Comparisons

I try not to blog random ramblings. If I wrote every day, or even every week, you'd be bored to tears with the randomness of my mind. This topic has been kicking around in there for a while.

I often notice people really focusing on who is "better", and comparing their qualities, abilities, possessions, and other attributes to others to see how they stack up. This often comes into play with small business owners, and unfortunately often turns into putting down your competition.

Here's a thought.

I know, this is crazy, but think about it.

Compare yourself...

Only...
To...

Yourself!

The best version of yourself that has, does, thinks, and possesses everything they want.

Everyone has something to offer, so how about this?

Let's balance, and compliment each other!

So maybe now, the question comes up... Where is this coming from?
The answer is this:
I've been working on building my photography business. I've been updating my website, assembling portfolios and samples, and meeting some fantastic people that you will see in my portfolios. I've been to a couple of seminars recently, and chatted with other photographers.

The first seminar, was presented by Sandy "Sam" Puc of Expressions Photography. I went with a friend, Miki DeVivo, of Pure Child Photography. It was so wonderful to listen to Sam, and learn from her. Her energy is contagious. She's candid, silly, and very real. Her devotion to giving back to the world is also heart melting.

The second seminar I went to was by wedding and event photographer David Ziser.

In a room of 300 people eagerly absorbing information from the veteran photographer in the front of the room, there seemed to be a little tension... Like racehorses in the starting gates, chomping at the bit. Who gets to use these new ideas first? Who gets that new client before their "competition"?

I sat back and watched.

...and listened.

This is what I heard the man at the front of the room say. My take away from the seminar was one concept.

"Focus on your differences."

In a world where anyone can go buy a really nice camera and print a handful of business cards and call himself a photographer, the key is doing something to make yourself stand apart from the crowd.

Yeah.

I like that.

So last night I was browsing my bookmarked photographer's sites, appreciating each one for the things that made them different. It's wonderful that clients have a choice! I had Kathryn Smith do maternity and newborn photos for both of my babies. Actually, the photo above the "blog" link is a photo of my kids! Her work is amazing, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for that style.

Another local photographer I spent some time browsing last night is Treasure the Time Photography by Sandi Bradshaw. Go see her work. Make sure you're sitting down. It's mind blowing. I was especially teary, (yes seriously) over her blog images with the girl and her horses on April 23rd.

I read recently that fine art photography is that which creates an emotional response in the viewer. Yeah, Sandi, Miki and Kathryn (among others!) all do that. Do I consider them to be my competition? Nope. I consider them to be sister artists that want to do the same thing that I'm doing. We express ourselves differently, we may attract different clients, but we want that emotional response.

So now that I have this down, I can return to my regularly scheduled pile of things to do, and get my pricing schedule compiled!