I’m going to share something completely different here. This website is about the business of photography, and we started it to help you grow your business. But, I believe that mindset (and confidence) have a lot to do with your success (in business) as a photographer.
So – with that in mind …
I have recently re-discovered a new appreciation for photography. I’ve been going out in the mornings for sunrise sessions to explore the Fujifilm GFX.
This morning, I didn’t have anyone to photograph, but I still wanted to get up and photograph the sunrise.
As I was driving, I noticed a farmers field across some beautiful rolling hills. The workers were coming out to work. What caught my attention was the way the fog settled along across the slopes and how the workers popped out from the background in front of the haze.
It was stunning to me.
But I hesitated.
Sure, I knew it would be a beautiful photograph, but I didn’t want to stop. I didn’t want to get out of the car. I didn’t want to bother the workers or make them feel uncomfortable.
But of course, it was my insecurity speaking.
So I kept driving.
Then I remembered studying with Mel Robbins and her book “The 5-Second Rule.” I said “5-4-3-2-1,” turned the car around and pulled over to the side of the road. Instead of photographing from a distance (like a creeper), I walked down to the field. I greeted the workers with a smile and began talking with them.
After a few minutes, I asked for their permission to photograph them. They agreed. Then the owner of the farm came out. He and I talked, I met his brother (who also owned the farm), and we had a great conversation. I got to know them a bit better, their history, why they bought the farm and what their hopes and dreams were.
He encouraged me to photograph as much as I wanted. He said that if I ever wanted to come back, I was more than welcome to.
So – I photographed.
Here is one of the images. You can see more in our Business of Photography Facebook community.
They’re not going to win any awards, but what they represent it significant.
Don’t hesitate.
Don’t pause.
If you feel drawn to something, go after it.
Be friendly. Smile. Be warm. Be welcoming. You will receive the same.
Funny enough, I think Joel Meyerowitz was speaking to my subconscious. I’m taking his course on “Masters of Photography,” and last night I watched his lesson that took place in Italy. He was photographing landscapes and some of the historical architecture there. He said “If you feel drawn to something, go after it. Trust your intuition.”
This morning I trusted my intuition. I pushed past my hesitation. I’m glad I did.
Technical details – this image is a straight-out-of-camera JPG file without any editing, shot on the Fujifilm GFX.
