A Passion for the Process
Embrace the work, do the work, and see the results. Repeat.
A PASSION FOR THE PROCESS
One of the things that slows a photographer's growth is depending on fits of creativity, or those magic moments when everything just works out and the shots nearly take themselves.
We see majestic work from photographers who make it look so easy.
Perfect pour shots, incredible landscapes, portraits to die for... and we think to ourselves;
"Wow, that photographer is so amazing. I wish I was that good."
And by doing so, we project a false reality on the other photographer and ourselves.
The belief in spontaneous greatness.
Those wonderful photographers are so incredible that they just pull the camera up and 'click, whirr, click' and get amazing and mind-blowing photos every time.
BuZZZZZZZZZzzzzZZZZZ.
Eh, no.
That's not how this works. That is not how any of this works.
Keep this in mind: while we see the coos stuff, we haven't seen the sweat, the gigabytes of crap they shot, the failed images, the days they went out and got nothing, or the struggles they meet and defeat by doing the work.
We only see the results.
It's like looking at a skyscraper and thinking a bunch of folks got together and just built it one weekend.
You see, we are enamored of the final product. We want so much to have that final product.
The food shot that simply makes your mouth water.
The perfectly lit still life that pulls you in and makes you smile.
A portrait that connects with you, or a landscape that makes you want to go there.
What we don't see is the process, the work, the outtakes, and the sweat.
And I believe that we should embrace that hard work as our focus.
Sure the final image is still the goal, but the reality is that the process is what we have to do to get to the point where we can craft that perfect image.
And the process looks like work.
Now, we could sit around looking at amazing books of photography, take workshop after workshop, or even buy the best gear we can get a loan for and hope for the best.
But that isn't the work.
That's simply resistance and distraction.
If we embrace the work, we will see results from it.
But we will never see the results of our work if we do not do the work.
Don't be surprised that you are not seeing the work you want to do if you are not working to get the work you want to do.
Embrace the process.
The process, the work, is your way to the goal you want.
THE MENTORSHIP GROUP OPPORTUNITY
I have a mentorship group that meets weekly.
I have always made it available to only graduates of the Project 52 Pro System class.
But I am opening up two seats for non-P52 members.
If you are working as a pro, or working to get your business going, this may be an incredible opportunity.
The Mentorship Group:
Meets live, twice weekly (same meeting, but one in the morning and one in the evening to make it easier for those in different time zones.
Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning.
You are welcome to attend any of the meetings.
Some members come often, others one per week, and others bounce in when they need something.
Each week I have a small presentation, information on a process, or some news that will help you run your business or make even better photos.
It is a lifetime access class. As long as I am here, the meetings keep going, and you are welcome.
I have two slots open for this Mentorship Group.
Recently, we helped a photographer bid on a very large, ongoing shoot for a kitchen appliance company. 6-figures, folks. We looked at a new project that a photographer is beginning, reviewed portfolio work, discussed email marketing and headline options for best open rates, and learned about how one of our members is handling moving his business to a new state... a challenge for sure.
We have reviewed hundreds of portfolio pieces, websites, “About Me” pages, and helped photographers create a new brand, marketing materials that get results, and many other professional tools that help the photographers get gigs and get paid.
Each meeting is an open discussion, and rarely do we have more than 12 people on any given day. We keep the membership small enough that we can hear from each-and-every member, and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to work with me and the peers in the membership.
You will not regret it.
Is it one day - or day one?
You decide every morning
More information and enrollment are here.
If you are enrolled in the Mentorship Class, you have access to the new Project 52 Pro System for no additional charge.
Enroll before July 5, and get a free lighting workshop starting
July 9, and running four weeks.
Also: get a copy of my book, The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Creative Business sent straight to you. This printed book contains ideas, tips, structures, systems, and ideas to get your business up and running fast.
Also, every photographer that signs up will get a portfolio review at the beginning, and a private review at the end of the workshop.
I keep this newsletter free, but it takes a lot to keep it going. If you would like to help me keep publishing and keeping it free for everyone, please consider subscribing to the Premium membership. Thank you.
When you are ready, I can help you succeed.
Group Mentorship: a small group of photographers who meet to show images, work on their portfolio, and build their businesses with help from a wonderful group. Lifetime membership for one fee.
One-on-one Mentorship: You and me - working together in an intense 6-month push to get you on the way to over $30K in additional revenue. The work we lay down will help you increase and scale your business for years ahead.
And the brand new P52 one-year masterclass.
Photography is work just like any human endeavor. We must build processes and workflows for ourselves then execute over and over again.
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