I’m working on finishing up the manuscript forGoingPro with buddyScott Bourne and one of the chapters is about advice from 25 great photographers.  We’ve asked the question, “What advice would you give a photographer today just starting out?”

One of my favorites so far is from Matthew Jordan Smith:

Most photographers are so busy in the beginning trying to find somebody’s style to almost copy. Learn to be comfortable in your own skin with your own work.  When I started I was always asking for advice, then a photographer I was working for told me, “Stop looking for advice from everyone else.  Learn to see the value in your own work and be comfortable putting your work out there.” 

Don’t try and anticipate what people love and then use that to determine what you’re going to show.  Show your work through your heart.  It’s the only way you’ll ever be completely fulfilled.

Since Matthew gave me that quote I’ve found myself thinking about it in my own work.  It doesn’t just apply to photography.   All of us have some insecurities.  In fact, I’m often surprised at the things in my life that create doubt over a new path I’m about to take.  Yeah, even an “older guy” like me has a morning now and then when I wake up wondering if I made the right choice going in a new direction.

But here’s what I’ve learned and it’s in part thanks to great friends like Matthew…you’ve got to be comfortable in your own skin.  You’ve got to make decisions using your brain, but it’s a partnership with your heart.  Then there’s “gut instinct”, which is about 3 inches below your heart!    Put the three together, brain, heart and “gut” and you’ll get it right every time! 

There’s no big emotional moral to this morning’s blog, just pay attention to the people you respect the most.  Matthew talks about photographer’s trying to copy another photographer’s style, but the thing you really want to copy is another photographer’s passion.  Surround yourself with people who your admire, who are motivated and you’ll learn a little more about yourself every day!