IS THE “WORST” OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY BEHIND YOU?- MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

Wow! I bet this Henri Cartier-Bresson quote got your attention. It grabbed my attention the first time I read it. As I thought about what this esteemed French street photographer said, I think there is some truth to the quote. I agree with the message. But, I disagree on one small detail. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Is the “Worst” Behind You?

10,000 photos huh? I hear you. That’s a LOT of photos, right? Well, it is and it isn’t.

We all know that you have to show up regularly to “master” something - writing, drawing, carpentry, computer work, … whatever. You build skills, muscle memory… by showing up and doing the work. Sure. I wholeheartedly agree, but, you also build confidence. Confidence is the special sauce in whatever you do. Not the obnoxious arrogant thing that really isn’t confidence in my humble opinion. What I’m talking about is that feeling when you can really focus on the task at hand and not those other thoughts going through your head. Doesn’t it feel great to think: “Oh, yeah, I got this one. I know what to do with this.”

There really is no shortcut for the 10,000 and the resulting confidence you gain. You just have to put in the time and effort … so get out there and make your first 10,000 of [fill in the blank].

Enjoy the process. Enjoy the “stinkers”. Learn from them. But, here’s the important part - give yourself the same grace you would extend to a friend. Be honest, but BE KIND when you are reviewing the results.

What Happens After My First 10,000?

What happens after you hit the 10,000 mark? You start your next 10,000.

Sorry. I know you wanted a “Cinderella Story”, and that may happen for you. If so, I hope the crowd goes wild with applause. Let me know because I will join in the applause. But, the truth is, if you are really doing something meaningful, you’ll find new experiments, new techniques, new subjects… and you’ll start the 10,000 all over again. How wonderful is THAT?

Honestly, I hope I always have the first 10,000 in front of me, and I wish that for you too.