Photography, confidence and the mindset.

[Biff]

Allthough I have been in and out of photography for a couple of years, I only have about 6 months of actual experiance, so I consider myself a noob.

In a way.

As like anything I get into, I do alot of reading on that particular subject and have noticed something about photography. Most topics are about equipment, or techniques, post processing, lighting and just about everything covering the technical side of photography and that might ok for the pro's. But what about the "Budding" photog?

What about the mental side?

I learned a long time that whether it's fishing or racing something, or whatever, if you do not belive you will be very good and make every cast count or can win that race, your doomed to Long John Silvers or the B main.

Now, I'm not saying that I can catch more fish with a Zebco over a G-Loomis rod, but the G-Loomis is better, I know it and that adds to my confidence level. But I digress, this isn't about the equipment, it's about the mindset of the user.

I'm wondering how yall that are good, got there. And yea, practice, practice practice would and should most likely be the first responses, but if you practice badness, your doomed to perfect badness! This isn't the direction I wanna go. I want to talk about the mental aspect of photography and how it relates to the progression of new photogs getting good.


When I go to shoot, I am cocky! Not just confident, but cocky! And often times, I am humbled that I didn't do as well as I thought and sometimes, I freak myself out on some of my shots. And then I'm humbled, with a grin.

Curious about yalls mindset when you were new, intermediat and the pro's.

[johnastovall]

I go to shoot with an empty mind, no expectations.

[Biff]

Last week my boss walked into my engineering lab wanting to discuss lean manufacturing, 5S and whatever.

He points at my desk and comments, "a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind".

[HotHolly]

This is an interesting thread. Wondering where it ends up.

I am 100% sure of my work. Before someone even hires me, I tell that client to be that I am gonna make her look wicked awesome with my mad skills.

Whats going on in my head? I love to create. The creative part is fun. As to whether or not Im cocky at a shoot, hell no. Im my own worst critic. Im a perfectionist. I try not to let it drive me nuts. Every image I shoot could have been better if I only....blah. But from the clients POV, its damn rockin. And it is.

I guess Im arrogant about my clients trust in my ability. They all love me. And Im introverted so I find that scary as hell. But its all good, b/c none of you know my real name!!!

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Biff

He points at my desk and comments, "a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind".

Nah, a cluttered desk is a sign of an artistic genius! You're in good company. hee hee. And its even more impressive when you have a cluttered desk, and someone says "I need a _______." And you can pull it right out without looking. That, my friend, is awesomeness! Its arranged in an abstract order no one knows but you. See? Youre a genius!

[velvetmermaid]

I enjoy photography, but I have a hard time spending that kind of money on something "not necessary," so I justified the purchase (to my self): it's significantly cheaper than therapy, and I get so much more out of it.

And it's true, when I go out, I'm very focused on what I'm doing, and don't notice that I've hiked/walked as much as I have. Now if only work would stop intruding on my ability to go out and take pictures!

[donlfaulkner]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Nah, a cluttered desk is a sign of an artistic genius! You're in good company. hee hee. And its even more impressive when you have a cluttered desk, and someone says "I need a _______." And you can pull it right out without looking. That, my friend, is awesomeness! Its arranged in an abstract order no one knows but you. See? Youre a genius!

You are my kind of person. I must use that phrase on my neat freak Princess.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by donlfaulkner

You are my kind of person. I must use that phrase on my neat freak Princess.

go for it!

[bryanlindsey]

A constant, healthy dissatisfaction with one's work.

[Biff]

Originally Posted by bryanlindsey

A constant, healthy dissatisfaction with one's work.

Leads to unhappiness, low moral and an empty desk.

[ka5txl]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

But its all good, b/c none of you know my real name!!!

I'm going to guess it's not Mike

[bondarnes]

Confidence comes from knowing that you have prepared for almost any situation that might arise. That you have the ability and the skills to conquer almost any adversity. I never fell cocky going into a session, but I do know that I am well prepared and have the tools to handle the situation.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by ka5txl

I'm going to guess it's not Mike

its not Larry either! although i do admit i like ducks.

[bryanlindsey]

Originally Posted by Biff

Leads to unhappiness, low moral and an empty desk.

You missed the "healthy" part...please re-read.

Oh, and I like the way you ask for people's thoughts and then close-mindedly shoot them down. You're welcome.

[Biff]

Originally Posted by bryanlindsey

You missed the "healthy" part...please re-read.

Oh, and I like the way you ask for people's thoughts and then close-mindedly shoot them down. You're welcome.

My bad bro! That was not my intention and I apologize to you. However, I think others got it that this was supposed to be a "Fun" topic with no particular direction, just creative thinking and if it goes off topic, thats all good!