re friends and family are discouraging you.
You don’t think you are good enough yet.
You’re afraid to start charging.
You feel like you’re not getting anywhere.
You feel like you’ll never be as good as others.

I’ve got two pieces of advice for you.

1. Everyone started out somewhere.

2. Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to their Chapter 20.
   
   

“Anything worth doing is worth doing badly until you get it right” - Les Brown

I discovered Flickr a month after I got my first semi-pro camera. I fell in love with so many photographers and their beautiful images (Anastasia Volkova and Julia Trotti were huge influences on me). I had no idea how they lit or exposed their photos or even what lenses they might have been using. I'd feverishly set up shots in my livingroom while my baby daughter slept. I tried to recreate the beautiful images I was so inspired by. I’d load the images onto my computer just to feel a huge let down. I mean, the difference was night and day. But I pushed on… I'd bring my favourites of the bunch into photoshop because I was determined to elevate the style and give my photos some allure. The look improved, don’t get me wrong, but still I was nowhere near my photographic idols… in fact I wasn’t in the ballpark or even the stadium in terms of comparison.  

You see… I compared my photos to those of my idols.  We’ve been taught that comparison is bad.  

But...

Comparison made me strive. 
Comparison gave me the desire to learn and educate myself. 
Comparison showed me the difference between good and great.

I understand when people tell you not to compare yourself with others. They say - be happy with your own work and your own style.

Now, I agree with this statement and I do think comparison can be a deadly trap - that can literally paralyze and stop you from moving forward. And it can get your inner negative voice to tell you all sorts of tales, like... 

….you’ll never be that good, 
….it will take forever to learn how to do that why bother, 
….she can do it because she has _____ and you don’t.

But stop!

Realize, you’ve gone too far.

Be sure that when you look at others and compare, that you do so in a way that feeds your soul and motivates you to improve yourself. Interpret it as a soft nudge to go learn something new or develop/polish a new skill. 

But remember that it will take a series of steps to grow and reach certain goals.

Be kind to yourself. After you learn something new, make a list of everything you now know that you didn’t before. I bet you’ll surprise yourself.

Just as we have growth spurts and lulls… have the faith, determination and, most importantly, patience as you grow.

P.S. Just to let you know...when I first started in photography, I tried reverse engineering other people’s photos.  Then I learned about and enrolled in online courses...which has made all the difference.  This important step helped me fast track my progress and success.

With love and gratitude and to YOUR success,

P.S. If you know someone who might benefit from this, go ahead and share it with them.

Portrait Photography and Business: I highly recommend Sue Bryce Education.
Wedding Photography and Business: My e-course is NOW OPEN: Stand out. Save time. Sell more.

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5 Ways to make clients feel more comfortable

Understandably, people are usually feeling pretty nervous, vulnerable or anxious before a photo shoot. And I can totally relate! However after the photo shoot, my clients often tell me that it was easier than they had anticipated. Mainly because I made them feel comfortable!

To get that special connection in your photos - in the eyes and body language of your client - these are 5 things I do with my clients to make them feel more comfortable during their photo shoot.  Remember to always smile + listen when using any of these 5 methods:

1. MAKING A NEW FRIEND

When a client is booking her photo shoot, be sure to ask her a lot of questions about herself.

It’s like making a new friend! Asking questions helps me get to know my client’s personality and also what she likes in terms of style and imagery. It gives us something to talk about. And finding any similarities between us, helps the conversation flow easily on the day of the photo shoot.

2.  PROCESS

Just before the photo shoot begins, I warn my client that I will most likely be talking throughout the entire session - often gently repeating myself with posing and coaching instructions.

By informing my client of my process ahead of time, she never feels discouraged or like she is doing something wrong. She interprets my repetitious instructing as encouragement rather than criticism.

3. TELL A STORY TO SET THE SCENE

Tell a story to get your client into the right mindset or character.

Sometimes if can’t get my client to give me the connection or body language I am looking for, I tell her a story to get her into character. With couples for example, I may say “you both just snuck out of a formal dinner party and met up in this secluded area to share a private moment”. Or with a couture portrait client, I may tell her to picture herself as a celebrity she likes and ask her to show me how that celebrity would portray this look.  This works wonders!

4. SHARE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

Share your own experience of being photographed focusing on how you felt during the process.

I often share my personal experience of being in front of the camera and how nervous and vulnerable I felt. Let your client know that you can relate to how she is feeling. And how the poses may feel really awkward, they actually look good in camera. This will help reduce your client’s stress and you will see her shoulders relax.

5. SHOW POSITIVE EMOTIONS

When a shot looks great don’t be afraid to show your excitement!

During the photo shoot when a pose or shot looks great, I can’t help but get excited and let out a little squeal! This always gives the client an extra boost of confidence and reinforces that she is doing a great job! She will also inject more effort and enthusiasm in her next poses.

I hope you found these tips helpful! I’d love to hear any tips you have on making your clients feel more comfortable in front of the camera.

Thanks for reading! Leave your comments below!

With much gratitude,

CONTINUE TO:

- Don't say the M-word: For photogs who hate to talk about money
- How I used my competitors to increase my sales
- About Heike
- Free Stuff

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