Highs and Lows
Last weekend was a bit of a low for me and I can't even articulate why. I wasn't even completely snowed under with work, I think I was just having one of those low points where all the little problems pile up on top of each other and you can't seem to regain control. However, after sitting down and organising myself, writing down all my tasks and plans and having a comforting chat with Malcolm, I felt a lot better.
I think this problem comes with most career paths - I feel that photographers are prone to days when they just don't feel as confident about their work as they do on other days. The only way I handle those times is to try and pick myself up, remind myself that I'm still relatively young, and moping about doesn't really solve anything! I honestly find it astonishing that other photographers that I admire like my photos in return though.
I've become so driven and focused, I find it hard to switch off. I never thought I'd find a career that I could get so passionate about and I love the fact that I'm doing it, but I need to find myself a little more time to unwind. I used to be really into art and drawing, however if I have a ton of editing to do, I feel guilty doing anything else that isn't work related. Basically, if I'm not phoning, emailing, meeting, shopping for supplies or editing then I'm shooting! I also have normal people stuff, like looking after the cats, cleaning the flat, catching up with friends and trying to spend time with my fiance. I get up between 7.30-8am and I can be working up until 11.30pm for most of the week. I have no days off, ever. I'm not complaining, I don't wish for a second that I had less work to do - I'm just trying to show that there is a lot more involved in doing photography than some people expect! This is why things can suddenly feel a bit overwhelming, when you don't get the chance to sit back and look at things properly.
I have had several people ask to be assistants for experience over the last few weeks. I've been considering it, however I'm not sure what I would ask them to assist with! If someone is coming to me to learn Photoshop, then I can't ask them to do my editing. If they are coming to learn how to work with models and how to take photos, I can't ask them to do a shoot for me. I literally don't have time to teach someone on top of the things I already have to do, so it's a bit of a catch 22 situation. Some said they would be happy to just come and watch, but frankly I think that would be incredibly boring - you might as well look up videos on YouTube. On a more selfish level, I actually like having a hand in all of the things I do, I like having the control.
So that was the lows, however I'm feeling very positive now! My provisional driving license will be arriving in the post any day now, and I will be starting lessons immediately. I also start a basic make-up course at Aesthetique Beauty Salon on Monday, which will hopefully give me more confidence when doing make-up for shoots just in case I can't get a make-up artist. That's 2 new sets of skills I'm working on, and hopefully they will improve my work!
I moved things around again in the studio, the main change being getting rid of the background support stands and simply having the crossbar pole hung up on the wall. I also bought 2 half-size paper rolls, which are much more versatile at 1.35m in width, and provide enough backdrop for 1 person.
I have also been trying to experiment more in terms of lighting. I've done 3 great photo-shoots lately, now it's time to edit them!
I think I have rambled for long enough today, I hope you are all well!
I think this problem comes with most career paths - I feel that photographers are prone to days when they just don't feel as confident about their work as they do on other days. The only way I handle those times is to try and pick myself up, remind myself that I'm still relatively young, and moping about doesn't really solve anything! I honestly find it astonishing that other photographers that I admire like my photos in return though.
I've become so driven and focused, I find it hard to switch off. I never thought I'd find a career that I could get so passionate about and I love the fact that I'm doing it, but I need to find myself a little more time to unwind. I used to be really into art and drawing, however if I have a ton of editing to do, I feel guilty doing anything else that isn't work related. Basically, if I'm not phoning, emailing, meeting, shopping for supplies or editing then I'm shooting! I also have normal people stuff, like looking after the cats, cleaning the flat, catching up with friends and trying to spend time with my fiance. I get up between 7.30-8am and I can be working up until 11.30pm for most of the week. I have no days off, ever. I'm not complaining, I don't wish for a second that I had less work to do - I'm just trying to show that there is a lot more involved in doing photography than some people expect! This is why things can suddenly feel a bit overwhelming, when you don't get the chance to sit back and look at things properly.
I have had several people ask to be assistants for experience over the last few weeks. I've been considering it, however I'm not sure what I would ask them to assist with! If someone is coming to me to learn Photoshop, then I can't ask them to do my editing. If they are coming to learn how to work with models and how to take photos, I can't ask them to do a shoot for me. I literally don't have time to teach someone on top of the things I already have to do, so it's a bit of a catch 22 situation. Some said they would be happy to just come and watch, but frankly I think that would be incredibly boring - you might as well look up videos on YouTube. On a more selfish level, I actually like having a hand in all of the things I do, I like having the control.
So that was the lows, however I'm feeling very positive now! My provisional driving license will be arriving in the post any day now, and I will be starting lessons immediately. I also start a basic make-up course at Aesthetique Beauty Salon on Monday, which will hopefully give me more confidence when doing make-up for shoots just in case I can't get a make-up artist. That's 2 new sets of skills I'm working on, and hopefully they will improve my work!
I moved things around again in the studio, the main change being getting rid of the background support stands and simply having the crossbar pole hung up on the wall. I also bought 2 half-size paper rolls, which are much more versatile at 1.35m in width, and provide enough backdrop for 1 person.
I have also been trying to experiment more in terms of lighting. I've done 3 great photo-shoots lately, now it's time to edit them!
I think I have rambled for long enough today, I hope you are all well!