Last night I had the privilege of sitting among colleagues discussing photo topics we care about in one of the half dozen photo groups I take part in. Nothing brings me more joy than be around professional photographers about our shared love. As the meeting unwound, a back-and-forth playful banter developed about what else? Camera bags. Yes, I know we are a dorky industry. Jabs were made about this bag or that, fanny-pack love vs. old-school favorites. For me, it was all healthy ribbing and fun. I love being teased a bit by friends and I love to tease back. It’s like baseball smack-talking. Or the boys from my newsroom days…. the more roastings you get, the more they liked you.
I left realizing though that some pros may take what I may say to heart. One of the best ways to learn within any industry is outside influence, of course. But never take one pros word as gospel. There’s so many great opinions out there. Listen and learn, but hear one voice the loudest— your own. I don’t think any photographer would argue that equipment makes art. No, the artist makes the art and the equipment is simply a tool. Same goes for your business model. If your packages and products, give you time and money and mostly, enhance the joy in your life, seriously, keep doing it.
Remember too, that 99% of what come out of people’s mouth is about them, not you. Case in point: Last night, I made a jab at Shoot Sac bags. I called it a girlie bag. Here’s the truth behind my comment. I was a tom-boy as a kid. In high school, I secretly wanted to be a cheerleader but in my family girls were not allowed to be cheerleaders. My folks are pretty big feminists. Now, I find myself watching Bring It On as a guilty pleasure a lot. In college, I could have been in a sorority, might have been fun. But within journalism, you didn’t do “organized” groups. It would a bias and might affect your news coverage. My only group was the newspaper…. my mostly male newspaper. Here’s the big confession: A few years back, I couldn’t even approach the Shoot Sac booth at WPPI. I wanted to— really, really bad. It made my chest tight, literally. For me, I could never allow myself or admit out loud that I wanted a girl, or I should say, a more fashionable bag. I’m tough, I’m serious, I’m a pro. Really, it’s just a bag! My comment was 99% about me, right! Kind of sick! It wasn’t about those gorgeous bags … oh those gorgeous bags. (I am laughing so hard at myself right now!)
So take it all with stride, stay positive, have fun with friends and trust yourself. I’ll try a little harder on this too! Be comfortable in your own photography skin.
Welcome Stepheney to the Blush Imagery studio! We are so happy that you are part of our team!
