Who Helped to Build Your Confidence as a Photographer?

by Skip Cohen

A few years ago Barbara Yasuhara made a comment about the influence her mother had on helping her build confidence in her photography career. I know I've written about this before, but I was reading some old posts and her comment really hit home.

Think about those people who have been instrumental in helping you focus - and yes, I'm using the play on words intentionally.  More important than learning how to focus your camera is how you've focused your career.  There's no skill set really required to focus your camera, whether on auto focus or manual.  The image is either sharp or it isn't!   The skill is in what you're focusing on, your composition, how much depth of field, etc.

Our careers are no different than looking through the viewfinder...are you going for a narrow depth of field and focusing on a particular skill set or dimension of photography or are you shooting with a wide depth of field and working on anything and everything?  Who are the people in your life who have helped you be more selective in your focus, given you the confidence and been there to watch your back?

It's the perfect time this morning and the time of year to just think about those few people who helped you the most - not with financial support, equipment or advice, but in developing your confidence.  Isn't it a great time to just pick up the phone, call them and say thanks?  And, if they're somebody who's sadly passed away and are no longer here, you can still make that "call" - they'll hear you!

Illustration Credit: © madpixblue - Fotolia.com