There’s a ton of talent out there.

Musicians, comics, artists and photographers.

Most of it goes away. Much of it is inert. Never revealed, put into action and given a place. A purpose.

The way I see it, if you have a talent, you don’t really have it unless you use it.

Put it out there. Give it a voice. Use it to make a difference.

It’s useless otherwise, unless it merely hits you with a mild ego boosting dopamine hit when your mommy proudly points out how ‘talented’ you are. Or someone on Facebook likes your images.

Better yet, they make a vapious compliment.
(Never trust your mom- she loves you too much for your own good. Likewise, never really
trust flakebook comments either)

This is pervasive in the industry of photography….
mainly, weddings, babies, families…and, well, hot girls.

Hot girls are ruining the industry. You know the story. Many go out, get a new Canon Rebel,
grab a hot girl, photograph her, and voila!

Photographer! Instant portfolio of hot girliness.

It’s easy to get derailed from what really matters. From real talent. Talent that plays a legit
role in the world, and continues to serve.

And make money. Yes, turn a profit.

It ain’t a business unless it’s making money.

Unless, of course, you’re just starting out and still learning marketing, selling, and getting established in your community as the GO TO photographer. But that’s just a phase.

Meanwhile, your business cards, your fancy well made website….even your stunning images of hot girls….and all those stunning images of children in fields with mucho sun flare…..
all of it……a ruse.

A lie. It’s all meaningless and temporary.

I was chatting with a well known, well established photographer last week who tells me the average
turn around for photographers is 1.5 years. And he may be  a little optimistic.

What matters most? Clients. Clients who pay, and return year after year.

Take that idea, and scale it up. Multiply it. And you got a business.

A reason and a place for your talents. Awards are meaningless. Accolades and praise
from family, friends, fiends and peers too. All meaningless.

Your cameras, lenses, computers and facebook fans and likes….all…meaningless.

Unless you put it all into action and build a business.

Now go forth ye friends and foes….and build. Keep it real.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study
profitable and successful photographers.”

There’s a consistent, almost predictable behavior pattern with many photographers who are successful.

I’ve noticed this many years ago. I also noticed it in myself, and have attributed this set of behaviors to my own success.

These behaviors I can almost guarantee will propel you to great heights.

Then why don’t most apply and take advantage of these behaviors? You’re guess is as good as mine, but if there’s one simple word that could possibly explain it. That word is attitude.

Sounds old fashioned, but some things never change.

And the list of behaviors is timeless. Let’s look at that list right now….

#1-Successful photographers are always hungry for knowledge.

They know that in this field, staying on top, staying fresh in our photography and in our marketing is vital.

Successful photographers never whine about speakers who are selling stuff at conventions.

They know that the information most speakers have is valuable, and you can take that photographer home with you by investing in their education materials.

I have shelves and boxes filled with educational materials.

Losers have big egos that get in the way or cause them to get creative in the excuse department.

#2– Successful photographers are not afraid of criticism. And I don’t mean evil, mean spirited criticism. Or sour grapes, knee jerk jealous comments from losers who have no place in offering input.

But valuable critiques from other photographers who are qualified to help.

This is one way to stay young, vibrant and alive! But you must be open. A closed minded photographer is nothing more than a fool And a fool is losing out.

Don’t be a fool.

#3– Successful photographers are never too proud to take on jobs that are “below” them.
Especially when starting out!

I take on loads of little, dinky jobs. Warne Noyce shoots dance schools. Ansel Adams shot school pictures.

As a matter of fact, Ansel is quoted as saying that he learned more from the “bread and butter” photography than anything else.

Al Gilbert shot passports when I last spoke with him. And he was nearing 80 yrs old. And still considered on of the best photographers in North America.

Don’t be too proud to take on jobs. Unless of course you have no time because you’re way too busy. But many small jobs, be they donations to community causes or small time gigs, will keep you active, learning, and earning.

#4– Successful photographers are not quitters. I know, some people realize it’s not for them. Or, they get offered a “real job” and opt for the security and golden hand cuffs.

But successful photographers who are very, very serious about making it, don’t quit.

And they don’t start and stop all the time, jumping from one piece of equipment to another, one forum to another, never truly committing to their personal drive and passion.

It takes guts and commitment. It’s that simple. Your level of desire must rise above, way above your pain threshold and your inner weakness that makes you give in to the pain.

Let me repeat that…..your level of desire to succeed must be way, way bigger than the pain, fear and desire to quit.

#5– Successful photographers chose good role models and mimic their work through practice. We all have role models. Those who produce work that truly inspires us to want to reach great heights.

Musicians have them too. They all talk about the music they listened to in their formative years and how it inspired them.

I get asked a lot of questions. My main answer, most times, is get out there and shoot, shoot, shoot.

What will happen is this: Not only will you be getting technical mastery over your gear and adding to your ability to “see the light”, but in time inspiration will seep into your life and you will begin to find direction, purpose and focus on the style of photographer you are evolving into.

And part of that is finding other successful photographers that inspire you. It’s all part of the journey. Be open. Be true to your journey and let others inspire you.

Throw it away, and your throwing away part of your journey.

Hey, I SUFFER for my craft. I demand perfection from myself. I don’t always get it, but I demand it nevertheless.

It’s why I teach and preach and try to reach out to other photographers who have the same passion and drive as I do.

I love teaching, because I learn as much as the student. I put on more webinars, workshops and tutorials each month than anyone out there.

Why?

I luv learning…it’s that simple.

If I hated it, why would I do it?

Luving it is a big enough why for me….hopefully you too

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

P.S. “If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”