SO you want to stand out?
I was surprise to talk with other photographers who had a beautiful career, some people recognized in the industry. They all agree to say that at our time, no one cares if you are great with lighting, if you are a really good technical photographer. Everyone can be good technically and all the resources are here for you to learn. Basically everyone can do pretty pictures now : the digital era changed our world, and the technology to take pictures, film a movie, or record an album is accessible to anyone now. Plus we have access to all the knowledge of human mankind online to master this tools! I am certainly no exception to this because I learnt photography thanks to all the online ressources!
If you really want to stand out, the vision is what matters. Having your own way of seing things, go further than just knowing how to make a good picture. Not everyone can create something with meaning, something that is going beyond what is expected of a photographer. And I realized all the great photographers I admire have something unique, they are not just another commercial or fashion photographer doing clean images. They excel in being themselves. they have their own vision, and they are hired for their vision, their style, their authenticity, not because they are good with gear. You have to be good with gear, it’s not the point here, you have to know your equipment, be in control of your light, and to know how to retouch your work. But if you want to really stand out, you have to go further than this. I think the mistake of many people is to stop growing when they think know how to take a good picture. It is just starting actually! I find this really exciting! Because there is no magical recipe to apply to everyone, and we are all so unique, and with different passions and stories to tell.
I invite you to find your own voice. It’s tempting to follow our mentors, they have so much convictions! And seing their success is definitely attracting. But sometimes, it drives us away from our own values and uniqueness. My pictures are my story and the story of the person I photographed. They are the result of everything that I lived. I know the exact meaning behind all of them. I would be startled to see someone reproduce something alike after seing my portfolio. I was talking with someone this week and told him I was surprise that the more I am doing really weird dark pictures, with which I feel deeply connected to, the less people say to me that my work is creepy or weird. They just accept it and find it pretty cool! His answer was : « You know It takes so much courage to do what you are doing, to allow yourself be vulnerable, and to show it to the face of the world. I think people respect that very much ».
Do you think other successful people have a big influence on the way you are working? Do you think you are ready to express who you are deep inside? Are you afraid to be yourself sometimes?
Lots of love :)
