Remaining an Image-Maker, Not an Image-Taker
[by Kristyna Archer]
At SB3, Colleen Wainwright gave a keynote speech in which she drew a clear line between marketing success and being specific, useful, nice and awesome. Ironically, I’d already noticed that everyone there was unusually nice and useful. Her speech rang so true with this community. It’s refreshing that ASMP understands the importance of collaboration. Like in Judy Herrmann’s “Breaking Into the Biz” workshop, she uses the quote, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.”
If I had to choose just one ‘a-ha moment,’ the winner would be a candid side conversation with Gail Mooney. Mooney was explaining an experience she had when she was fresh out of school and showing her book to Jay Maisel. She had strayed from what she really wanted to photograph because she listened to too many killjoys. Maisel called her out on it and threw her book across the studio, saying, “You’re 25 and you are already making compromises!” Mooney never looked back.
That conversation made me realize how clouded my mind has become from the abundance of warnings, cautious advice and roadblocks I’ve encountered, to the point where I’ve started to value my colleagues’ opinions as more valid than what I am truly passionate about. I was slowly drifting from what I used to call a dream to calling it work, and Mooney’s story slapped me back into balance. I’m going to remain in the school of thought that believes truly creative and innovative work will eventually get noticed after consistency and persistence, even when you are up against all odds. Failing and learning from it sounds much more appealing than not even embarking on that journey. Perhaps I’m a bit of a Romantic, but I could never be happy with myself if I became a soulless photographer who never takes creative risks.
Kristyna Archer attended SB3 Chicago. You can find her work at www.kristynaarcher.com, and follow her blog at www.kristynaarcher.tumblr.com.
5 Responses to 'Remaining an Image-Maker, Not an Image-Taker'
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Wonderful Posting…………….Thank you……….
Very well stated and thanks for reminding me too!
Kristyna,
You made my day. And Jay if you happen to be reading this – you continue to pay it forward.
Gail
What a great message, thank you so much for the inspiration
Such truth, indeed.
I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you !!!