For many, the new year marks a time where they can start to focus on being healthier and more productive. Most of the goals people choose coincide with how strong their willpower is — working out every day, dieting and saving money. But, more likely than not, they end up breaking their goals just a few weeks into the year. Creatives have to deal with those goals and also the ones we set up for ourselves as artists. To help out, we’ve complied five New Year’s resolutions for photographers and creatives in general.
Get out of your comfort zone
Many people are scared to venture out into unknown territory. Whether that’s trying a new style, stepping out of the studio or trying a new light set-up — do something that you’ve never tried before. Some of the greatest photographers we know didn’t start as photographers. Renowned photographer Irving Penn, whose work was featured in Vogue a number of times, started out as a designer/illustrator and started photography on a whim. While you may struggle for a bit, this proves that greatness can come if you get out of your comfort zone.
Say no
As a photographer, you will get many friends and family asking you to take photos for them. While it’s alright to have a few free sessions, you should start to value your work and put a price on it. When you tally up the hours you spend on the shoot, editing and distributing your work you will be surprised by the amount put in. Your time is important and worth paying for. You do not have to say yes at every opportunity, you can pick what you would
Seek more art
Try to spend as much time as possible around new art. Whether that be going to a museum, watching a new movie, reading literature or following new creatives on social media. Actively seeking out new influences can keep you inspired to create. This will keep your work fresh and make the process more exciting.
Learn your gear
With the number of features and updates coming out for your camera and editing software, there is a very high chance there is a feature that you don’t know about. Take a look at your gear and find something you don’t understand, then take the time to learn how to use the feature and add that to your workflow. You may be able to find work arounds to problems you’ve been having and faster ways to produce better images. Some of the things I would suggest you look into are back-button focusing and frequency separation!
Stop comparing yourself to others
One thing that every artist can admit to, is that they have compared their art to another person. This is something that we need to stop. Every piece of art is different and is perceived in different ways. Many try to emulate a style of other artists and that can be a problem for several reasons. You are at risk of being called a copycat and you also hinder yourself from creating an individual style that you can call your own. Look at other’s art and take inspiration from it and let that fuel you to make it your own.
Comparing yourself to others can also lead to depression, making you not want to create any more. Everyone has gone through times like these and it is not uncommon. If this happens, reignite your love for the arts by following the tips laid out above.
