Limitations

In a world that has made so many advancements in communication it is easy to access what someone else is doing, saying, and thinking.  While this ease of access may be great for an “iron sharpens iron” mentality, it also shines light on what others are doing, saying, and thinking, that you are not.  It is almost first nature for me to observe what others are doing, focus on what I’m not doing, and therefore become more aware of where I fall short.  The photography business is saturated with photographers from every end of the spectrum.  Some provide careful insight, well thought out composition and a plethora of quality photographs that are simply timeless.  Some other photographers provide knock off ideas that can be seen almost anywhere.  The ideas are well executed; nevertheless, they are executed as a replica.  The majority of photographers are simply unaware of their limitations and therefore their work shows how limited they are.  When we are aware of our limitations we are better able to address them, and ultimately learn from them.  Turning your supposed limitation into a professed opportunity alters the perspective and ultimately dismantles the walls of limitation you place on yourself.

Earlier this year, I did a basic SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis of the business and discovered ways to strengthen my weaknesses and seize perceived opportunities.  What are some weaknesses that you feel are necessary to accomplish your dreams? Most importantly, what are reasonable and realistic ways you can capitalize on your opportunities? Whether you are a 35-year veteran photographer who has published photographs with National Geographic, or a novice who just purchased your first SLR camera, remain open-minded and continue to discover how you can continue forward movement with your craft.  As for now, it’s time for me to move forward with my weekly photography exercise!

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.

-Brendan Francis