Pixiq

Does passion drive your photography?

Passion in photography is an essential element that too often is left out of the big "ideas" of how to be a successful photographer.

Talk to any of the greatest photographers today and they all have one big thing in common.

Passion.

Passion is that element that cal fuel your photography forever. It can sustain you through the hard times in the business of photography. Passion can push you to learn the extra skills it takes to get to the next level. Passion will push you to be a better photographer.

Passion can be more than something internal. When a photographer oozes passion people notice. It's infectious. And when you infect other people with your passion about what you do as an artist, as a photographer, you find that the sky really does become the limit.

Passion also works to attract other people to you. It can attract clients, fans, followers, and other photographers that can (and will) aid or assist you should you need assistance with something. People like being around people who are passionate and they'll collect art or buy services from a passionate photographer over a photographer who is just going through the motions every time.

Let Passion Drive You

When you think about the kinds of clients or assignments you'll accept let passion help define those terms. Otherwise you're just doing it for the money and eventually you may find that simply doesn't work long-term.

I remember a specific moment in my life when I had to decide whether or not to go back into the "business" of photography as a wedding and portrait photographer. I had all the skills. I had the knowledge. I had the financial backing. I had the contacts and a long list of clients. But I didn't have the passion for it.

Looking back it should have been an easy decision. But it wasn't. I struggled and ended up feeling like a failure because I had backed out last-minute. I didn't start another photography studio and it ate at me for a long time.

Now I realize that I made the smartest move in terms of my artistic life. Because I've been studying art my whole life that's a pretty big deal.

Back when I was running a photography studio I had to deal with clients, book-keeping, weddings, and all of that stuff that got in the way of what I really wanted to do: take pictures and work on my personal projects!

Since that decision was made a few years ago I've found that my passion for my art, my photography, has been growing and growing. It drives me to work on my craft and build my portfolio. And while I'm not entirely sure where it's going to take me I can say with certainty that if I listen closely and let the passion drive me I'll find all of the success I can handle.

If you're considering starting a "photography business" make sure you find a way to keep that passion going. Otherwise you'll burn out and that "dream job" will just eat you alive like any other 9 to 5 job. I know, I've been there.

We only have one life and it's way too short.

Nurture your passion.

Follow your passion.

Be unstoppable.