A Letter to My Younger Photographer Self: Lessons from the Journey
Dear Younger Me,
First off, I want to say this: you’re going to do great things. You don’t know it yet, but the path you’re on—capturing moments, telling stories through your lens, and chasing after your passion—will lead you to build something you couldn’t even imagine at the beginning.
Right now, you’re excited, eager to make every shot perfect, and maybe a little scared of where this journey will take you. So, I’m writing to give you a bit of advice and reassurance from the future. It’s been quite a ride, and there are a few things I wish I had known starting out.
1. Trust the Process
Not every shoot is going to go perfectly. There will be times when the light isn’t right, the camera settings are off, or the client has a specific vision you’re unsure about. Don’t panic. Trust your instincts and your training. Every challenge is a chance to learn, and every mistake will make you a better photographer. Trust that the bumps along the way are part of the growth process. You’ll look back on them and realize they were the moments that shaped you into a stronger creative.
2. Connection Over Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in perfecting every shot, angle, and detail. But here’s the truth: the best photos come when you connect with the people in front of your lens. Make them feel comfortable, understood, and appreciated. When they trust you, the magic happens naturally. It’s not always about technical perfection—it’s about capturing real, raw, authentic moments that tell their story. Focus on the people first; the perfect shot will follow.
3. Know Your Worth
You’ll start out thinking you need to say yes to every opportunity, even if it means underselling yourself or working for exposure. Don’t be afraid to value your time and talent. Your art has worth, and so do you. Learning to say no will be just as important as saying yes. When you start charging what you’re worth, you’ll not only gain respect from others, but you’ll also start respecting yourself more too. You deserve to grow your business in a way that’s sustainable for you.
4. Always Keep Learning
You’re good at what you do, but never let yourself become too comfortable. The world of photography is always evolving, and so should you. Take workshops, follow mentors, and experiment with new styles. Every time you pick up your camera, approach it with curiosity. The more you invest in learning and honing your craft, the more your business and confidence will grow.
5. Balance Is Key
There will be days when your passion for photography will consume all of your time, and while that’s a beautiful thing, remember to pause. Balance your life between work and rest. Don’t forget to nurture relationships, take care of yourself, and recharge. A well-rested, balanced photographer is a better photographer. Give yourself grace to step back when you need to. You don’t have to hustle 24/7 to be successful.
6. Your Purpose Is Bigger Than You Realize
Finally, know that what you’re doing is more than just taking pictures. You are capturing memories that people will cherish for a lifetime. You are creating art that will be passed down through generations. The impact you have on your clients goes far beyond what you can see. Never underestimate the power of the work you’re doing—it matters in ways you may not realize right now.
So, keep going. You’re going to build something beautiful and meaningful. Keep showing up, keep creating, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. The journey will be hard, but it will also be worth it.
Sincerely,
Your Future (and Wiser) Photographer Self
Shenica