I’m not a big fan of looking back, but I can’t help but to reflect back on the past year as a source of wisdom to prepare for the upcoming “New Year”. As always, we greet the new year with optimism and compile our list of “New Years” resolutions. But this year, 2011, lets pause and reflex on what was, and what wasn’t working in our businesses. Lets sweep out the things that didn’t work, and embrace the things that did!
If you’re anything like me, you know from experience when something is right, and you know when it’s not. When your idea, project, or plan isn’t going as planned. don’t let it fester and attract flies! Nip it in the bud! Cut your losses and move on! Learn from the experience, make improvements, and know that everything can’t be as perfect as Cinderella’s castle. I’m a firm believer that we are our own worse critics. But it doesn’t have to be so bad. If we can’t learn from our own mistakes or even admit we made them, there’s no way on God’s green earth that we can grow and learn from them!
As professional photographers it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of booking new jobs, and checking the checkbook twice to make sure every thing’s rosy and nice. But, STOP and reflect for a moment! It’s not all about how many bookings you get or how many dollars you make. Our business is already 90% “business” and 10% photography! Granted we could all use more dollars in this economy, the business will come if you stay focused on the number one priority, client relationships! Oh! and don’t forget “your love of photography” , the simple joy of creating beautiful images. Now, that’s priceless!
So this year, learn from last years mistakes, make your clients “Number One!”, and remember why you love photography so much, Get involved with other photographers in your related field, learn from one another, get honest feedback, and get out there and create the images you love. Go to seminars, perfect your craft, get involved with your community, and share your knowledge with others in your field (workshops, blogging, tutorials, etc. ”Money shots” do not come from focusing on making money. You’re a photographic artist irregardless of money, and your clients love what you create irregardless of price, and that’s why they hired you in the first place!
“So, always use your head, but always shoot from the heart!”
Whatever your RESOLUTIONS may be for 2011, have a HAPPY new year first, and a PROSPEROUS new year will follow naturally!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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