Ken Sklute
What advice would you give a new photographer?
Seek out knowledge for all things photographic, not just the field you like. There is so much to learn that will help you diversify as a versatile photographer. You will be inspired to grow and see things differently and hopefully always maintain the thirst for knowledge, keeping you on the growing path!
Being a photographer is not a 9-5 type of job. It is deep in your soul. You will be taking assignments to make your clients happy. I hope you will go far beyond the assignments you are hired for. Personal projects and self assignments are the way to fill your soul. No doubt that you joined the Professional Photography industry because you love photography. Study the work of the Masters that you enjoy. Be inspired. Inspiration is different than plagiarism. Be driven to be different. There is no need to look like everyone else. An old song from 1970 by an artist named Ricky Nelson said, "You can't please everyone, so, you've got to please yourself!"
Seek out knowledge for all things photographic, not just the field you like. There is so much to learn that will help you diversify as a versatile photographer. You will be inspired to grow and see things differently and hopefully always maintain the thirst for knowledge, keeping you on the growing path!
Being a photographer is not a 9-5 type of job. It is deep in your soul. You will be taking assignments to make your clients happy. I hope you will go far beyond the assignments you are hired for. Personal projects and self assignments are the way to fill your soul. No doubt that you joined the Professional Photography industry because you love photography. Study the work of the Masters that you enjoy. Be inspired. Inspiration is different than plagiarism. Be driven to be different. There is no need to look like everyone else. An old song from 1970 by an artist named Ricky Nelson said, "You can't please everyone, so, you've got to please yourself!"
Lots more wisdom and great images from "Sklooty" on his website. You'll also find him at every major convention and trade show sharing his wealth of experience with anybody who needs help. His email tag line pretty much defines his passion for imaging...Somewhere out there, waiting for the light!
Images copyright Ken Sklute. All rights reserved.