Escaping the Comparison Trap: Defining Success in Your Own Photography
Dawn in Avon
Years ago, I created an image that I loved. It was a sunrise similar to this, a big ball of blown highlight surrounded by sherbert colored sky. I was proud of the image, I thought it perfectly captured how the morning felt. I shared the photo and was promptly scolded for it's technical inaccuracies.
Photography has never been about technique for me. It's about moments in time, time that passes too quickly and is easily forgotten. It's about feelings and memories on a file or film or piece of paper to remind me.
A few weeks ago, conditions presented similarly to that morning years ago. The waves were beautiful, the sky was colorful, and the sunlight filled my soul with warmth. I didn't hear the voices in my head critiquing my technical ability, I only heard my heart. I selected my exposure, waited for the wave to break, and recorded how I felt in that moment.
So often we create images that we hope are perfect. But who do we let define perfection?
Quiet Steps to Reconnect with Your Creative "Why"
To protect your artistic voice from the noise of outside opinions and comparison, try implementing these boundaries:
Audit Your Inputs: Take a temporary break from consuming endless imagery on social media. Spend that time looking at art forms outside of photography, like paintings, poetry, or architectural design, to see how other mediums play with light and form.
Shoot Exclusively for Yourself: Spend one full gallery session shooting images that you promise yourself you will never publish online, show a friend, or share with a client. Create purely for the joy of the tactile process.
Dawn in Avon
Moving past comparison and uncovering your authentic visual voice is a journey. If you want a supportive guide to help you review your work objectively, uncover the common thread in your style, and clarify your direction, let’s connect. Through my Private Mentoring available online and in person, we work closely together to build your confidence and refine your unique artistic vision.
