When you can’t do it alone…

I’ve been holding onto this post for a while because I just wasn’t sure I was comfortable posting it. My friend Cassandra says that the posts you’re most uncomfortable with are the ones you most need to share, so I’ve decided to go Eminem-in-8-Mile-style and share some dirty laundry…

It all started when I was approaching photographers to participate in my by-invitation workshop. I got some push back. A few folks asked to see my work or wanted me to explain my style, I guess as proof that I knew what I was talking about in terms of stylistic development and/or clarity of vision. Well, here’s the deal: I have no work to show because I don’t shoot. I’m blocked creatively and have been for over a year. There, I said it.

Holga inspiration by Vick the Viking (via Flickr)

Yes, I am physically capable of picking up a camera and shooting, but I’m not in the zone and my results don’t speak to me. I’ve tried to unblock through lomography with a Holga and an ancient SX-70 but, most of the time, I don’t even pick up my gear. That is a major component of why I’m so dedicated to helping others avoid a similar fate.

Where I am sucks. It’s confusing and bewildering. I want to produce work that I’m proud of, that I like, but I just…can’t.

I can, however, help others. I clearly see the strengths and needs of people I’m working with, and I’m loving helping them.

Writing this reminds me of my recent conversation with Maria Ross. Near the end of our interview, we were discussing the value of consultants and mentors, and she said:

“It’s always hard to do it for yourself. I think that’s why it’s good to get an objective eye. I can look at someone else’s business and think of the five million things they should be doing, but when it comes to you, you know your business so well and you know what you’re trying to say, that sometimes it’s good to get that objective help.”

Thank you, Maria, I couldn’t agree more. A similar discussion came up when I talked with Jessica Swift.

So, there you have it. Sometimes we can’t do it all ourselves. Sometimes a collaborator or mentor can help to push us out of our rut or beyond our comfort zone in a positive way.

In that vein, while I am working on ways to reinvigorate my own creativity, I also recently found a photographic mentor to help. He knows that I’m stuck, and goal number one is to get unstuck. Goal two will be to determine whether I want to return to client work, pursue independent projects or do nothing more than acknowledge and express gratitude for getting back in the zone. I’ll keep you posted… although I still contend that this blog is not about my photography. It’s about yours.

So, how are you doing? Any questions, thoughts, fears, failures or successes to share about your photography or business? Share on, friends. You can even do it anonymously. 😉