We had a lovely question from a participant for our upcoming lighting e-course about whether or not local photographers were welcome to take the course. The question took us off guard…we hadn’t really considered the notion of NOT opening the course to photographers in the area.
The question gave us pause. Yes, we are showing some behind the scenes stuff in studio. I guess there could be concerns about ‘copying.’ But the goal is to help you achieve natural looking lighting. And that knowledge doesn’t ‘belong’ to anyone!
Everyone develops their own style. And our thought is, ‘if someone respects me as an artist and wants to take this course, I also have to respect their intentions, which is to learn. Not to copy.’
“When you learn teach. When you receive give.” ~Maya Angelou
I know when I was starting out, I had a few experiences that scared me off from reaching out to other photographers.
Now, let me just say, I don’t expect others who have spent lots of time, energy (and money!) to learn their craft to just freely give away all their information. Their time and expertise is worth something. I value it. And respect it. And, when given an opportunity to learn from them, I jump at the chance to buy their information! (you might call me an information junkie!)
But, my message today is, “It’s cool to be kind.”
Both when you are the person seeking out information. And when you are the person from whom the information is sought.
Even if the answer is sometimes ‘no.’ -Say it kindly. Accept it graciously.
And remember, it’s ok to help each other out. There is no benefit to looking at other photographers in your area as ‘competition.’
Confession: I didn’t always feel this way. There was a scared little girl inside that feared being copied. That feared if someone knew what I was doing, they would ‘steal’ it, and I would have nothing ‘unique.’
Then I realized that was silly. I am unique. Each and every one of you are unique. And almost every photographer in their journey has at one point or another ‘mimicked’ work they admire. But, they soon define THEIR style. Their view of the world.
There are enormous amounts of opportunities for photographers. I genuinely believe that we all can succeed. One person’s success does not equate to someone else being ‘defeated.’
A piece of advice that served me well: Seek inspiration from LOTS of sources. Not just other photographers (and not just photographers in your genre). There is so much to learn about seeing the world in a different way.
And remember, it’s cool to be kind.
My challenge for you this week is to share some of what you know with others.
You might be thinking, “oh but Lisa, I’m so new to the industry, I don’t have anything to share yet.” I’m going to guess there IS something you already know that someone else is just trying to figure out.
Sometimes just sharing your story of where you are it can be an inspiration to others.
So, why not share part of that story now? In the comments below, let us know a bit about you (how long in the industry, types of sessions you love, where you want to be in 1 year!)
Sidenote: Want more info on our e-courses? Click hereIf you could use a weekly dose of inspiration in your mailbox, sign up for our weekly lovenotes! (…it’s FREE!)
