Who Are You Photographing For? Finding Creative Voice Through Photography

Hey there, fellow shutter clicker’s enthusiasts! It's great to have you join me today for a conversation that's been swirling in my mind lately. You know, in the world of photography, there's often this tug-of-war between shooting for clients, chasing social media validation, and staying true to our personal creative vision. I'm sure many of you can relate to this struggle. So, let's dive into this introspective journey and explore the pros and cons of each approach.

Shooting for Clients: A Balancing Act

When I first started on this photographic journey, my main focus was on shooting for clients. The opportunity to capture someone else's story and bring their vision to life was undeniably fulfilling. There's a certain gratification that comes from knowing your work has contributed to someone else's happiness or success. The financial rewards are definitely a plus too!

However, the challenge lies in balancing your creative input with the client's expectations. Sometimes, you might find yourself compromising your artistic expression to align with their preferences. It's a delicate dance of meeting their needs while infusing your unique perspective.

Chasing Social Media Likes: The Double-Edged Sword

In this age of instant gratification and endless scrolling, the quest for social media likes can be a powerful driving force. Sharing our work with the world and receiving positive feedback feels incredible. The validation from a growing number of likes and followers can give a real boost to our self-esteem and confidence.

Yet, it's crucial to remember that the value of our art isn't solely determined by the number of likes or comments we receive. The danger lies in becoming so focused on trends and popular styles that we lose sight of our originality. We risk sacrificing our authentic voice in the pursuit of fleeting internet fame.

Shooting for Myself: A Journey of Self-Expression

So, where does that leave us? Well, personally, I've discovered that the most fulfilling approach for me is shooting for myself. It's about tapping into my creative wellspring and giving life to the images that reside within my mind. This isn't just about pressing the shutter; it's about crafting a narrative, evoking emotions, and creating art that's a true reflection of who I am.

Sure, it might not always lead to immediate recognition or financial gain, but it's about nurturing my growth as an artist and honing my distinct style. I'm no longer confined by the expectations of clients or the fleeting praise of social media. Instead, I'm guided by my inner compass, pushing the boundaries of my creativity and exploring uncharted territories.

Embracing My Creative Artistic Outlet

In conclusion, my friends, photography is a journey that evolves over time. It's about finding that sweet spot where our passions intersect with our purpose. For me, that means capturing the world through my eyes, creating images that resonate with my soul, and staying true to my creative vision. It's an ongoing process of self-discovery and artistic expression.

Remember, it's not about who you're photographing for, but about finding your unique voice and sharing it with the world. Whether you're shooting for clients, chasing social media likes, or embarking on a personal artistic journey, let your heart and imagination be your guides. So, keep clicking, keep creating, and keep embracing the beautiful journey that is photography.

My Typical Editing Workflow

Here is a short video showing my editing workflow for an image I took a few years back. This wasn’t a planned out edit or anything so you will see me mess up a few times and work through how I want to take the image. My usual editing flow starts out in Lightroom where I do as much of the basics as possible. From there I will take the image into Photoshop and do any heavy lifting edits. With the style I like for my images I tend to use Nik Software a lot as well. After I do any changes in photoshop or plugins I take the image back into Lightroom for any final adjustments.