Sunday Morning Reflections: Don't Let Them Scare You!

© afxhome

"The first and great commandment is: Don't let them scare you."
Elmer Davis

I tweeted the quote above the other day, but it's Sunday morning. I decided at the time I put the tweet out that it would be a fun topic for today.

It's more prevalent with new photographers than veterans, but at some point EVERYBODY is afraid of something in this business. Most often with those of you who are new photographers it's closing the sale and asking to be paid. You panic over the value of what you're providing.  Years later, veteran photographers fear raising their prices or expanding into a new specialty.

Then there are those of all ages and experience who are uncomfortable going up to an industry icon at a convention or workshop and simply introducing yourself. The same goes for industry executives. I remember back in my days at Hasselblad being told by a photographer how intimidated he was coming to talk to me because I always wore a suit. Years later we went to a casual look in the booth, and suddenly he felt comfortable talking to me. LOL

Note: I just read that only old farts still use 'LOL", and it's less than 2% of the social media population. I'm supposed to be using "hahaha". Sorry, I'm sticking with my LOL.

All of us are in this together. "This" is the imaging industry. There's nothing to be afraid of, as long as you keep working on your skill set, deliver what you promise and let your passion for helping people capture images soar. Everybody has moments when they're scared, but the key is to not let it change what you're feeling in your heart. I know it sounds sappy, but if there's one trait every photographer, you consider an icon, shares it's confidence. They believe in themselves.

Make it a great day for family, friends and memory-making moments. If there's anything you're afraid of, spend a few minutes thinking it through. In most cases when you ask yourself, "What's the worse that can happen?" the answer will be far less painful than what your imagination is creating.

Happy Sunday everybody and don't forget those eleven second hugs!