The Photographer and The Poverty Mindset: Journey from Scarcity to Success
A poverty mindset is a set of beliefs and attitudes that hold you back from achieving your financial goals. This is a scarcity mindset, a way of thinking and perceiving the world that is characterized by a strong focus on lack, limitations, and inadequacy. Individuals with a poverty mindset tend to believe that resources, opportunities, and success are limited, leading to a sense of hopelessness and a fear of not having enough.
They may believe that achieving financial stability or success is nearly impossible, and this belief can hold them back from taking risks or pursuing their goals ambitiously. The quote “A man’s worth is not greater than his ambitions” attributed to Marcus Aurelius conveys the idea that an individual’s value or significance is often measured by their aspirations, goals, and the extent of their dreams. It suggests that what makes a person truly valuable is not just who they are presently, but also what they strive to become and achieve in the future. This is why it is crucial to flee from the poverty mindset as a photographer, it’s detrimental to your business and personal life.
It’s a feeling of scarcity and lack, and it can lead to self-sabotaging behaviours, such as:
- Underpricing your services
- Feeling guilty for charging what you’re worth
- Turning down opportunities because you’re afraid of failure
- Believing that you’re not good enough to succeed
As a photographer, a poverty mindset can manifest itself in many different ways:
You could be hesitant to make investments in new photography equipment or marketing, fearing it’s beyond your financial reach. Perhaps you’re holding back from engaging high-paying clients, worried about your perceived level of competence. Undervaluing your own work might be a result of not recognizing your true worth. Additionally, the fear of competition could cause you to decline collaboration opportunities with fellow photographers or businesses.
If all of this describes you, then you have a poverty mindset and it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Many photographers struggle with it, especially when they’re just starting out. But the good news is that it’s possible to change your mindset and achieve your financial goals. You may have picked up the camera because you were insanely interested in capturing memories but today, it’s become a business for you, and a business without money is like a ship without sails — stuck and unable to move forward.
a business without money is like a ship without sails — stuck and unable to move forward.
Here is a concise message to help you shift away from a poverty mindset while embarking on a photography career:
Identifying and addressing your limiting beliefs is the first step towards unlocking your potential in the realm of photography. Take a moment to reflect on any negative thoughts or beliefs that you might harbour about yourself and your photography business. These limiting beliefs can act as roadblocks, preventing you from reaching your true capabilities. Once you’ve recognized these limiting beliefs, challenge them with a mindset geared towards growth and achievement. I grew up in a poor home. This is not to say I am rich today, I’m far from that but I do have ambitions and do not want to be a ship without sails. Growing up in a poor home and neighbourhood allowed me to watch first-hand how poor people think and act. Limiting beliefs. This is detrimental to your success. It’s bad. It does not do you any good. You’ll want to get out of it. You need to.
Central to your journey of empowerment is understanding and embracing your value as a photographer. What sets you apart in this competitive field? What draws people toward you? Compile a comprehensive list of your unique skills, experiences, and expertise. Regularly remind yourself of this list to reinforce your self-worth and the value you bring to your clients and the industry as a whole. No one is the same, not even twins. You’re different, be different. Choose your uniqueness.
“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.” — Walt Disney
Furthermore, establishing clear financial objectives is crucial for steering your photography business in the right direction. Ask yourself: What income do you aim to generate from your photography pursuits? Setting tangible financial goals allows you to create a strategic roadmap to reach those objectives. With a well-defined plan in place, you can focus on taking the necessary steps to realize your ambitions.
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” — Zig Ziglar
According to Zig Ziglar, the real value in achieving your goals lies not just in what you attain, but in the person you grow to become and the liberation from a poverty mindset that accompanies that growth (I mean in this context). Set goals, and pursue them. I have a goal in mind currently, which I’m not going to share with you, but I’m working towards it. I want to be ambitious (in a good way) and achieve whatever I set my mind to. There’s a lot to be achieved, and the poverty mindset should be a goal that should be erased!
Also, investing in yourself and your business is a fundamental principle of growth. This may involve upgrading your equipment, enhancing your marketing strategies, or furthering your education in photography. Education here does not only mean going to get a degree. It’s not what I’m thinking currently. You might want to take short courses on branding and marketing, even copywriting. Pay and attend workshops. Read books on business and also old artists/painters you admire. By dedicating resources to improve your skills and enhance your business operations, you’re laying the foundation for sustainable growth and achieving your financial targets. Anything you consume today you will become tomorrow, and daily, we’re consuming something. Are you consuming the right stuff?
And finally, surrounding yourself with a positive and supportive community can significantly influence your mindset and outlook on your entrepreneurial journey. Choose to associate with individuals who uplift and encourage you, particularly fellow photographers and entrepreneurs. Their positivity and belief in your capabilities will propel you forward, fueling your determination to succeed and enabling you to surpass your goals. A friend who is a teacher in a basic school said to me, Clement I come from a poor home and I’m still making poor friends. I can’t let this be, my future depends on this. Clearly, he wants out of the poverty mindset!!! Do you? So, I recommend a couple of programs for him to attend so he can get to network with people above his level!
Remember, growth is not a solitary endeavour — it’s often nurtured within a community of like-minded and supportive individuals. You can achieve this. You can!
Made it to the conclusion? Great job! Don’t hesitate to pass on this insightful advice to fellow photographers seeking wisdom! They, too, aspire to conquer obstacles, grow as individuals, and achieve success in their respective domains. This advice is actionable, and you have the capacity to put it into practice.
Thank you for taking the time to read this! If you’re embarking on your photography journey, I recommend exploring my book titled “The Photographer’s Companion: Picture Perfect, A Beginner’s Guide to Photography.” This resource goes beyond technical aspects, aiding you in discovering your true passions within photography. This self-discovery can profoundly impact your proficiency in photography — it’s akin to an enriching expedition that can significantly elevate your skills!
