Believing there is only one right way to be a professional photographer is a total lie! 

I wish I had learned earlier in my career that there is more then one way to do EVERYTHING! There is no Right way that things have to be done. This applies to so many aspects of life.  I use to worry about how a professional would do it, and be so insecure about what I was actually doing. Now, while I very strongly believe in the saying “Know the rules so you can break the rules” I want to know who makes these rules? Is it society? Is it the government? :)

I think I’ve figured out its the teachers, the Masters that have come before us. The great artist from centuries ago figured out what was most pleasing to the eye, and these basic principles just don't really change. Trends come and go, but there are some basics that always stick around. Some examples: Lighting patterns, there’s only so many ways that a subject can be lit. Composition & the rule of thirds, placing your subject in the right position to draw the eye to it first, just cant be changed, but which ones are trending can. Which can be up for debate among some Masters.

Being self taught I like to stick to the basics, and try to stay away from trends, some are very tempting.  I have always relied heavily on these teachers, countless online courses, in person conferences and working with my peers has taught me the greatest lie I ever believed is just not true. Nobody does it the same way! Nobody! Like I said above there are basic principles, but everyone puts their personal touch on them. And that is what makes us great! Our own personal approach is how we create art, it is a physical representation of how we interpret everything we have been taught. Which is exactly why I hope to never stop learning. Do I know all of the rules? No. Do understand most of them? I think so. Will I ever know all of them? I hope not. I love that I get to spend my time learning and practicing something that brings me so much joy. I love that it also brings others joy. I love that generations after my time here will still be enjoying moments that I have had the honor of documenting.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts here, If you are in the market for a Photographer please reach out below!