So here it is folks…one of secrets I’ve learned in being successful: consistency is key.
Many people ask me how I’ve gotten so many “commercial” jobs as I have. Honestly, I wish I had more…but all that will come as my plan to take over the world unfolds.
I attribute a lot to God, honestly. Being a faithful dude (albeit, not as faithful as I should be sometimes…but faithful nonetheless…), I can wholeheartedly say that without a doubt, God is THE key factor in my success…because if it wasn’t for the gifts and abilities He’s given me, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. It’s that simple.
But I think fundamentally, it all comes down to being consistent.
You see, there are many-a-photographer out there doing their thing…and getting it done. We are a dime a dozen, my friends…so what sets me apart from anyone else who’s out there making pretty pictures?
Consistency.
Even if you consistently rock or consistently suck, at least you are consistent about it. Although, it IS better if you don’t consistently suck…but if you do, you know where you stand, right? And trust me, we ALL have consistently sucked at some point…sometimes, I still do. :)
I learned early on that being consistent was important…all the way from the basics, which would be a single photo shoot. Early on, when we all picked up a camera, we probably put the camera on automatic. We let the camera tell US what the white balance should be, what the shutter speed and aperture should be, what the focus should be…and that’s great, if things never changed…but camera’s aren’t smart enough to detect and make those subtle changes that us human beings are able to do. So what happens? You get all kinds of different pictures…some over exposed, some under exposed…some warmer, some cooler. We sometimes get that ONE shot that’s just right…but maybe only one out of every ten shots we take. Remember I told you I try to teach myself something new at every shoot? Well, on that particular day, I taught myself a couple of things; but one of those things was learning how to consistently make pretty pictures. To make sure that ten out of ten shots were great. I still try to do it, even if I’m not always successful.
But I think that’s the mark of a professional: making pretty pictures consistently. You see, there are hundreds of us that can take a decent shot…you look at people’s portfolios and pictures every day and they are chock full of lots of great shots. But are all of them great?
I’ve learned it’s SO important to have your portfolio be a reflection of you and what you are currently doing. Sure, you may have a great picture in your portfolio that you think is awesome…but is it really awesome? Is it a true representation of your work and what you can currently provide for your client? These are the questions that you need to ask yourself and you really need to evaluate whether or not a particular image is really doing you justice.
The bottom line is when a potential client or model looks in your portfolio, what are they seeing? Consistency is what tells people you can hit that mark every time you shoot. When a client asks you for a particular shot, can you deliver that shot every time? If the answer is “yes,” 9 times out of 10, you will get the job over someone whose portfolio shows great images, but lacks consistency.
When you put yourself out there for the world to see, make sure it’s something true to you and that it’s something polished and pretty…and when you execute, make it a goal to consistently rock with every single shot.
I recently switched from an old heavy Gitzo to a super light carbon fiber Manfrotto 190CX tripod and I find I’m using it much more often now. I don’t worry about the coolness factor ’cause I’m old (just made 42 – eek) and married. ;-)
Another alternative to the tripod is a monopod – granted it’s not as stable as a tripod, but it does give you a little more freedom to change up your angle quickly. It helps to steady it if you stick the foot of the monopod inside your shoe and brace it against the side of your foot.