An Open Letter To Creative People
Dear Beginner and Intermediate Photographers,
Let’s start with this: Even the pros struggled. Yes, the professionals you admire — the ones with flawless portfolios, a strong client base, and a reputation for their art — they’ve been where you are. They’ve had seasons of dryness where work wasn’t flowing, moments of confusion about their creative direction, and days when they questioned whether they’d ever succeed. Some of them were even disrespected and undervalued along the way. But guess what? They’re human, just like you.
You’re not the only one facing these challenges. In fact, you’re part of a huge community of photographers who have felt the same frustration, self-doubt, and pressure. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one dealing with rejection or creative blocks. But trust me, you’re not. There are thousands — if not millions — of creatives out there who have been in your shoes.
If you knew the full story behind the success of the photographers you look up to, you’d want to give them a BIG BEAR HUG for everything they’ve endured to get where they are today. The truth is, success doesn’t come without setbacks, and every pro has a list of struggles they had to overcome.
This brings me to one of my favorite quotes from Theodore Roosevelt:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
What Roosevelt is saying here applies directly to you as a photographer. The journey isn’t easy, but the credit goes to those who are willing to step into the arena — to take on the challenge of pursuing their passion, even when it’s hard. You may make mistakes. You may fall short again and again. But that’s part of the process, and each time you rise back up, you’re growing, learning, and becoming better.
Entering the creative world, whether as a beginner or an intermediate, is like stepping into a battlefield. You will take some punches — whether in the form of harsh feedback, difficult clients, or creative slumps. And sometimes, it might feel like you’re alone, struggling to keep up while others seem to have it all figured out. But remember, every creative who dares to step into the world of photography has been punched by life at some point.
The professionals you look up to? They’ve taken those hits too. The difference is, they kept going. They didn’t stop when things got tough — they worked through the challenges and came out stronger on the other side. So, if you feel like the odds are against you right now, keep pushing forward. Tomorrow holds the possibility of growth, discovery, and success.
It’s easy to see the final product of someone else’s work and assume they had an easy ride. You might feel like you’re the only one dealing with rejection, lack of inspiration, or the fear of not being good enough. But these struggles are important because they’re shaping your unique journey as a photographer.
Your challenges are teaching you perseverance. They’re showing you that success isn’t instant — it’s a result of continuous effort and learning from your mistakes. Every time you face a setback, you’re gaining valuable experience that will help you in the long run. Each struggle is making you more resilient, more creative, and more in tune with your craft.
This message is for all the beginners and hobbyists who dared to turn their love for photography into a business this year. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone and pursue your passion professionally. And yes, it’s not always easy. You’ve probably already taken a few hits — maybe you had a client who didn’t appreciate your work, or maybe you faced moments where inspiration just wouldn’t come. But don’t worry.
You are not alone. The struggles you’re facing today are the same ones many photographers faced at the start of their journey. And here’s the good news: Tomorrow holds the promise of something better. The tough times won’t last forever. With each new day, you have the opportunity to improve your skills, learn from your experiences, and move closer to your goals.
So, here’s to you — the beginner, the hobbyist, the photographer just starting out. You’ve taken the bold step of entering this creative battlefield, and for that, you should be proud. The road ahead won’t be easy, but each challenge you overcome will make you a stronger, more confident photographer.
Keep striving, keep learning, and most importantly, keep daring greatly. As long as you stay in the arena, you’re already winning.
Tomorrow will be great.
