Seven Tips on How to Stay Encouraged While in Photo School



Courtesy of Kyle Tunney


Dear Aspiring Photo Student:

I know coming up in one of the most prestigious Photography programs in the country can be a lot to bear.  Sometimes it may seem like you do more things wrong, than right.  But never fear, it will get better.  Here are seven tips to help you stay encouraged as your ride the learning curve:

1.  Keep it positive. I know this is easier said than done, but it works.  You may feel your mood changing because maybe your shoot isn't going as you envisioned or you're not getting the answers you need, or you have a brain fart when you have to turn ideas for a shoot.  When this happens, CHANGE IT BACK.  Your work is still due and expected to be good.  Try to see the positive aspects of the situation (ie your model is giving you the opportunity to bring out her personality, instead of trying to fit into the box you've "envisioned" for her- go with it)

2.  DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT compare yourself to others.  This is a huge trap!  And a surefire way to feel bad about yourself.  Ansel Adams was known for his landscapes, while Phillipe Halsman was known for his portraits.  Each person is good at their own thing.  So what if you can't make a barn look as awesome as one of your classmates can, you might be able to completely nail something else.  Do your best, especially with the stuff you are most passionate about.

3.  Learn to trust your critics.  Your teachers (or judges if you've submitted your work professionally) KNOW THEIR STUFF and WANT TO HELP YOU.  Their job is to make you better by sharing what they know.  Believe that.  When your picture is up for critique, train to ears to hear, "I know this picture will be more successful when you do xyz," and not, "This picture sucks, you suck, you should quit!"

4.  Be flexible.  Again, flexibility is easier said than done.  I know.  When you get this vision in your head of what you want, its hard to stray from that.  Trust in your own abilities that you can still make it work if it's not the original vision.  

5.  Be obedient.  This is kind of a piggy back to the last tip.  Don't get mad because you can't seem to please your teacher.  THAT'S THE PROFESSION.  99% of the work you do will be for someone else's satisfaction.  Take it as a prelude to the real world.  If  your teacher hates pink, don't use it.

6.  Be a fan of your work.    You wouldn't criticize your favorite photographer's work the same way you do your own.  We are our own worst critics and we have to stop beating ourselves up.  Constantly telling yourself negative things about your work, will only make it worse because it breeds negative attitudes.  If something you do is good and someone tells you so, accept the compliment. 

7.  Remember there is always a way.  I am a firm believer of this truth.  Don't be stopped because you can't afford the latest equipment, know the right people, etc.  If you want something bad enough, there is a way to achieve it.  Sometimes you will have to work around your workaround.  Sometimes you will have to step outside of your comfort zone to get to the contacts you need.  Just don't give up because something doesn't seem feasible in the beginning. You gotta fight for what you want!  Reading other people's stories of success helps too.