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Last week the CEO of Pictage, Jim Collins, came a spoke at the monthly PUG (Pictage Users Group) meeting.  Like always, I found myself  nodding my head to pretty much everything he said.  It is so great to get together with other photographers and just know we are all going through the same feelings, fears, and insecurities.  All of us.    The difference between one who is succeeding and one who is not is how we deal with these feelings.  Fear and anxiety can literally paralyze you.  Jim talked about how most of the time it is the fear itself that causes us to fail, not the thing we are scared of.  Fear that we suck.   That fear causes us from getting and accepting honest feedback.  Therefore not improving our craft.  Fear that we won’t be taken seriously as a photographer or that people may think we are full of ourselves.  Many times people used to have to ask me if I was a photographer before I would say anything.  Fear that we are “selling-out” as artists. Fear that we are charging or not charging enough for our craft.   However the ones who are still scared, yet put themselves out there to get criticized or praised…… telling people they are a photographer…….charging what they believe they are worth……..they are  the ones succeeding.  The more you do something the fear and anxiety subsides.  The more you get out there and get  true and honest feedback about your images from trusted collegues and friends the better your work will be.  Surround yourself with those who will be honest with you.  The more you tell people and yourself that you are a photographer  the more you will be taken seriously.  The more we believe in our craft and the hardwork that is put into it we will price ourselves correctly.  How are you dealing with these fears?

I can upfront and tell you I am scared.  Scared to fail. Scared that I won’t get hired. Scared of  getting consumed by the goal setting.  Since we are approaching the end of February, I have yet to set a goal list for 2010.  Every lunch I go on with another photographer or meeting I attend we talk about goals and to write down your goals.  I haven’t still.  I am scared of not reaching the goals I want to reach.  I am scared of getting consumed by the idea of reaching those goals and becoming a workaholic,  losing the real reason why I do photography.  And I hear if from the other side too. Those who are running crazy successful businesses who are scared to slow down. Scared they might lose business.  Scared to let go of some work or responsibilities.  We are all scared.   Know you are not alone. Fear is normal.  I encourage you to get up and out there and just start something.  I guarantee you will feel better and start the wheel in the positive direction. And if you are scared, you will be.  Get over it!  The biggest obstacle in life  really is….. YOU.   Be honest to yourself.

 I got this fortune last month when I was out to lunch with my dad. I stare at it everyday in hopes I start my list.  My fear of getting “Crazy” over this list is dumb.  Because if you read this fortune and think about it, the list will be never ending.  There will always be new goals to be added and conquered.  If I am honest to myself and just know there will always be something for me to strive for and take it small steps at a time the LIST won’t be so overwhelming.  One goal at a time.  So goal #1 for me…………set goals!! Now hop to it Tina!  (Talking to yourself helps too!)

I loved meeting with this couple.  I originally met her at church at Xpresso which is a women’s ministry.  It’s really fun and set up like the View.  They have a panel of women who share their story.  And they aren’t just stories. They are ah-mazing stories.  Some you never could even imagine going through.  God-filled stories.  I often cry, yet get filled with happiness from the fellowship of the other women.  I met J there.  She was the cute little one in the military style cap. 

When I met up with them they both were so nervous about the shoot which I thought was really cute! They both are gorgeous so I don’t know what they were worried about.  Really made my job easy!  Once we got comfortable I could see them come out a little more.  He even started to suggest ideas,LOVE that.  I loved getting to know them.   They are a very honest, simple,  and humble couple that I found so refreshing.  She kept apologizing that they really weren’t “boring”.  But I could see it.  Not the boring, haha…….. but the love and happiness.  No over the top “WE ARE IN LOVE” antics.  Just simple intimate looks and touches.  After the shoot we sat and talked a little about their relationship, their ministry to the Valley’s homeless, their  wedding plans as well as career plans, and just life in general.  I loved hearing their story.  Then  I almost hit her with my car when we were leaving! Awesome. It was a FUN afternoon!

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This one makes me giggle.  When I took her drink and put the straw in one drink and told them to share , he was like “are you serious? ” This one is for your guys! Hehehe!