How to grow as a photographer

[@rakneuro]

I really appreciate the quote, “Comparison [to others] is the thief of joy,” while pointing out that comparing your new work to your own past efforts will likely bring joy and reassurance that you are learning and growing as a photographer. Well done.

[@KristineRosePhotography]

Thank you for the feedback :) It is something that I am constantly reminding myself!

[@heikewierenga9364]

Inspirational thoughts Kristine, thank you!

[@carolcarpenter4848]

Kristine, I absolutle love this. What a great eye opener...not just for photography but for every day life. You are so inspiring. Thank you!

[@KristineRosePhotography]

Thank you Carol! This is something I agree applies to so many things.

[@alexmacphee2267]

You make some great points in this video. It's easy to envy the work of people who take photos in dramatic places like Iceland or the Canadian Rockies. Photographers in Nova Scotia may have to work harder at creating beautiful images, but I like to think that will help us improve faster. At the same time, I'm sure many people living elsewhere are jealous of our photographic opportunities such as a beautiful coastline, quaint fishing villages, and moody fog and mist. Granted, some of our weather isn’t helpful for nighttime photography!

[@KristineRosePhotography]

Yes to all of this. I see so many of the same images taken from places, like the rockies, and they are stunning, captivating, and sometimes... very much the same. I'm moreso drawn to the images that have more thought behind them, which is something you need to do when you don't have stunning vista after stunning vista available to you.

[@johnjackson9601]

I related to this video so much. You are so right about comparing ourselves to others!

[@mirzadanishbaig]

For me personally, I have a friend who inspired me to get into photography and he is maybe 10 times better than I am. However, I use him as a mentor to up my own game and absorb his knowledge as best as I can. I think you have to compare with perspective. If that comparison with others inspires you to do better, it's not such a bad thing. If that comparison causes you to give up on life altogether, then maybe it's not so healthy and you should stick to comparing to your previous self only for your own mental well-being. I think different people take it different ways and it has a lot to do with self confidence, as you said. As long as your today is better than your yesterday, that is what it's all about! I do agree with the overall message. Thanks for putting it out there!

[@KristineRosePhotography]

I definitely hear what you are saying on this Mirza. And I agree that there are times comparison can be healthy. I think it depends largely on the personality of the photographer, there are some who will see an image they think is better than theirs and that will push them to learn and get better themselves. Personally, I always have images that I aspire to (like, did you see the tilt shift Andromeda photo that won as the Astronomy Photograph of the Year this year? Oh man #goals) A lot of the students I work with are just getting started out, and I find that can lead to having less overall confidence in general!

[@quiltamma]

WOW, this hit home for me, and will also make a post it note "Comparison is the thief of Joy" I will work on this most definetly not only photography but everyday life, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks ;)

[@noelleperrotta4944]

Great video, thank you

[@KristineRosePhotography]

Thank you so much!!

[@B.A.S.Drydock]

What? Struggling with confidence? Who does that? Ok.....back up the bus.... Who doesn't struggle with it, is a better question. I guarantee even the most accomplished people have or still do struggle with it! We are all good at self doubt that is what makes or breaks us. It creates competitive energy or steals it! For me I am more jealous of the opportunities other photographers have, then the results! Like you I live in the cold cloudy climate! Minnesoooooota! Oh and a side note I knew you were from Canada just by the way you say out and about!! Lol I am a person that thinks I should be learning faster then I do! I have always struggled with learning speed. It has detoured me form moving forward in the past, because I don't get the results "I" think I should be getting! So in a way comparing me to me is self destructive! Instead i need to work the process and just do it and results will eventually come! Great message Kristine! Made me think about my own job life. Being retired now the only person I can blame for the position I put myself in is ME!! LOL

[@KristineRosePhotography]

Thank you for this!! But I have to say, you are to blame and you are also the person to thank, because though there might be more you wish you have done already, you've also gotten yourself to here which is a great place to be!! Remember that :) (I have to remind myself sometimes too!)