Everybody Starts at Zero: A Motivational Note for Photographers
Every photographer starts at zero. No matter how successful they are today, they all had to start somewhere. They had to learn the basics of photography, experiment with different techniques, and develop their own unique style.
The top photographers, Annie Leibovitz, Steve McCurry, Joe McNally, Sebastião Salgado, Lara Jade, and Manny Ortiz, all of these started at zero.
It’s easy to look at the work of established photographers and feel discouraged because I’ve been there and the pros have also been there and whatever you’re feeling in the beginning stage, they have also felt it.
They have amazing cameras, top-of-the-line editing software, and years of experience. But it’s important to remember that they started out just like you, with nothing but a camera and a passion for photography.
The truth is, you don’t need the best equipment or the most followers to be a good photographer. What you need is a willingness to learn and a passion for taking pictures.
So if you’re feeling discouraged, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Everyone starts at zero. Don’t compare yourself to other photographers. Focus on your own journey and your own progress. You don’t have to trust me, trust yourself. If you compare yourself to already established photographers, you’re only digging your own grave. Probably, you started shooting the same year with one photographer and he has found success and you haven’t. Continue trusting your process, because we all are on different journeys. It might take you 15 years and it might take another 5 years. Keep shooting. Focus on your journey.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different shooting techniques, edit your photos in different ways, and find what works best for you. Don’t just commit to a niche. Try out different things before settling. Don’t ever let fear put you down. You might have started out as a wedding photographer but might end up being a documentary photographer shooting all around the world.
Share your work with others. Once you start taking photos that you’re proud of, share them with others. Post them online, enter contests, or even exhibit your work in local galleries. Hoarded work is unseen work. If you want to be seen, known and hired, then you ought to share your work. Failure to share your work is a failure to be successful, and you are to blame for that.
The photographers you admire keep sharing their work and they keep wowing you. You can also do the same and motivate another beginner coming up. Share your work. The most important thing is to keep practising and learning.
The more you shoot, the better you’ll become. So don’t be afraid to start at zero. Just pick up your camera and start shooting!
Here are a few tips to help you get started on your photography journey:
- Learn the basics of photography.
- Find a mentor. If you know a photographer whose work you admire, ask them if they would be willing to mentor you. They can give you valuable feedback and help you learn new techniques.
- Join a photography club or online community. This is a great way to meet other photographers, learn from each other, and get feedback on your work.
- Attend photography workshops and webinars. This is a great way to learn new skills and techniques from experienced photographers.
Don’t let anything stop you from pursuing your passion for photography. Everyone starts at zero, but with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Don’t give up on your dreams of becoming a photographer. Just keep practising, learning, and sharing your work. The sky is the limit!
I sincerely hope this article provides the insights and motivation you need to search and find what will keep you active and productive. I’m Clement Eastwood, a passionate photographer and author. For more in-depth knowledge and resources, I published a book for you, The Photographer’s Companion: Picture Perfect, A Beginner’s Guide to Photography. Tap this link to have access to it.
