Is it just me, or do you hate this question too? Way too deep and philosophical for me! That was until today when I stumbled across an online "show" for photographers. The presenters were talking about 3 questions you need to ask yourself when building your brand. For those of you who don't know me, I am a stay-at-home mum who LOVES photography and this year officially decided to launch my business and really get serious about it.
So this was of course the first question they asked. Who are you? What are you passionate about? What excites you? What makes you do "the happy dance"? What things do you enjoy? What comes naturally to you?
I wasn't really sure how to answer many of these questions. I know I like photography, that's a given. I know that I love pretty things. But how do I summarise it. I see other photographers who have a strong brand/ theme and I LOVE it. I think it is so powerful. It makes me want to look at their work more and find out more about them as a person.
One of the presenters then shared this quote. It honestly made me feel giddy inside:
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman
There are so many amazing and talented photographers around me it is easy to become discouraged. But this quote reminded me that it is about finding and hanging onto what you love and letting it explode.
While developing my business it has been so easy to get caught up in "how to price this package", "where should I advertise", "could I edit that photo better?" etc etc. I was reminded yesterday about the powerful impact photos can have. A photographer I admire in the USA posted images which reflected (as cliche as it sounds) true moments. Real, raw, beautiful, amazing moments. Her ability to make people feel comfortable and be themselves was so evident.
She photographed a beautiful family whose son had cancer. He has now passed on. How beautiful a memory will those photos be to that family?! They will have those to cherish forever. That is why I want to do what I do. Those photos reminded me about why this is so important to me.
It's time for me to stop putting so much energy into looking at what other photographers are doing and start really defining me and my business. Let 'who I am' shine through a little more. Give to others what this photographer gave to her clients. Beautiful, amazing, raw memories full of emotion.
As soon as I finished watching this video I jumped up and grabbed my camera. I decided I am going to start using my camera to capture and communicate more about who I am and the things I love. These are my memories to capture, as well as a journey of (dare I say it) 'self-discovery'.
So, photo number one: I love tulips! Being a QLD girl, when I was on exchange in Germany, I got such a lovely surprise when Spring came around and there were tulips everywhere! I had never seen anything like it. Maybe in the shops in pots or bunches, but never growing in gardens.
I love the flower, and I LOVE these colours!
I'm excited to share more of this type of thing in the coming weeks. Hopefully I can find out a little more about "who I am" and help create a brand and an identity for my business. I think it might be a little bit of fun too :)
♥Shayla
