Where do I begin? I would have never imagined when I started taking photos that I would get to work with so many amazing people It has been a long road of learning. Starting off I didn’t know much about the technical side, but I knew what looked good and just went for it. Looking back at that I laugh and cringe seeing my work. So many things were totally wrong and against any basic photography knowledge, but I was having fun and growing day by day.
After several years and countless shoots, I finally feel like I have a grasp on what it is to be a photographer. I understand now all the critical elements in creating beautiful images constantly. Throughout the journey, there were several times I considered throwing in the towel. I felt like the market was so so saturated with other photographers. Seemed like every day a new person had got a camera and started a photography business. Was my business going to thrive, or would it die off with the constant saturation in this competitive market? I would constantly compare myself to others and see how successful they are, thus creating a lesser self-value of my own work. I let those seeds of doubt and negativity affect me.
in 2018 I told myself I needed to get a grip and if I was going to make a dream reality I had to dive in full force and learn as much as I can. I enrolled in some online classes and started treating it as a business and not just something I did when I felt like it. I can tell you after being on my feet for 8 hours photographing a wedding I necessarily don/t want to come home and spend another hour or so downloading images, culling, etc. I knew I would have to do things I didn’t want to do in order to push my business further. I am so glad I did this! That push was what I needed to kick start my drive into gear.
Years ago when I would compare I was comparing my whole business, good and bad to just the good side of those businesses I would see online. They say you should show the best of your work and knowing that I wasn’t seeing their struggles, their weakness or mistakes. I was just seeing the facade of their carefully curated social media feeds where every day looked like a dream. When we realize what we see of people is only A PART and not the whole, we will look differently art our own lives. I know it has helped me so much knowing that everyone fails, everyone has mistakes and regrets. it is how we deal with them and how we embrace our journey.
I could get mad every time I see another photographer pop up in my area, or throw shade at them and discredit their work. But who I am really hurting is myself. If it wasn’t for industry masters that so selflessly gave their time and knowledge, I wouldn’t be where I am today!
To wrap this long post up, I am so honored and humbled to be where I am in my business. I don’t deserve to work with such amazing people capturing some priceless moments. It has been a crazy journey, but I have learned so much along the way. I look forward to many more amazing opportunities that will be along the way. I don’t know what lies in store, but I trust God with everything and His plans are better than mine.
Lots of Love! – Corey
