Who are you going out of your way striving to please? So many of us have fallen into the trap of comparing ourselves to other people and in my case, other photographers. We are surrounded by other people to compare ourselves to daily via Facebook, magazines, and TV. We have the opportunity to view the artistic and photographic work of thousands of photographers from all over the world simply by "liking" their fan pages on Facebook! So, here are some tips that I remind myself of daily to help me overlook striving to please others.



Reflect on yourself and don't ever settle. Stop for a minute and evaluate yourself and where you are at. Don't look at where someone else is at and kill yourself trying to get there. It'll never work. Each person is at a different place for a reason. With this being said, don't settle where you're at. Strive to move forward, but only do it for yourself.


Constructive Criticism. Ask for constructive criticism, but make sure you're ready to hear it. What is the point of asking if you're going to take offense to the criticism received? Don't make excuses for your mistakes, but rather take the advice given and run with it! It's the only way you're going to move forward!

Do what is best for you and what makes you happy. Stop floating around and trying to implement other's business and photographic techniques into your business. Sure, we can all learn from each other and some things that work for me may work for you too, but don't strive to be someone else's business.
Be your own.


It's your dream. Follow it. Remember that this is your dream. Don't try to follow someone else's dream or you will never succeed and you will become worn out.



I hope this helps to encourage you in your journey and not falling into the trap of striving to please others!