A few years ago, I received a message in my Facebook inbox. It was completely unexpected and it was from a photographer whose work I admired. She took the time to message me and say how much she loved my newborn work. She mentioned that she had seen the growth in my work and just how far I had come with them. She basically was giving me a virtual pat on the back.
I was a bit shocked that another photographer had taken notice of my work. My heart was filled with so much joy that someone took the time just to offer me encouragement and support. This was someone that I knew about, but had no idea she had a clue who I was. Talk about warm and fuzzy feelings! She made my day, heck she made a lot more than that because I still hold on to that feeling she gave me. She left quite a mark with a simple kind message.
This industry can be filled with such positivity and encouragement. I see it often. I am grateful for the great support system I have (locally and nationally). I try to be encouraging to others and since that email, I have made it a point to reach out to others with kind messages as well. I want to spread that feeling that I was so fortunate to experience.
On the flip side, this industry can be very frustrating. From unkind people, catty, cut throat behaviors to feeling overworked and underpaid. (I won’t get into how much we actually make versus what we are perceived to be making.) We can get frustrated with our art and our businesses. We wonder if we will ever reach our goals and once we do, we set new ones. Many of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves and are juggling our businesses along with our families. We give up many weekends to do what we love because, well, that’s just when the work is and when our clients need us. We wonder if our work is truly appreciated and if what we share matters. Does anyone see us?? So I think it’s safe to assume that most of us could use a little ray of sunshine in our lives to put a smile on our faces and warm tingles in our hearts. If you could use a little of that, why not make it happen for someone else?
So I’d like to propose a challenge. I want you to reach out to three photographers and make their day! Try to connect with photographers that aren’t in your inner circle (you know what I mean) for these three. Feel free to do more than three! Maybe it’s someone you’ve been following for years or someone you’ve just discovered. Maybe you have seen improvement and growth in their work and want to acknowledge that. Or their photography has inspired you in some way or simply makes you happy. Send them an email, post on their Facebook Business Page wall (use #iseeyouphotographer), or comment on their blog. In some way, tell them they are admired or that they have inspired you.
I hope that by doing this you are left with a great feeling inside. Let’s spread some kindness and love around! Let’s start taking a few moments to tell someone the great things we feel or think about them instead of just keeping it to ourselves. We are always quick to complain about things, but not always willing to share positivity.
Fantastic idea. Love this! I am a part of a group of photographer who try to spread love and encouragement, sometimes anonymously, and it’s such a great feeling. 🙂
Crystal,
I love you. I love this post. This should go viral. I hope it does 🙂 Let’s ENCOURAGE each other. Let’s lift each other up and praise and compliment. I love it 😀
And while we are on the subject, I love love love your work and your style. I was drooling over the photos you’ve shared of Kristine and I am DYING to see the rest 😀
xoxo
Brit
You are so sweet. I’m so happy that this is being received well. Not only that people like my story, but they are actually going out and taking the challenge! Their are so many on the receiving end right now.
You did a great job with the fresh 48! I hear there are many and I haven’t seen them all yet. lol Oh I am dying to see Kristine’s photos too. Hopefully I will have them done soon. I shot over 1200! Ahhh!
Ahhh I can’t wait to see 🙂
And thank you <3 It was my first fresh 48 ever and I fell in LOVE! It's blogged 😉 http://www.britchandler.com/blog
That’s awesome. I follow a few photographers on instagram (But you’re the only family photog!) and I learn from the way they see things differently.
This is exactly what I’m doing with a facebook page I created a few months ago: Shootinglife. Post a picture, share idea, particiapte in weekly themes, encourage each other, everything from cell phone photographers to pros. Great article… and I feel exactly the same way. Join shootinglife on FB (request an add), it’s all friendly people, who love photography and with no TUDE!
Keep shooting people!
Great idea, Crystal!
great idea! off to spread a little positivity!
I love this so much. I have reached out through facebook messages a few times to those who have inspired me or other locals but this made me realize that I need to do it more. I know that the couple of times I’ve heard from a fellow photographer it had the power to make my day, one time bringing me to tears because of the doubt I have in myself. Thanks for starting this campaign, I think it is beautiful.
I absolutely love the sentiment behind this idea. I try to support as many other photographers as possible, both locally and worldwide, in my niche and in others, but I adore the idea of reaching out and making a deliberate connection.
This is on my to-do-list for this evening!
Soph. x
This is wonderful. just wonderful!! I love giving encouragement to others in the same field, I do NOT understand why or how people can be so ugly.. it hurts my heart to see others break down another persons work. Either because of jealousy or just because they feel evil. Just boggles my brain. But this post is just beautiful and I’m going to share tons of love! <3 Thank you!
great idea! I could really use the encouragement
Love this!
I love this post! Thank you so much for sharing. There is something about those virtual hugs that make the world of deference! xo
http://www.mirandalsober.com
Beautiful idea. Everyone can use some encouragement!
This is a great idea and very encouraging.
What a great idea. I’m a new photographer and have been warmly welcomed by some others but not by many. And it’s been reaaaaaally hard to deal with but I deal with it anyway because I love what I do. And I’ve always reached out to other photographers because it’s what we’re supposed to do…. love each other and lift each other up. This will ALWAYS be a competitive business but it doesn’t have to be nasty.
Oh Crystal! I love your work and your heart! This is exactly what this industry needs right now. When you reach out and show love, it breaks away at the negativity and allows us to be at peace with ourselves and each other. You are a blessing and I am so thankful for you and this post right now!
This is important information. Sometimes it feels like you are just sitting alone in your dining room editing image after image and nobody every sees them. I try and get out there and admire other photographers and even let them know, but I could do a lot more . . . we all could. Thanks for this post!
I adore this…such a wonderful way to inspire and encourage everyone!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Wonderful idea! I know we are ALL inspired on some level by other photographers and artists. To share the appreciation and recognise the efforts of those who inspire you is fantastic…Im doing this!