Every single day of the week, young photographers email me, tweet me, fax me, send me snail mail or call me to ask how to get started as a professional photographer. Their stories are usually quite similar. When pressed, they usually say that they are waiting on a good logo, a new business card, a updated-release of their favorite photo software or the holy grail – a new camera or lens.
Whatever their excuse for not getting started on their journey to becoming a professional photographer, it’s just that – an excuse. It’s much, much, much easier to blame your lack of this or that for not succeeding than it is to simply go out there and try.
I’ve talked about this problem in many ways, but I was inspired to use today’s headline on this post by a young man I have long admired. C.C. Chapman is a consultant, motivational speaker and social media guru as well as a big fan of photography. I became aware of him years ago because of his work as a podcaster. Since I’ve done a fair bit of podcasting myself, it wasn’t unexpected that our paths would cross.
He’s co-written a great book called Content Rules
The book hasn’t gotten much attention in the photo community because it’s not aimed directly at photographers, but I’ll tell you this – every single GoingPro reader should read “Content Rules.” There are tons of lessons there that emerging photographers can benefit from.
If you can’t afford the $15 I’ll sum up the book (from and for the perspective of a professional photographer) as best I can in one sentence. Make your photo business about helping people and start doing that right this minute – start making stuff and putting it out there right now without thought or concern about it being perfect.
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This post sponsored by Adorama – More than a camera store
January 25th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Nike is right on again…
Just go out there and create the best content you can in your backyard.
January 25th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
C.C. is a great friend and mentor – I find myself re-reading and dipping into Content Rules for inspiration every month. He’s also been my biggest motivator and supporter in terms of photography – he makes amazing photos and is a passionate member of that community.
January 25th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Thank you, will read! I need this kind of inspiration to move forward. I have ideas, ideas and more ideas on my mind on how to do things but always find a “reason” to not go throught with it. Will def read!
January 25th, 2012 at 10:13 pm
The only way to do it, is to do it.
Helping others in whatever way is always the only way forward.
January 26th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
Thank you so much for these kind words and encouraging photographers to read the book.
When Ann and I wrote this we hoped it would connect with anyone who create and as a photographer myself I hoped it would resonate with the community.
SO happy that you enjoyed it and found it valuable enough to share.
January 26th, 2012 at 3:45 pm
It absolutely resonated with me, and cannot thank you enough for the suggestions and words of encouragement. Fear of the unknown. That is what holds me, and quite possibly many other, back from taking the plunge, the leap or whatever movement towards being successful. I happened to fall upon your website, this morning, and I have gotten something out of every single article I’ve read. THANK YOU for being here for all of us.
January 26th, 2012 at 6:55 pm
Scott, Just started my photography business in December, wanted to thank you and Skip for all the helpful information on the podcasts and in the book. Thanks