This is probably the most common question I get…from my workshop attendees, to my mentee’s that attend the 8 week one on one mentor sessions, to the everyday person I talk to about photography.

3 Ways to Build Confidence as a Photographer?

Last weeks two tip Tuesday was a bit different than most…Today for “Two Tip Tuesday” I’m not going to give you just two tips but I’ve settled in on three tips.  I couldn’t cut any of them!  The three make up one- CONFIDENCE.

1- You are YOU.  So be YOU

No one can create images and art the way you do.  You can’t be me and I can’t be you.  So be YOU.  I always say…take inspiration from other photographers and photographs…but never copy or try to do the EXACT image.  Why?  If you try to copy and emulate it to a “T” you will face disappointment and failure…because it won’t turn out like the image you saw.  Why won’t it turn out?  Because you aren’t that photographer…be YOU.  So avoid the feeling of disappointment and failure by taking inspiration…creating your own art.  You are amazing…create amazing work and be YOU. Take the door or opportunity and be YOU.

2- Shoot.  Shoot. and Shoot…then put that on repeat

Kind of like the song you are in love with at the moment…yeh you want to take the iTunes off of shuffle and put it on repeat.  Yeh take the same attitude when it comes to shooting.  Don’t even think about setting the camera down.  Go SHOOT…Shoot and Shoot…then put it on repeat.  It’s like anything the more you do something the better you get…right?  Whether it’s a child learning to read, an adult learning tennis, a runner running long distances or one learning to play a musical instrument.  You’re taught to practice those hobbies…so take photography and practice. I say leave your camera in a place that’s easy to grab during the day…and challenge yourself to shoot a few images a day.  Doesn’t mean they have to be wall worthy…or even be edited.  Yet you are learning how to create and manipulate through each image you take.  Then it becomes easier..it becomes second nature.  This will boost your confidence like none-other! You can read…you can take a workshop…you can even take one on one sessions and all of those things are GREAT and I encourage those by all means…but if you aren’t touching your camera for weeks or days on end…that will only make your confidence spiral down. Hard work pays off…it pays off in confidence!

3- Create encouragement for others.

Lastly we all love encouragement.  Not only do you want it, but there are others out there that want encouragement and their images to be seen!  Take a few minutes each day to recognize someone else’s work.  Start “liking” others images whether it be on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or a comment on someone’s images/blog. Compliment them…not just oh that’s beautiful.  Take a minute to sincerely say something positive that you love about their image. How will this create confidence in you? You are encouraging someone else…and in turn that encouragement will come back around to YOU.  I know when I have the opportunity to encourage someone it boosts my confidence.  What how investing in others will in turn invest in your confidence. I dare you to try it!!

Go push yourself.  Build your confidence.

Will you join with me?