spacecadetjess: Feelings of inadequacy. I haz...

Feelings of inadequacy. I haz them.

Looking at all these AMAZING photographs from Katsucon, I’m just slowly wallowing and retreating at the awesomeness and thinking “I will never be this good.”

My brain doesn’t even function to think of some of the shots that I’m seeing. I’m retreating back into my ‘worthlessness’ shell until I can get a camera and a model in front of my face, I guess.

Dude, I have been there- I am still there! I see photographers I admire and look at their work and wonder why I never think the way they do, or how come I never tried that shot, or just sit and spazz because it’s So Beautiful and So Epic and I feel I can’t compare. And that feeling was pretty much ALL THE TIME when I started out - I was photographing for 2 or 3 years before I started being okay or even occasionally proud of my work.

You’ll improve as you work - and you’ll like your own work more as you go! Don’t compare yourself too closely to others, even from the same event. Instead look at how they used the same space and sometimes the same cosplayer, and if you like what they did, make a note of it to try for next con!

Another thing - and something it took me a while to figure out myself - All my very favourite photographers? The ones who do more than just single standout photos I like, but consistently give Fantastic Work every time I look through their galleries?

They’re all full time photographers, either as hobbyists or professionals. They’re always taking photos, they’re always learning and researching. It’s a full passion, instead of a sometimes hobby - and it shows in their work. Those are the photogs I will admire, but have stopped comparing myself to or aspiring to be. They want it more than I do, and they’re working for it - I won’t ever reach their level unless I’m willing to put the same dedication and energy and money towards the hobby, and I just have too many irons in the fire to do it. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to be the best i can be in the niche I’ve created for myself - but it does mean that I won’t ever catch up to them, because they’ll always be a few steps ahead of me. And that’s okay! Well, eventually okay. I spent a long while terrified no one would ever like my photos compared to everyone else’s. That takes time to work around.

In short - don’t look at other people’s work and feel inadequate. Look at your own work. if you’ve improved from last con? you’re on the right track, and keep going. That will get you where you want to be!