Deadlines and a successful photographic career

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Much of what you said applies to photography as a hobby also, except the paying the rent part of course. I find that "keeping up" with my photography is so important, no one cares about looking a photo from an event a week ago. I must load, cull, edit and post photos from an event within a Day or few from the event will even look at my posting. Being able to quickly create "highlight or best of" collections for friends birthdays, anniversaries, and yes: funerals really motivated me to keep doing it and to keep up with the flow.

[@EwenBell]

Photography really is a conversation, rather than a frozen moment. The context of when and how a photo is observed makes such a difference. That's on my list to make a video too :)

[@ZakariKha]

Love the experimental style with this one and such valuable knowledge

[@EwenBell]

Hey Zak :) Thanks for dropping in for this one. Some of my footage and audio was a little askew, but just highlights that perfection isn't always the right objective!!!

[@donncha1]

Good advice for any career!

[@EwenBell]

:)

[@IronChefShellie]

Couldn't agree more. Having put deadlines on my blog this year for myself means that I'm actually putting content out there! I've successfully done 6 months, more than I did the last few years without deadlines!

[@EwenBell]

Deadlines are better with cake :)

[@vikkitempleton9157]

I am part of a camera club, we put our comp schedule out in Dec for the following year. I am amazed at how most members put their images in at the last hour, or ask for extra time. It is extremely frustrating, and often we don’t get many images for our comps.

[@EwenBell]

I should probably refer you to the chapter of my book called "why competitions suck" first :) Must be hard with camera clubs where most members are there to enjoy their craft rather than deal with deadlines.

[@vikkitempleton9157]

Yes we are struggling because we only meet once a month and the comps have always been the main focus of the meetings. Hard, as a small club and getting smaller, to change the focus, back to more photography based club rather than image based.

[@vikkitempleton9157]

Ps just ordered a copy of your book. Looking forward to reading it.

[@EwenBell]

@@vikkitempleton9157 Maybe you guys are a good candidate for the Curation workshop. I used to run them online for camera clubs during the pandemic. Could be a nice event to bring folks together, and move the focus away from single images :) ​ ewenbell.com/ebooks.php

[@vikkitempleton9157]

⁠I will put it to the committee. I personally would love it.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Very good practical advice esp fir those new to it! or younger with less life experience, i wouldn't say though that i hate the work ive done in the past , some of it yes but not all of it, i dont know if im better or just different 😊 I find printing out photos quite cheaply and keeping an A5 and A4 visual diary very helpful being able to pick up a handheld tangible result is very satisfying not for everyone though I know.

[@EwenBell]

Yeah that's a very good suggestion. Keeping your little wins in clear view is always a good idea, and having a wall with memorable prints would be a great addition to my studio. If only I had an empty wall in my studio :)