How Curiosity helped me overcome fear and start my photo business.
Starting my own photography business felt intimidating for a variety of reasons.
Firstly, my shyness, which has been with me since childhood, made it difficult to envision confidently interacting with strangers and directing them during photo shoots. Even as a student observing wedding photographers from a distance, I struggled to imagine myself connecting with strangers.
Secondly, my classic background in art, acquired through university studies, left me completely unprepared for the business side of things. While I had accumulated a wealth of knowledge in my art, I lacked any understanding of how to navigate the complexities of the business world. This uncertainty made it challenging to know where to begin and what exactly running a business involved.
Additionally, I faced a challenge due to my limited financial resources. I had to decide whether to invest in attending masterclasses by renowned photographers or purchase photography equipment. I chose to invest in my first set of photographic gear. However, even after acquiring it, I still doubted whether my equipment was good enough to continue practicing my photography skills.
Moreover, I hesitated to share my photos online because I feared they wouldn’t meet “the standard.”
As I ventured into my photography career, I faced new fears. One of them was the anxiety of communicating with clients over the phone. The unfamiliarity of the situation and the anticipation of a positive response made every call a nerve-wracking experience. Similarly, when meeting my first clients in person, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Despite my enthusiasm, I was aware of my modest portfolio and hoped to impress them with my ideas and location suggestions.
How Curiosity Helped Me Overcome Fear And Start My Photo Business
Looking back at the multitude of fears I’ve described, I realize there were plenty of reasons just to give up and walk away.
My curiosity about the possibilities ahead, fueled by staying committed to my passion and continuous improvement, kept me moving forward. I began by refining my mindset and photography skills, gradually building my photography business. By embracing curiosity, I expanded my skills, broadened my horizons, and ultimately laid the foundation for a successful photography business. Curiosity drove me to take risks, try new things, and eventually find fulfillment in pursuing my dreams.
Ultimately, I reached a profound realization: I couldn’t ignore the happiness and fulfillment photography brought into my life—it became an essential part of my identity.
This understanding gave me the courage to confront my fears head-on and actively work to overcome them. I accepted that feeling fearful is a natural part of life, but I refused to let it dominate my thoughts. Instead, I made a conscious effort every day to focus on the positive aspects of life, work, and creativity, pushing forward with determination.
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say: Embrace your fears and doubts, but don’t let them hold you back from pursuing what truly brings you joy. Recognize that it’s okay to feel fear, but it’s essential to push through and focus on the positive aspects of your passion. Dedication, persistence, and a willingness to confront your fears can turn your dreams into reality. Trust yourself and your abilities, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.
CURIOSITY
Get ready to be inspired as I open up about my personal journey to self-confidence. Through the pages of this book, I share how curiosity, creativity, courage, and solo travels became my guiding lights, helping me navigate challenges and embrace my true self.
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