“The challenge is to focus on the work, not on the fear that comes from doing the work.” – Seth Godin
The ability to accomplish anything in life is directly tied to your convictions and confidence. The talent lies not in some innate genetic disposition, but in learning to see past the minds own limited perspective. But there is another element that is often overlooked – generosity.
Many of my accomplishments were the result of throwing caution to the wind, trusting my instincts, and slowly learning that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to – regardless of my fear. Here are two ideas to commit to heart – NEVER doubt yourself and think BIG – things I’ve done throughout my life. There will be significant setbacks and disappointments, but out of that growth and experience, the kind that really makes a positive difference.
BUT, I still struggled and wondered why it was so hard to do what I loved to do – photography. Then I started to think differently about my goals, my failures, and started focusing on what matters – doing the work. Now when I see others that have the ability but fail because of commitment or execution, it makes me frustrated, but more than that, it makes me want to help.
Much of what I have learned has come from asking for help. When I have asked for help from others, I accepted that help without reservation and didn’t let my ego interfere. This serves two purposes – it keeps me humble, and it reminds me to help others along their path. And nothing will bring you closer to achieving your goals than generosity. Sure it may take longer, and in our culture of instant gratification, this will not be a popular option. But the results will be so much more valuable and lasting.
The Importance of Generosity
On a workshop
In my opinion, there is no better feeling than being generous, and I have not been disadvantaged by this in any way whatsoever, on the contrary it has enriched my work and my life. I give my knowledge freely and without waiting for anything in return. Then I try and accomplish my own goals, no matter how far fetched they are – simple concept, yet not always easy to practice.
Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them. – The Law of Compensation – Little Go-Giver Book
Think about what you want to accomplish in your life – whether that involves photography, work and business, or personal issues. Then think about how you can help someone else in some small way. I can guarantee you from personal experience that once you think this way, you goals will begin to move towards you faster than ever before.
Check out Robert's website for images, workshops, webinars and more: LINK
When I was first getting involved in professional wildlife photography, one of my mentors told me something I’ve made a point of remembering. What he told me should be obvious, but like much of what should be obvious, it isn’t always that obvious until someone points it out to you. And what was this pearl of wisdom and insight that I received? It was simply, “Cute Sells”.
I know a lot of wildlife photographers love capturing images of predators capturing and then ripping apart their latest kill. And don’t get me wrong. Those are exciting shots that graphically illustrate the harsh realities of the natural world. But ask yourself, is the average person going to want to look at that sort of image as a print on their wall, on a greeting card or even a calendar? I’ll tell you that regardless of what you might think, the answer is no. You’ll find the occasional person interested in that sort of graphically real image, but the vast majority of people don’t want to be reminded of the harshness of a wild life.
So then, let’s consider the sort of images might qualify as cute for a wildlife photographer.
I’ll tell you the first one. And it is darned obvious and that’s why I’ll point it out. Baby animals. Much like human babies, it is very difficult to find a baby animal that a lot of people won’t consider cute. Babies (human and animal alike) tend to have proportionately large eyes and it seems we humans are instinctively drawn to these features. So, we’re programmed in one form or another to babies and when you can get a photograph of a cute baby animal, your chances of selling it go quite a bit higher.
(You can click on the images to see larger versions)
Sleepy Raccoon Kit peering out of a hollow log- CA
Another thing that makes baby animals compelling wildlife subjects is that baby animals tend to be a bit playful and clumsy. And if you and your camera can capture some of that playfulness or clumsiness, you’re on your way to creating a cute image that has sales potential written all over it.
Playful Bobcat kitten on top of a rocky hill - CA
Black Bear cub peering over the top of a tree
Here’s another truism. Interaction between cute subjects makes a big difference. What does this mean for a wildlife photographer? Consider different types of interaction. Interaction between a baby animal and its parent is compelling. The average person loves to see one animal being cared for by another. Another type of interaction that is compelling occurs when a two or more siblings are interacting and playing with each other. Just like its compelling to see one animal exhibiting playful behavior, I’ll argue that the cute factor goes up exponentially when there is more than one baby animal involved in the playing.
Common Loon with chick on its back swimming on a lake
Pair of Red Fox kits play fighting in some tall grass
Find an animal exhibiting a behavior we typically associate with humans (also know as anthropomorphism; that’s your big word for the day today) and you can create an image that will have the cute factor working in its favor. When we see an animal exhibiting a behavior we typically associate with our own species it helps create a connection between the viewer and the image and that connection will help make the image more salable.
Black Bear standing and leaning against a tree - CA
Polar Bear Chillaxin'
So, if you want my advice, heed the follow. If you’re a wildlife photographer who is interested in selling your images, invest your time and effort into looking for and making cute images.
Editors note: Welcome to Jerry and Marcy Monkman! They will be posting on our blog from time to time, and we are pleased and honored to have them.
Jerry and Marcy Monkman are "EcoPhotographers" featuring distinctive adventure, nature, and travel photography. Known for their conservation work in New England's wild places, the Monkmans have spent the last fifteen years artfully documenting the mountains, forests, and coastlines that define the region.
Onion seedlings in a greenhouse in South Hampton, New Hampshire.
This is the first time in eleven years that I am not working on one or more book projects (I tortured myself with three last year.) I love working on books most of the time, but add in the usual bunch of commissioned photo projects that I do every year, and it’s rare for me to have the time to shoot just because I feel like it. I think this is a problem. Always working under deadlines makes it hard to grow as a photographer. You are less likely to experiment with new techniques, explore new subject matter in depth, or just have fun being a photographer.
