Defining Success as a Photographer

This morning's post is a little out of the norm for what I normally share on the weekends, but it's so relevant to all of us.

Two weeks ago, working together with SproutingPhotographer.com we launched "Weekend Wisdom". It's meant to be a very different kind of podcast, with the idea being that we drill down on just one topic, typically the components of a specific project or promotion. We want these podcasts to be relevant and helpful with a "how-to" quality when it comes to marketing and business.  Our first episode with Don Komarechka was very specific and talked about self-publishing, covering concepts like crowd-funding, self-editing, printing, customer service etc.

Well, in this second episode of Weekend Wisdom, my good buddy, Sandy Puc, threw me an amazing curve-ball and while it's not specifically a "how-to" about marketing, it's very definitely a "how-to" about defining success. I've never met a professional willing to share so much of the personal details of building a business, the strengths, weaknesses and even what many might call "failures".

In the end we went longer than we anticipated and finished with an incredible definition of success. As "Sam" points out, it's not about the money, the recognition or even the skill set...it's about waking up every morning with a smile on your face and an enthusiasm that only she can describe.

Just click on the banner and you'll go right to the podcast.  A big thanks to Bryan Caporicci for creating Weekend Wisdom and obviously to Sandy Puc for her honesty, dedication and passion for helping photographers raise the bar on not only their work, but their lives.

Note: Just a sidebar - Sam is the co-founder of NILMDTS and this is recruitment month. They need more photographers and it's an amazing opportunity for you to give back. Everyone is always a little hesitant about dealing with the emotional side of NILMDTS. Check out this recent video and then take it to the next step and talk with them about how you can help.