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Do you get inspired to see other people who’ve found their “thing” and developed true expertise? Rachel Clare is a family friend who we’ve watched refine her photography skills from good to great over the last few years. Now she’s making bank and a name for herself. She took the time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about how she learned these moneymaking skills.
1) Your photography is awesome. How long has it taken you to get to this point and, where did you learn those skills?
Rachel's response...
Thank you! I've dabbled in photography for years, starting in 1997 when I studied photography in college. However, it's just been in the past 2½ years that I've really come into my own and figured out what my own style is. I've participated in a couple of great workshops, but most of the skills I've acquired have simply come through lots of study, practice, and experimenting on my own.
2) How do you go about learning a new technique to improve your photography skills?
Rachel's response...
It's been very important to me not to try to be someone else, but to really have my own style and "look". That said, I will always be looking to master my craft in even more detail. When I come upon a skill I feel unable to master by myself, I'm not afraid to ask others for advice. I've been very blessed by getting to know some outstanding photographers in this industry who have been willing to share information with me, and who have become friends.
3) How much of what you know came from formal classes or schooling?
Rachel's response...
As I mentioned, I studied photography in college, but (this is going to date me) that was back in the days of film, where I focused on black & white landscapes. While I credit those years in teaching me technical things about camera settings and light (both of which are essential to understand), most of what I know has come from reading, having friends in this business (who were willing to share), and simply trying things out.
4) When did you make your first dollar as a photographer, and how did you feel?
Rachel's response...
I made my first dollar in September of 2007 and it felt like a million bucks! I remember getting my first $300 order and I was thrilled beyond words. In fact, making those first few meager sales was even more exciting than getting a $2000 order now, simply because it was the point where I realized that I could actually make money doing something I felt truly passionate about. What more could I ask for than to be able to do exactly what I wanted and make money doing it? It was completely liberating.
5) What else is on your "got to learn that" list?
Rachel's response...
Oh, there are so many things I want to learn to do! On my list: learning to play the guitar (and being coordinated enough to sing at the same time), taking surfing lessons, having my Grandmother teach me how to knit, learn how to refinish furniture, and I really want to be able to make the perfect Crème brûlée. (Among lots of other things!)
Recap
Some of the methods Rachel used to learn her expert photography skills (in case you didn’t pull them out from her answers up above) include:
- Lots of study
- Practice
- Experimenting
- Asking others for advice
- Making friends with those who can teach you
- College and workshops to learn the basics
- Reading
- Trying things out (experiment some more)
So whether it’s photography that’s your “thing” or not, you can use some of these same tactics to turn your passion and interests into expertise. Thanks again, Rachel, for taking time to share these thoughts. Be sure to check out Rachel’s work at her website, and follow her on Twitter.
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Friday, 12 March 2010