« Here are the rules:
1. Have talent. (Talent is not when your friends tell you they love your work, but when people who don’t like you have to admit it’s good.)
2. Understand how the world works. (Not just globally, but on a macro level. Understand what people need and don’t need. Understand when to approach people and when not to. Develop social skills.)
3. Choose good friends. (There’s nothing like an effective network.)
4. Be modern. (Don’t do anything that looks like it’s someone else’s work. Stay on top of technology. Engage on multiple platforms.)«
I especially liked a comment left by
« Being in this business for more than 20 years I can tell you that talent has less to do with it than you would think. You often see untalented people at the top and then wonder why they are. It’s all about who you know! Plain and simple your connections, friends, colleagues, etc are the ones who get you jobs or get you connected to the right people. One job, one connection, one image could put you in the right place to take you to the top. »
I totally agree. Some people are just there because of their quality to use the talent of others! Though it’s comforting to think otherwise, talent is not the only factor. The Network has a strong influence on one’s career and can get you further than talent alone. There are great photographers out there that don’t always get the opportunities that their talent should grant them. On the other hand, doors open up sometimes to the lucky. I guess it’s all a mixture of talent and a whole lotta luck! Now that’s Business of Photography 101 for you!
