My first decade in the business of photography saw me in awe of others who, in my mind, had made it in photography. Heroes they were.
They were successful. They created amazing images. To be fair I am still in awe, but those formative years were essential since I was getting established and building.
Some made tons of cash, yet their work was ok. Others were really, really good at photography itself, and also made a decent living. All were my heroes. All inspired me to be like them or better even.
I noticed and valued it all.
As a matter of fact, I can honestly say my success can easily be attributed to watching, learning, being inspired by and “swiping” ideas, both in marketing and in photography, from others.
I don’t think there’s an area where those who sky-rocketed to success didn’t at one time start by copying another.
Musicians, authors, artists….all of them, at one time, asked themselves the question: “How can I be like that?”
If it wasn’t for that process, me thinks most grand achievements would have fizzled.
Swiping is real, legit and essential. You see someone who creates something you like. You copy, and you make it your own. It inspires you to grow into your own.
It becomes your brand, so to speak.
The worse thing you can do (and I see this all the time, within the ranks of the most amateurs who are starting out) is to let your ego get in the way, because you think you got it, you’re all that and more.
Big mistake.
Becoming a student of success in marketing and in photography is an essential step. Take it out and it’s like taking out the foundation on a building.
I’m still a student. Luckily for me I always remained somewhat naive and childlike. Ask my wife and mother-in-law. They’ll tell you how immature I really am.
It’s why I have so many videos, presentations, interviews, mastermind meetings…..every single month, year after year.
I’m looking for ideas….so I can steal.
Robert N. Provencher – Your Master Coach Marketer
“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”
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