I think emerging photographers often create such unique and compelling work because they have yet to be hemmed in by years of running a business and fulfilling the demands of clients. Us veterans need to get back to the freedom of our early days once in a while by regularly tackling personal photo projects. These projects are a a great way to have fun, while stretching your skills to new levels and sometimes unexpected places. Besides giving you a chance to grow creatively, they are an important way to let photo editors and art buyers see what you are interested in, new directions you are exploring, and that you can find new ways to make art and tell stories. It’s sometimes hard to do that with commissioned work, as the client hires you based on what you already do. Sure, you can experiment on those projects too, but you better get it right using tried and true methods first.
Seed flats planted with onion seeds in a greenhouse in South Hampton, New Hampshire.
My wife Marcy and I are members of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) on the New Hampshire Seacoast called Heron Pond Farm. CSA members give the farm capital at the times of the year when they need it most, and the farm pays back its members with fruits and vegetables once a week or every other week during the course of the year. Heron Pond Farm, offers both a summer share, which runs from June through October, and a winter share that pays out from November through March. (By the way there is still room to purchase this year’s summer share if you’re in the area – from our experience, I can tell you that you receive much more value than you pay out.) I’ve decided to make chronicling the work at Heron Pond Farm a personal photo project that I can work on over the course of the year, and beyond. I feel that the CSA movement has benefits on many levels – it strengthens community, it keeps open space from being developed, and it encourages people to eat locally, which reduces carbon emissions. As a personal photography project, it is ideal for me for several reasons: 1) it is different than my usual nature and adventure photography, 2) it has a conservation theme, which is something I am passionate about, 3) it is close to home (about 15 miles) so I can shoot an hour here or there without feeling like it is getting in the way of my “real” work, 4) it is a story I can easily follow long-term and develop a body of work that has meaning and is marketable, and 5) it lets me support people and a business I believe in.
Farmer Greg Balog training tomato plants in a greenhouse in South Hampton, New Hampshire. Heron Pond Farm greenhouse.
I’ve spent 6-8 hours/month so far since January with the Heron Pond Farm crew, and I’m really just getting started photography-wise. While I have photographed farms before, it has typically been from a scenic standpoint, while this project is inspiring me to take a more in-depth approach, learning what’s going on and why, and capturing the course of events from planting to harvest to market. Of course, starting a photography project focusing on a vegetable farm in New Hampshire in January may seem less than ideal, but it has been a great time to get to know the farmers and their crew as well as shoot the farming that happens in the winter in greenhouses. I never understood the extent of winter farming in New Hampshire, and to me that’s a new story that I can pursue. (Plus, the light in a greenhouse has a great diffuse quality, so you can shoot any time of day using natural light. That will end soon as planting moves outside.) What’s nice about working on a story like this as a personal project is that there is no deadline or client, and if I get to the farm and just feel like goofing around with my new lens baby for 3 hours, that’s o.k. The goal for me is to use that time to try new things and techniques and see what happens. If it sucks, who cares? But maybe I’ll figure something out that is pretty cool
A greenhouse at Heron Pond Farm that was damaged by a rain and wind storm in South Hampton, New Hampshire. Thankfully, the plastic sheeting was due to be replaced soon, and the warm weather meant the crops were not lost.
I’m excited to see where this project goes as the weather warms up and I get to spend time out in the fields. I feel like the creative opportunities will get even more inspiring as this story progresses, but I already feel like I’m better off just for having started it. Now I just have to find the time for the other three or four projects swimming around in my head!
Heron Pond Farm Greenhouse – Images by Jerry and Marcy Monkman
Until next time,
-Jerry
You can find out more about the Monkmans at their website, and follow Jerry on Twitter at @jerrymonkman
Focus On What Makes a Difference
Thursday, August 18th, 2011Anthony's Nose, Hudson Valley
“The challenge is to focus on the work, not on the fear that comes from doing the work.” – Seth Godin
The ability to accomplish anything in life is directly tied to your convictions and confidence. The talent lies not in some innate genetic disposition, but in learning to see past the minds own limited perspective. But there is another element that is often overlooked – generosity.
Many of my accomplishments were the result of throwing caution to the wind, trusting my instincts, and slowly learning that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to – regardless of my fear. Here are two ideas to commit to heart – NEVER doubt yourself and think BIG – things I’ve done throughout my life. There will be significant setbacks and disappointments, but out of that growth and experience, the kind that really makes a positive difference.
BUT, I still struggled and wondered why it was so hard to do what I loved to do – photography. Then I started to think differently about my goals, my failures, and started focusing on what matters – doing the work. Now when I see others that have the ability but fail because of commitment or execution, it makes me frustrated, but more than that, it makes me want to help.
Much of what I have learned has come from asking for help. When I have asked for help from others, I accepted that help without reservation and didn’t let my ego interfere. This serves two purposes – it keeps me humble, and it reminds me to help others along their path. And nothing will bring you closer to achieving your goals than generosity. Sure it may take longer, and in our culture of instant gratification, this will not be a popular option. But the results will be so much more valuable and lasting.
The Importance of Generosity
On a workshop
In my opinion, there is no better feeling than being generous, and I have not been disadvantaged by this in any way whatsoever, on the contrary it has enriched my work and my life. I give my knowledge freely and without waiting for anything in return. Then I try and accomplish my own goals, no matter how far fetched they are – simple concept, yet not always easy to practice.
Think about what you want to accomplish in your life – whether that involves photography, work and business, or personal issues. Then think about how you can help someone else in some small way. I can guarantee you from personal experience that once you think this way, you goals will begin to move towards you faster than ever before.
Tags: Acadia, books, business
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