Why I Share My Photographer Secrets With You

My last blog post The 2 Things You Need To Be A Pro Photographer prompted a lot of wonderful feedback. I was getting messages thanking me for sharing insights that many felt were insider secrets. First of all, thank you to everyone who left me those kind words and for everyone reading my articles. Those messages mean so much to me. It’s gratifying to know that my little corner of the internet is being put to some use.

The comments got me thinking about why I share these so-called insider secrets so openly (I wrote ‘so-called’ because I didn’t know they were secrets!). My immediate thought was that I share my tips on lighting, styling, and my creative process because I see so many of you struggling to create better photos yourselves. I want to help! Giving back to the creative community has always been a priority for me because of all that this community has given to me. But I’m not without my own selfish reasons too.

We Rise By Lifting Others

Have you ever heard the quote “We rise by lifting others” by Robert G. Ingersoll? I love this idea because it means we can all rise up by helping each other. We can all be successful without bringing anyone else down.  Do you know what giving away my so-called secrets gives me (other than the warm and fuzzies)? It builds me a better industry, one that’s built on collaboration, support, and positivity. It contributes to bettering the quality of creative content everywhere. Upping the quality in content creation means that I can’t rest my hat on what I shot yesterday. I have to push myself to improve as a creative in order to keep up with the rising standard. Making all of you better forces me to stay on top of my game too.

I Want To Go Far

All this brings to mind another great saying, in this case an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I want to go far. So I’m going to need your help. It’s only fair that I help you too.

• C xx