14 Habits of a Successful Emerging Photographer
There are more, but these are a great starting point for any photographer.
(I am recovering from a DVT (Clot) and just now recovered enough to even engage, let alone write anything on here or Substack. Exhaustion and fatigue are the debilitating side effects of these tiny, microscopic devils. I am not out of the woods yet, but making great headway.)
Habits are important. I believe good habits make good systems and good systems deliver a higher possibility of success than any other thing I know of.
1. Get up Early, Engage with the Elements
Embrace: Early mornings or golden hours. The soft, diffused light can turn the mundane into the magical. And inclement weather can be just the thing for a bit of texture or unusual views.
Avoid: Ignoring the magic of these hours. Sleeping in might be cozy, but sunrise waits for no one. Early mornings are nature’s way of giving you free studio lighting — don’t waste it! And thunderstorms are fun — get out and into them.
2. Curiosity Will Never Kill the Photographer
Embrace: A childlike curiosity. Experiment with angles, settings, and subjects that aren’t typically your style. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is just what you need to stand out.
Avoid: Sticking too rigidly to what you know. Comfort zones are nice, but no great story ever started with, “Well, I did the usual…”
3. Get to Know the New Digital Tools, While Remembering Your Roots
Embrace: The power of digital production, especially new and exciting editing possibilities, as well as social media to showcase your work. It’s like having an art gallery in your pocket!
Avoid: Neglecting the basics. Ansel Adams didn’t have Lightroom. Diane Arbus only had one camera and lens. Mastering the fundamentals of photography will set you apart in a digitally saturated world.
4. Networking: Not Just for Suits and Students
Embrace: Building a community. Connect with other photographers, artists, and potential clients. It’s like jazz; each connection is an improvisational interlude full of new sounds
Avoid: Being an island. No photographer is an archipelago. Collaboration can lead to new gigs, projects, and friendships.
5. The Portfolio is Your Storybook
Embrace: Curating a portfolio that narrates your unique perspective. Let your work introduce you before you even shake hands. Your book, your story.
Avoid: A cluttered or outdated portfolio. If it doesn’t represent your best self, it’s time for a spring cleaning, no matter the season.
6. Continuous Learning: The Lens Through Which You Should Always Look
Embrace: Workshops, online courses, and books. Embracing continuous learning is like adding more lenses to your gear; it broadens your perspective.
Avoid: The belief that you’ve learned it all. Photography evolves, and so should you. Stay humble and curious.
7. Mindfulness: The Secret Ingredient No One Talks About
Embrace: Being present in the moment. It allows you to capture the essence of your subject, be it a person, landscape, or fleeting emotion.
Avoid: Getting too caught up in gear or the next shot. Sometimes, the best photograph is the one you’re fully present for, not the one you’re planning.
8. The Mentorship Strategy: Learn From a Master
Embrace: Seek a mentor who resonates with your photographic vision. A mentor is like a lighthouse, guiding you through the foggy days of doubt and celebrating your successes.
Avoid: Going it alone when you’re stuck. Just like in jazz, improvisation is key, but learning from the masters can elevate your own performance.
9. Become a Mentor: Passing the Torch
Embrace: Sharing your knowledge and experiences with budding photographers. This not only cements your own understanding but can also open your eyes to fresh perspectives.
Avoid: Believing you have nothing to learn from teaching. Remember, the best teachers are lifelong students themselves. And it feels good to give back.
10. Fierce Editing: The Ruthless Art of Selection
Embrace: Being your own harshest critic when it comes to selecting images for your portfolio. Only the absolute best should make the cut, showcasing your unique vision, story, and point of view
Avoid: Holding onto mediocre shots out of sentimentality. If an image doesn’t say “wow,” it’s a “no.” Think of your portfolio as a Michelin-starred menu; every dish (or image) must be exquisite.
11. A Holistic Social Media Strategy: Consistent and Manageable
Embrace: Crafting a social media presence that feels authentic and holistic. Each post should be a note in the larger context of your brand, resonating with your audience on a personal level.
Avoid: Random, scattergun posting or, worse, letting your accounts gather dust. Consistency and authenticity are your best friends in the digital world.
12. The Zen of Social Media: Balancing Act
Embrace: Setting boundaries for your social media engagement. It’s important to be active, but don’t let it consume your creative time or mental health.
Avoid: Falling into the black hole of comparison and competition. Remember, social media is a highlight reel, not the full story.
13. Creative Cross-Training: Beyond the Lens
Embrace: Engaging in creative activities outside of photography. Whether it’s writing, painting, or playing an instrument, these can invigorate your photographic practice with new inspirations.
Avoid: Being a one-trick pony. Just as cross-training in sports can enhance overall performance, engaging different creative muscles can enhance your photographic eye.
14. Sustainable Creativity: Keeping the Flame Burning Brightly
Embrace: Practices that sustain your creative energy over the long haul. This might include regular retreats, mindfulness practices, or simply taking time to enjoy life beyond the lens.
Avoid: Burning out by constantly chasing the next fad or social media frenzy. Your best work will always come from a place of passion, not exhaustion.
A photographer's journey is as much about capturing beauty as it is about self-discovery and connection.
So, let these practices be your guide, leading you to not just success, but profound personal fulfillment.
Keep shooting, keep sharing, and most importantly, keep exploring the depths of your creativity.
Hi, I’m Don Giannatti, a photographer and mentor for up-and-coming photographers. You can find me on my website, Don Giannatti, and at my Substack site, where I also publish for creative people. All subscribers to my Substack have access to a free, long-form workshop on the business of commercial and professional photography.
