5 Ways to Build Confidence As A Photographer

Taking your first steps into photography can be daunting, so let’s discuss the best ways to build a more confident version of yourself to help you become a better photographer. Before we get into any of this, it’s important to remember that everyone has the capability to become a good photographer. I firmly believe that most people have the talent to be good photographers but often lack confidence. So keep reading to understand the best ways to develop this confidence and in turn an improvement in your photos.

Constantly practice

As a photographer, it is essential to create new work to help you grow your craft continually. In every profession, it is crucial that you stay active to support your progression through your work. Photography is no different.

The more you practice the more confidence you will gain in different scenarios. This practice will also make you more confident because you will learn how to take photos in different scenarios.

But practising requires effort. So aim to take time out of each day at specific times to focus on learning the best way to take photos with your selected equipment or testing out newer pieces of equipment. You can also extend this strategy to areas that you may struggle in. For example, if you struggle with action photography, bird photography or even taking portraits, make these your focus. 

Taking professional advice

It is also essential to consider that sometimes, to help develop your confidence in a particular industry, it is best to get advice from the professionals. Going onto websites, YouTube or even doing workshops or taking some photography classes from masters in their industry is undoubtedly the best possible way to help yourself build confidence by learning various new skills applicable to your work.

However, it is also a great idea to take advice from different people, such as family and friends, who are likely only to want to see you improve yourself. Not only are they are likely to give you some great points and care about you, but they will also be able to give an opinion from a completely different outlook than someone in the industry.

Consider your past

While the other two points are great for building confidence in the future, it is imperative to look at the past and compare it to where you are now. You will see a healthy growth pattern between the artist you used to be, and who you are now. I sometimes look at my early work as a photographer and I’m embarrassed by it. That’s OK because it tells me I’m a better photographer now than I was when I started.

Using your past as a focal point to work from can be a great way to consider areas you improve. You will feel more confident about your potential future in the industry, as you can pinpoint the best facets of your work that have been improved.

So just as you can be proud of your successes, also look at the areas that have not grown as much and focus on improving those as well. Over time this will make you a more rounded photographer with more skillsets.

Always be willing to learn

Further to this, it is vital that you consistently grow your mindset and expose yourself to new methods that could help you succeed. For example, you should use constructive criticism from others not as a negative thing, but as an avenue to help your potential success. By having the mindset that you will eventually reach your goals, it is crucial to consider other photographers’ alternative approaches to developing your craft.

Be confident as a photographer in your abilities and methods to produce the best work possible. Still, there is no harm in testing other people’s practices and incorporating these into your work to see if it improves your work.

Creating goals to work towards

It is essential that you have photography goals for the future. The points discussed above can be some great goals to consider. Or you can set specific achievements like winning a competition or selling your first photo. 

Try to create short and long term goals with deadlines to work towards, such as hosting a bi-yearly exhibition of your photography. This gives you something to work towards, allowing you to look forward to potential future events with the aim of making it better each time. Photography is often a lonely hobby or profession. Having tangible goals can help ensure you have a purpose to work towards.

There you have it. Here are a variety of ways to develop your confidence as a photographer. It is important to continually practise your craft to help keep you focused on implementing new ideas. But also to help build your photographic skills and become a more confident artist. Just remember how far you have come as a photographer. Be proud of that and be confident that you can get even better.

Photo credits: Kav Dadfar – All rights reserved. Dreamstime.