3 things NOT to worry about as a new photographer

Nikin-film-camera-with-purple-flowers-and-cup-of-tea

Being a newbie in any given field can feel intimidating, and it's no different when it comes to photography. It can be difficult to focus on your growth when it feels like everyone else is light years ahead of you and you just want to be on the same level as they already are.

But here's the thing I preach all the time (because it's true): you HAVE to focus on your own journey. You can't get distracted by how everyone else is progressing on their path. It's important to keep your sights focused on what matters while also being able to weed out what's not.

So, here's 3 things you shouldn't worry about a new photographer:

1. Having the best equipment

I can't tell you how many times I get the "what's the best camera to get?" question, and the truth is I have no real answer for that question. The reason is because I don't believe the camera makes the photograph, the photographer does. With your creativity in tow, you can make beautiful images with any camera you have.

Focusing on having the best camera gear as a photographer is the same as focusing on having the best kitchenware as a chef. Will it make the job easier? Sure. But will your food taste any better? No. Why? Because at the end of the day it's not simply about the tools. It's a combination of knowing what you're doing and putting the heart into it.

Many people thing upgrading their gear is the automatic solution when they feel their work is lacking. But it's not. In my opinion, you should be looking to upgrade your gear when you can give clear and concise reasons as to why it's holding you back. I promise, having the newest camera on the market might increase the clarity in your photographs but it's not going to make your images any stronger.

Instead, focus on learning the basics and building a solid foundation.

Learning the basics of photography will help you along your creative journey SO much more than buying what you believe the best equipment to be. My tips: buy a camera you can afford and learn composition, white balance, and exposure, THEN upgrade your gear when you've outgrown your starter kit.

2. Finding your style/artistic voice

So many photographers that are starting out stress about finding their style right out of the gate. The pressure to find one's voice as an artist seems to be ever present these days. But here's the thing, you can't force a square peg into a round hole. What I mean by that is: it's okay to find inspiration in others, but make falling in love with your own work a priority.

The more you chase after someone else's style, the more you open the door for comparison. Use the work of others as a jumping pad instead of a destination. Use their inspiration as your starting point and tweak things until you land on your individual style.

Instead, focus on shooting what you love and uncovering your voice as you grow

Here's the thing about finding your style I think many people forget: we are not meant to be stagnant creatures. What is not growing is dead, and that applies to your artistry as well. If you are continuously absorbing information and putting it into practice through shooting and editing, eventually you will evolve into who you are meant to be as a creative.

Finding your style shouldn't be your end point though, because you should never be done growing and therefore evolving. What's your style now may not be your style next year, and that's fine. That's ideal. So focus on experiencing intentional growth and rest assured that eventually you will land on your style exactly when you're meant to, and realize that your style now is not permanent.

3. Having a logo and watermark

Okay, so I know this one sounds crazy because you're supposed to be working on building a brand right? But the thing is that a brand is SO much more than just your watermark and logo. It's so much more than just deciding on the colors of your business and whether or not you want a cursive font on your business cards. Building a brand is about creating experiences for others. Positive experiences that they'll want to talk about to others who will then want to experience your brand for themselves.

If you're spending more than a week decided on your logo and watermark, I truly believe you're spending your energy on the wrong things.

Instead, focus on creating consistent work.

Having a logo and watermark won't help you when a client is complaining because the product you delivered to them is not the same as what's on your website. A logo and watermark isn't what will impress a potential client as they're browsing your website, trying to decide whether or not you're the photographer for them. Your logo and watermark are not what you build a solid foundation on for your photography. Yes, they look pretty. But they are merely the icing on the cake. A few squirts of delicious icing can't save a cake that overall tastes like poo. It's just not possible. So slapping a cute, cursive watermark over your photo where the white balance and the lighting and the composition is all types of off won't save your work either.

Make sure you're investing appropriately into the parts of your craft that matter the most. And that's building a solid skill set.