June 24, 2012
The other night I was honored to have been asked to provide the first ever alumni commencement speech for this year’s Western Academy of Photography grads. While writing the speech, I tried to remember how I was feeling three years ago, as my own photography career lay ahead of me, and what kind of thoughts would be most encouraging at that time.
Fortunately and surprisingly, I spoke slow enough for people to understand me (which often does not happen when I get excited) and I think I made some new friends too : )
My name is Kelsey Goodwin.
Three years ago, I was sitting where you are and I had no idea what my next step was.
I was prepared to give myself to photography and became surprised when it gave back to me ten-fold.
I slowly built my business, and a year after graduation; I became a full time photographer. That feels like yesterday, but also a decade ago. I knew I was in for a heck of ride but there was no way to expect how much I would learn and how much I would grow with my craft and as a person.
When someone asks you if you’re a good photographer, you probably don’t know how to answer that question right now. Some of you might not have a lot of confidence, but I promise that will be a natural side-effect once you pick up momentum.
The industry has been ever changing since the inception of photography. Especially with our rapid advancement in technology. Instead of attempting to keep up, we must strive to be adaptable to change.
It was a scary time when things went digital – but photographers came out on top. People will always say that it’s worse than ever. But I believe the contrary.
As a creative professional, there’s never been a better time.
Our tools and resources are insane.
The industrial revolution was the time for dispensable workers.
The media revolution has emphasized photography as an art form that is to be shared.
Because that’s why we’re photographers – to create art and share it.
When you tell people that you are a photographer they will say one of two things. It might be “I’m a photographer too – I just got a S-DLR” and before you know it, it’s a tech-off, because they are always tech-talkers.
The other half will say “Aw that’s so cool you’re a photographer, but isn’t it hard to make a living with that? Isn’t there too much competition?”
What line of rewarding work isn’t competitive?
There are no guarantees for anyone in the workforce – except one.
The exception is that if your work is meaningful, and if you are honest and passionate, you will be propelled to succeed.
Your success will depend more on the person you will need to become rather than measured by what you will aquire.
Success has three rules: Decide where you want to go. Identify the necessary sacrifices and Resolve to pay that price.
The other thing about success is that it will always reflect how badly you want it.
When you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s best to T.A.R.L – Take Action. Revise Later.
Think of it as your action muscle, if you don’t continually use it, you lose it.
It will never be easy, but it will always get easier.
Surround yourself with like-minded friends and colleagues. They will be your support system and remind you that anything is possible, and that you can do what you want. Plus, you’re going to need some second or third opinions.
I look back on my progress and I tell you it’s like hair growth, so it’s hard to remember where my head was at. I do remember learning something important, and this isn’t something that people normally talk about. When I went to my first photo convention shortly after graduation, Jasmine Star said “You are not a photographer – that is not who you are”. I thought, well you don’t know me – I live photography, I want to be known as the photographer. I didn’t understand it at the time but it’s true. There is more to you than just photography. It’s easy to be consumed by it but if you let that happen then you will lose yourself. It’s like when someone has a baby – suddenly all they can talk about is baby this and diaper that. You’re about to give birth to a photography business and before you know it, your friends and environment will be photo-saturated. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but you do need a balance.
You are not only a photographer, remember that you are also a business.
Even though each use both sides of the brain, they are not the same thing.
In fact, you must be a business #1 and photographer #2.
I’ve seen mediocre photographers make millions, and some of the best photographers in the world are broke.
It goes to show that you must focus just as much, or more on your business skills than the photography itself.
This may go against the grain at first. It kind of reminds me of how I first reacted to an airplane safety pamphlet. You know the one.
There’s a little picture showing how the adult should put on her oxygen mask before helping the child.
It just doesn’t feel right, until you think about it.
She’s losing oxygen as she fumbles to help her child, who fully relies on her.
If you don’t focus on your business first, you won’t be in a position of strength and security to improve and nurture your photography.
Speaking of which, don’t expect to ever be 100% satisfied with your work. You’ll look back on your stuff in a year and only see your flaws.
This is normal, and it’s a good thing too because it shows that you’re growing.
Whether it’s technical, compositional or editing – if you’re not improving then you are falling behind.
Learn to put your ego on the back burner, because you can’t learn anything if you know it all.
Seek to be humbled, if there’s a magic bullet, that would be it.
You may have already experienced the rewards and challenges of what it means to be a photographer.
We immortalize moments and create others. We show people how to remember and inspire beyond ourselves.
It is the most gratifying feeling that you can do this for people.
Not to mention, it’s the best job in the world because if you give yourself to it, it will return the favor.
It will allow you to create your own destiny, generate income at will and live the life of your design.
Remember where you are right now. You’ve given yourself a gift.
You’ve allowed yourself to invest money and most importantly, time, into developing an important part of who you are.
Whether or not you decide to pursue this professionally, it will always be there for you.
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