How to slay anxiety as a photographer going into the New Year
The responses to my recent "What's holding you back?" e-mail have been awesome. I'm so glad to hear from you!
(if you're not subscribed to my e-mail newsletter, you can get on the list using the sign-up box on the right side of any page of PTP, or just drop me an e-mail and I'll add you :)
Maurizio is capturing in photos this historic pandemic experience from the epicenter of its outbreak in Italy. He's working on a book in both Italian and English, which I'll share with you guys as it's available, if you'd like to see how one fellow PTP reader is turning what could be a downturn into a new opportunity.
Penny responded and said she's anxious about getting back into photography in 2021, doubting her ability to perform behind the camera.
I'm sure hundreds (thousands?) of us feel the same.
I know you've read it many times before, but I'll share again Roosevelt's wonderful analogy of the arena:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."
My take:
The quickest and surest way to overcome photography anxiety is inside the arena.
The longer you are outside the arena staring in, wondering, imagining, not knowing, the greater the resistance you'll build until you finally choose never to step in the arena at all.
"Not worth it," you'll convince yourself. It's easy. We've all done it. Many times. Many regrets there.
My encouragement to you today, is if you're anxious about getting back into the arena of professional photography here in 2021, stop trying to overcome that anxiety from the outside in.
Step into the arena, and realize your fears were shadows, trying to keep your blessings locked away from those who would be most blessed by them - your subjects, your clients, your family through financial boon and your joy of creative expression.
Once more into the breach, to quote another famous line.
What's the biggest challenge holding you back today? E-mail me and let me know.
James Michael Taylor
www.parttimephoto.com
P.S. Start small. Photograph a friend. Have fun. Less stress and perfectionism, more curiosity and wonder. Invite your favorite clients in for a shoot. Practice social distancing, wear a mask, be safe, but again, have fun. You're a photographer because you choose to be - never forget that.
