Thanks Cheryl for bringing me back to earth.

Yes, that’s what I’m saying. I see so many people, particularly in the portrait world, who jump straight into paid work before they have any idea of their identity as a photographer. If you don’t have a consistent look to your work, how will a potential client know what to expect? Why book you over someone else?

It’s not that your style won’t change and evolve over time; it almost certainly will, and that’s healthy. It’s not a matter of being “good enough”, it’s a matter of being identifiable enough.

I agree 100% with that statement.

I think a commonality in the list of advice given by Cheryl is simplicity. We often tend to make things more complicated than they need to be.

Thanks for your work in providing great content and sourcing it Rob.

“- It’s easier to focus on buying that next piece of equipment than it is to accept that you should be able to create great work with what you’ve got. Buying stuff is a convenient and expensive distraction. You need a decent camera, a decent lens, and a light meter. Until you can use those tools consistently and masterfully, don’t spend another dime. Spend money on equipment ONLY when you’ve outgrown your current equipment and you’re being limited by it. There are no magic bullets.”

Several years ago ASMP had an evening with Dana Neibert. Talk prior to the event from several photographers speculated on what high end gear he was using. Then part way through the event he states that he used a Crown Graphic for most of his images. That was my epiphany of gear, because I had better cameras and lenses than he did. It was good to hear that, because I stopped chasing gear, and my images improved as a result.

http://www.nickonkenconnection.com/shoptalk/2009/08/2-rules-of-the-photography-game.html

I may be reading too many business books lately but that makes sense to me as a reason to define your style before starting the business.

“Know your style before you hang out your shingle.”

Artistic style isn’t really a static thing. It changes over time and experience influences your style. It seems to me you would never hang out your single if you followed this advice. Sooner or later you just have to declare yourself “good enough” to work professionally and hope someone else agrees with you.

I wonder if she really suggesting you examine the types of photography you want to do. If you hate weddings, or still life, be clear from the beginning that you don’t do that type of work.

Oh, it’s “advice” (noun) not “advise” (verb).