Do you really calculate exactly what will happen, or do you just launch the bird and see what happens? Sure, you make your best guess where to toss it, what you think will happen, and whether it will work. But it’s a guess. Mostly, you let ‘er rip and see what happens. Then you either refine it or you try something new. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

There’s a lot to be said for trying, trying, trying. Sometimes, just testing things out in the real world is the easiest, fastest, and best way to find answers. Because you never know what’s going to happen when you throw something out there. You’ll always overlook something, underestimate this, or overestimate that. React to it, … Read more...

Two things never to forget. The value of who you are. And the value of putting in the work. No work, and the brand doesn’t mean much. No brand, and the work doesn’t mean much. If you have the time to sit and wonder, to check your email, sneak a peak at Facebook, or grab an afternoon coffee, then you have the time to deepen your brand. It’s easy to fall into a rut or leave tattered edges unattended. But if the devil is in the details, so too is salvation. A brand is a deep commitment that extends into every action you do, great and small. Not just how you take the pictures, but how you hand them over. … Read more...

And as a continuation from yesterday’s post, here are tips 11-20.

11. Share your ideas and find people whose opinions you value
People who you respect can help push you, prod you, and challenge you. Sometimes, we need others to hold us accountable for our actions. It’s hard to be the boss and the the employee at the same time. Treat these people well. Make them part of your extended team.

12. Do things for others
People want you for you. But they really want you for you because of what you give them. So if you find yourself with the time and without the inspiration, just ask yourself how you can make other people’s lives better. There’s always something. … Read more...

Not too long ago, a good friend set out on her own to start a new photography business. She got her studio (looks great), she put up her shingle, and she started her marketing. Then, she said to me, “Hey, you should write something for people starting their businesses on Ground Glass.” So here’s to her, and here are tips 1-10 on starting your own business. Tips 11-20 will come tomorrow.

1. You can’t take it with you
Time goes fast. Faster than you can imagine. Sometimes you’ll hit everything right, sometimes you won’t. Either way, the moments of glory are fleeting, the money is never enough, and though the images may grow in emotional value, all but the most … Read more...

Today’s theme is the Australia and the Pacific Northwest. Call it Post-Editorial, call it Post-Vintage. Call it fine art, call it documentary. Call it whatever you like, but if you’re looking for inspiration and you haven’t come across these 5 photographers, then here’s a bit of fun. These are in no particular order, but one thing that binds them all is a remarkable ability to cross boundaries and transition styles. They bring a varied and rich palette to their work that pulls from multiple disciplines. Dreamy and ethereal at times, intimate and raw at others, their work complex when need be, and simple when called for. And if you’re not following the wedding photography scene in Australia, poke around. I’ve … Read more...