Shuttershock asked me for my best work. They said that 10 photos would do. And I knew if I wanted to be considered as a potential ‘micro-stock image contributor’ those photos had to be REALLY good. This was a moment I'd avoided for years because it was the fear of rejection that stopped me in my tracks. I never thought I was good enough.But this time was different.
This time I was ready.
I decided to embrace my imperfections and I submitted the photos with full knowledge that my stuff isn't perfect and it could be rejected.
My goal for this 'Shuttershock' experiment
1. Become a better photographer
2. Creatively express myself
3. Share beautiful images with the world
Whether Shuttershock accepts my work or not I can do 2 out of 3. When I choose to embrace my own imperfections I'm also choosing to have the courage to become better no matter what. And so I have started on a new path of personal development.
Here's what I'm doing to help erase my limiting beliefs and silence that annoying 'can't do' voice.
1) Start doing the thing that scares you but mentally label it as 'experiment'. Putting the label of 'experiment' on anything automatically opens our mind to new possibilities. The word experiment is fun and invites images of mad scientists in underground laboratories. There isn't any pressure with experimentation. It's all a process of trial and error. Experiment says that things can be fun and that projects can be playful and executed for the sheer pleasure of satisfying curiosity. Looking at challenges from an experimental perspective will help you become curious and ask “What if I did....this?” Think of it as a different ‘fun-ified’ version of the real thing.
2) Record the results. You've got something to show for your efforts so document it in a notebook or blog. Take a photo. Record a video. Draw a picture. Write it down and date it. Reference this when you feel like procrastinating. The effect will surprise you in a positive way. I’m doing this with my music here.
3) Tweak it until you get the results your after. Now that you have something to tweak, move forward with refinement. I've received 1 rejection from Shuttershock already (man these guys are strict) Now I have the opportunity to participate in their online forums and ask other photographers to critique my\ shots. I call it my ‘Critique and Tweak’ strategy. You've got something to mold, break down and refine into something you are really happy with. Welcome the process of development for yourself and your craft.
4) Create new empowering beliefs. “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right” –Henry Ford
We must believe that we are capable of achievement, worthy of admiration, and deserving of praise and recognition. Now one is perfect and we are united in our differences. That being said it's up to YOU to make the change.
The only thing I considered while selecting my best work for Shuttershock was whether I thought it was good or not. This was a huge thing for me to accept.
5) Experiment more. “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve”- Napoleon Hill
Often times we don't take the chance because it isn't practical or it doesn't make sense or it's not the perfect time. We can be closed the possibility of creating something new for the first time. I assume things about myself that aren't true-like my not being a good photographer. Who cares if it's true or not, what matters is what I believe is true. The only way to get good is to fail bunch first and learn from your mistakes.
6) Stop wasting time. The perfect time for starting ANYTHING doesn't exist. It's not ever perfect. I spent so much time thinking about how sucky my photography was. I worried about the balance and the composition and the lighting. I worried about that more than the actual submission process We can always conceive a reason why we shouldn't do something or start something. Start it now and stop wasting time.
The task at hand may be hard but I’m going to give it a mighty strong effort or I’m not going to do it at all. I'm slowly embracing the process of experimentation. And it's beautiful.
My strategy
1. Create more opportunities to take photos. That means more time devoted to shooting. I’ll need to grab some more SD Cards.
2. Be patient. A lot of the photos I'll take will suck. And I'm beginning to accept my own imperfections. But I also know that I need to take LOTS and LOTS of shots to get the 2 or 3 quality images I'm after.
3. Be persistent. I've submitted photos to Shuttershock before and have been rejected. The thing is, they only let you submit 10 photos per month. My plan is to have a batch of 10 images ready to submit each month until I make it work.
To Wrap it All Up
It will be interesting to see how my photography develops. My new approach is a playful twist on 'baptism by fire'. During which I mock my own nervousness and shrug off bad results-then I create better ones. It’s an aggressive self improvement regimen which I intend to master.
The other day I was experimenting with some of my photos of the White Mountains. I tweaked a couple of ones I thought were really good and was able to assemble a small collection of favorites. I didn't know that I would end up submitting anything to Shuttershock in the first place. It will be interesting to see how this experiment unfolds.