On a near daily basis I receive emails from aspiring photographers, curious as to how I made it to where I am and if I have any advice that may help them in their quest. It is both humbling and gratifying to know that others think my thoughts have enough merit to better them as a budding photographer and business person. Let me be clear that I feel I am by no means “there” as a photographer, but I feel that I’m certainly somewhere on the way to “there”. I know I’m much closer to “there” than I was two or three years ago.
Photographer Adam Barker walking with Gitzo tripod during a commercial photography shoot in Sun Valley, ID. p: Jay Burke
The truth of the matter is this: if you’re reading this blog post, we are very much alike. We have far more in common than you could likely imagine. I am still very much clawing my way to greatness, but I can recall, when I was just taking my first steps into the unknown that defines a green photographer’s career, wondering what went through the brain of one more seasoned than I. For those of you perhaps in that same situation now, here’s a glimpse into my psyche as a person and a photographer. Whether you’re a seasoned vet, or a newbie to this fine medium, I’d love for you to add your own confession in the comments field if you like.
Photographer Adam Barker discussing technique during an instructional DVD shoot with Master Photo Workshops. p: Greg McKean
1. I sometimes wonder if I can do this for the rest of my life, and continue producing exceptional imagery.
2. My 3-yr old son knows I’m a photographer, and I love it.
3. I dream of shooting large format film one day–just for fun.
Photographer Adam Barker with Yellowstone Cutthroat trout. p: Bryan Gregson
4. I hate the “look at me” part of showing my work to potential clients and friends.
5. But I have figured out the difference between arrogant ego-padding, and proper self promotion.
6. There is no better motivator to work hard than knowing I have to provide for my family.
7. There is no better motivator to push my photography than knowing I’m surrounded (everywhere) by exceptional photographers.
Photographer Adam Barker shooting Agua Canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park, UT. p: Drew Stoecklein
8. I am ridiculously anal about having tack sharp images. I throw away most anything that isn’t tack when it’s supposed to be.
9. I, too, have an equipment wish list a mile long.
10. I love to teach photography. Someday I hope to make that a more significant part of my job.
Photographer Adam Barker reviewing images on Canon camera at a commercial shoot in Sun Valley, ID p: Jay Burke
11. My favorite time to shoot is sunrise, when everything is quiet and Mother Nature is the one doing the talking.
12. I am constantly wondering if I’m good enough. I have learned to deal with this in a positive way, and I hope this sentiment never leaves me.
13. I use gear I believe in, not just gear I get for free. That doesn’t mean I don’t love free stuff.
14. I am screwed without my Grad ND filters. Really.
15. My office is a freakin’ mess.
16. One of my greatest inspirations has always been David Muench.
17. The day goes by so much quicker when I’m working for myself. That’s not always a good thing.
Photographer Adam Barker shooting a Lamborghini Murcielago during a commercial shoot on the Bonneville Salt Flats, UT. p: David Watkins
18. I am afraid of flash photography.
19. My workflow is a freakin’ mess.
20. I think my favorite places to shoot are National Parks. They are so beautiful and grand. I wish I could have been around when they weren’t quite so crowded, but it’s great to see people out there enjoying them.
Tags: Adam Barker, AdamBarker, AdamBarkerPhotography, Bonneville Salt Flats, Bryan Gregson, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canon Cameras, Clikelite Photography Packs, Confessions of a Pro Photographer, David Muench, Drew Stoecklein, Gitzo Tripods, Idaho, Lamborghini Murcielago Pictures, Master Photo Workshops, Photography DVD, Professional Photographer, Professional Photography, Singh Ray Filters, Sun Valley, Yellowstone Cutthroat
#12 – Often I will ask myself this same question, and I would be interested in hearing your “positive way” because I feel our sentiments may be similar, but I have trouble holding on to the positive on occasion.
I feel you on the workflow aspect. I think I have gotten pretty good about organizing myself, but sometimes I am left scratching my head during a project, unsure how to proceed. There are so many possibilities, so many ways a single image can become something different, an infinite number of those possibilities may be better than what I have chosen. But how can one know? And who is to say what is “better?” Your artists eye? The Client? That strange roommate guy who used to live down the hall who would always say your images looked too big? Seriously, what the hell does that even mean? Might be be on to something in some strange abstract way? He never could explain it, but that might have been due to abusing prescribed medication. I guess this doesn’t really have anything to do with workflow, upon reflection.
Anyways, your imagery is always fantastic, keep it up.
-Alex
An outstanding post, I hear everything you are saying, and some……..!! Your work is truly inspirational.
Thank you…and it makes me a little bit happy in side that your afraid of flash. I was just telling myself the other day that I really need to learn how to use it…I shoot people and I am limiting myself quite a bit with not knowing how to use it well…
I love shooting nature, LOVE IT…mostly because I love being in nature….but I am NO WHERE as good as you. I look at your images and have been trying to at least let their greatness fuel me into taking nature photography more serious! I only wish I had more money so that I could purchase one (and help you support your family).
Thank you for all that you do to give back to photographers…that in itself is a rare gift
Cool, you’re afraid of flash photography too!
Great post Adam. Your list hits very close to home for me, particularly 1, 4 15 and 20. Here are a few of my own confessions;
1. It’s wicked hard not to get totally discouraged by all the amazing imagery in the marketplace today, I ask myself daily if I’m chasing windmills. Everyone’s a damn photographer!
