“An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and ON HIS OWN TERMS, not anyone else’s.”
- J. D. Salinger (Franny & Zooey)
Being an artist is hard. Let no one tell you otherwise. It’s amazing, but it. is. hard. We go through ups and downs in life just like everyone else, but magnified 1000 times because as artists, we’re to be more in tune with our emotions. There are times when these emotions overwhelm, and cause the desire to bury ourselves under the covers until it’s okay to come out. Other times it’s so wonderful that you feel on top of the world. You’re on cloud nine and can float through the air. It’s great when you feel like that. :)
I am lucky to be doing what I do – to be an artist. Many art jobs require you to be completely at the whim of your client. I hear it from designer friends and the dreaded “difference in vision” and “revisions of a creation.” Often what they want to say doesn’t get to be said because of what others want it to say. Being a wedding photographer, I am lucky because my clients seek me for my voice. This is important.
Each artist has a voice, a different view of the world. We all have something to say, and a way to express it. Upon expressing it, it’s almost like we’re giving a part of ourselves away to share with others.
Here, take this, this is yours to experience and see.
It’s sooo validating as an artist when I have a client who tells me that what they are most attracted to my photography is the way I see things. My perspective. This is so vital because without it, my photography wouldn’t be MY photography. It could be anyone else’s photography. I know that a client and I are a right fit when they tell me these things because that’s what makes me who I am as an artist. My perspective. On life, on love, on the people around me, in weddings, events and shoots. How I photograph these moments in life is largely dependent on how I see things. And what I want to say. My voice.
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with other artists/photographers – marveling at their work, wondering why our work can’t be like that. Thinking that we suck because we’re not like _________. We could never take photos like _________. But you know what, that’s okay, because you’re NOT _______. You’re who you are, and who you are and what you have to say is still important and special. You just need the courage to say it. The artists that I admire tend to be people who say what they want to say in their work; screw what anyone else thinks. It’s about being vulnerable. It’s scary, yes. But it’s what attracts people to certain art and artists, I think. They see YOU in it.
I am blessed. Blessed to be sharing with you all. Blessed to be working as a wedding photographer, where people do seek me for my voice. Not just because I’m a “good photographer” but because they enjoy the way I see things. And want me to see and experience their wedding with them, and capture it to remember. Sure, this all really sounds cheesy, but I believe it with all my heart. :)
And to leave this post, here’s a very inspiring video by Zach Arias.
Such wise words, Susan. I booked a couple recently that told me to “do my thing” and that they put all their faith in my vision. There is nothing more exciting for us, as artists. Thanks for sharing… :)
Sus, you’re the first friend I have that went for her dreams and was successful at it — I always tell people this when I’m talking about you and showing them your photography — and it shows not only through your work, but also through your life and beautiful soul. :) Love you always! And you know I am always forever super proud of you and what you have accomplished as an artist. Totally agree with you on what you feel about expressing your feelings through you art. I think that’s why I am always doing other artistic things on the side besides my regular web design day job. Hehe.
My comment got cut off!! :( Anyway, love you soulmate! xoxo
Wow. That was incredibly inspiring, uplifting, thought-provoking, and emotional. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful video w/ us Susan! i’m gonna go pull a Stewart Smalley in my bathroom mirror now. =)
Beautifully written! You have a way with words and it’s what I needed to hear today. You are an amazing artist Susan, from the first moment I saw your portfolio. And through each of your images, we see a piece of you and your artistic soul. Thanks for sharing =)
Thank you for this! Love the video…LOVE it! K
Your voice, your vision, your perspective is inspiring. You make me want to find my outlet, my voice. I can’t explain enough how absolutely amazing you are or how absolutely amazing your work is. Please blog more, I really miss you.
I loved what you said and agree completely. It is scary to put yourself out there and to not compare, but that’s the only way to make your own style known. To make yourself known. I know I can’t please everyone with what I do, but I have to tell myself that life isn’t about doing things that other people will like–esp. if it’s not *you*. Thanks for your insight!
Wow, that was beautiful. Thank you for that. That explained everything in much better words then I always try to explain to people. The part about comparing yourself to others i sos true. What a booster upper. Thanks so much for that Susan!
hey susan, i think you nailed it on the dot. this is a common struggle for a lot of people.. me included.. still working at it.. thanks for the encouraging post.
Susan I totally feel you here. It seems like every other day I want to bury myself under the covers and not come out. =P. Thanks for the encouragement!
I totally feel you on this post. It seems like every other day I wanna just hide under the covers. Thanks for the encouraging words :)
Wow thanks so much for posting that video. I really needed to hear that!
Beautiful y stated, Susan. I agree with you 100%. As artists what you do and who you are so closely tied. Being vulnerable for clients and peers is scary – and even more rewarding. We are definitely in a fantastic industry and I’m honored to be in it with yourself and so many other good folks in our ‘community’.