2. I love the technology that has made my image making process better, I hate the technology that has made my image making process better.
3. As a “pro” I shoot less of what I love.
4. Wedding photo-journalism pays the bills (at least for now).
5. I suffer from a major case of “the grass is always greener.”
6. Photography is a lifestyle as much as a profession, even if I chose to do something else I doubt I could ever turn off the photographer and desire to be a photographer that permeates my daily thoughts. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
As I look back over this list they all seem pretty negative, which is odd because I’m generally a very positive person and really excited about photography. I guess these mostly just illustrate some of my daily frustrations with the business side of photography. Cheers
I just bought my first off-camera flash and can’t stand it! =) But I know it’s a growing-process, just like all the other technicalities of photography. As an aspiring photographer, I’m having to learn a lot of patience. I want so much from myself and my photography, but I’m not there yet either. It’s like chasing a rainbow, or reaching a false summit: as soon as I get to where I thought I wanted to be, I realize there’s more I want and further I have to go.
I should have told you, Mr. Barker, that I channeled your advice for a blog spot I recently wrote: http://joyschmoll.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-favorite-photography-tips.html
I kind of cobbled together something from the Bogen workshop you did and one of your blog posts, so I hope it is somewhat accurate. If you want me to put a more substantial quote, just let me know how you’d like me to flush it out. Or, if you’d rather I didn’t reference you, that’s ok, too.
Thanks for the posts! I glean something from all of them.
Joy
Wow. Love the confessions and coments!
Alex–regarding #12, I think you have to come to terms with who you are and what you shoot as a photographer. In all honesty, I know I’m good enough for a lot of things, a lot of clients, etc. because I’ve seen the results across a number of years of shooting and happy clients. That said, I am always amazed at what other photographers are achieving. It’s a fine line between keeping yourself humble and pushing yourself to grow, and being confident in your own style. In truth, I know I can produce keepers nearly every time I head out with the camera, but really, it’s that subtle questioning in my mind that keeps me on my game.
Kurt–you’re dead on with #6.
Joy–great blog post on your site. You’ve got some great imagery, and I’m happy to have had some influence on your photography. Keep at it!
Rachel, Jim, Henry–thanks for dropping a line.
i actually learned something about my husband in this post! i often wonder what is going on inside that crazy head!
Great post. I don’t own a flash and know exactly what you mean (except the one on my G10. Does a headlamp count?)
1. Knowledge of techniques and technology can always help you grow. Knowledge is power.
2. Priorities are difficult to manage.
3. Tack sharp takes patience but is well worth it. It sucks when you see something amazing only to realize later that something isn’t quite right with your photo of it.
I want to learn more about the equipment I already have in order to take full advantage. I want to learn about equipment I don’t yet have so I can continue to branch out. I want to continue to learn about new techniques and merge them with the old ones in order to use when applicable. Technology today could make people think that they can cut corners because their camera or photoshop will do the work. Those that are constantly excelling are ones that still understand and use old time photography techniques while also taking advantage of the new.
Those that have taken the time to learn about their camera, accessories, website building, etc. are doing well in the business. Just learning about the ‘business’ of being a photographer takes a lot of time and effort and many people don’t do enough to stand apart. I am very busy and feel like I am always leaving something behind. Part of this is time management but part of it is just not having enough time to do everything. If I take the trip to the desert, I can’t work on waiting projects. If I board today, I can’t learn about something new. I don’t struggle too much because I always choose what I think is the best for me and my family but there are often many things at a similar rank in priority.
Hi Adam,
Great blog! I went fishin’ with your bro-in-law a few weeks ago Good dude and good times. Fishing was slow… Drop me a line sometime. We can wet a line and photo-geek out. Hope you are well.
DB
Muranda – if it’s any help, my wife and two little girls think I am barking mad most of the time !!
Haha … i love it.
The true qualities of whether you make it or not are all there. Thats a quality certainly obtained by Adam. The feelings of “is my stuff good enough”, “everyone is a photographer”, “can i make this work” is why most people never get out the door. The ethic of working hard at your passion is what turns those thoughts off. Pushing those thoughts out of your head is your first key to success. A scarcity mentality will get you beat up and spit out in this industry. When things get tough thats when the wheels should start turning, thinking of new ways of coming up with shots or ways to shoot your subjects that is new and creative.
I def share many of those insights with you adam. I love teaching what i know, i learned because others farther down the road taught me. Its my objective to give that back to those who seek it.
18. I am afraid of flash photography.
in this day in age i wouldnt be so affraid. Digi makes the flash a matter of practice. Its amazing the possibilities with remote lighting that can be done. pocket wizards, speed lights, affordable strobes, its way more obtainable than it was before. As always i belive that it shouldnt be used as a crutch, a atempt to make a bad photo good, but more as a enhancment on a already creatively and technically sound photo. So get your lights take pictures of your cats in your living room, go outside see how far your light will throw, see how far you can get away from it and still trigger it. If you shoot action find some fast moving subjects and have at it. The best of all that is you can see the results in your hands and not waist a roll of film.
Alwasy enjoy reading your blog man. keep it up.
Ross
Hi Adam!
Main confession: I spend most of my week wishing I were outdoors, but when outdoors, wish I were home.
I love flash photography. I love commercial and fashion lighting technique and I feel taking it outdoors is pretty much the only thing that might have a chance on setting me apart from my peers.