I feel like I’m not built for this photography thing.

An Agony Agent submission.

As some of you know, I love giving advice. This is an ongoing series titled ‘Agony Agent’ where I give you advice on any creative/ industry problem you may have. You will find a link to submit your own on the homepage- look forward to reading them.

“I feel like I’m not built for this photography thing, where I live the creative field is very small and super tight knit and everyone knows each other already and although they seem like they’re welcoming I’m finding it hard connecting with them and it seems like everyone has already found their group. I apply for opportunities and stuff, only to learn you usually have to know someone to get that opportunity. I’m not as outgoing as everyone else and going out and meeting and introducing myself to people doesn’t come naturally to me even though I want it to be. I want to become a fashion / portrait photographer, but it just seems really hard for me break in and actually get anywhere or even find opportunities.”

Matsuda Tadao’s portraits of Japanese construction workers

I’m gonna hold your hand when I say this- you need to step out of your comfort zone. All of the above yes, is scary and hard and tricky, but everyone has had to do it to get to where they want to go. They have had to attend networking events, where they have had to walk up to a stranger and talk to them. They have had to cold email a creative to ask if they want to collaborate. They have applied for opportunities with people they don’t know, just to make sure they are on their radar. It’s scary, but you can only get better by doing it.

I do understand that the creative industry feels like it is full of intensely confident people, who are thriving. And if you are someone who is more reserved I can understand the fear, it feels unnatural. But you don’t need to do it all at once. It can take time. So take it in baby steps and all the while focus on what photography is about: photographing. Make sure to be shooting, pushing your personal work, building your skills. Because when you do that, you will naturally only be boosting your confidence in yourself and your abilities- so that when you enter one of the above situations, you can feel that tad more secure knowing that you are great at what you do.

But if you don’t like networking events, start with a 1:1 coffee with a creative you want to build a connection with- if that is too much, drop them a follow and a dm, just as a starting point until you feel brave. When you apply for opportunities and don’t get them, tell them to keep you on their books or ask them if they have anything in the pipeline they may need your assistance on in the future.

Being outgoing is one thing, but being brave is another. You don’t need to change who you are, but realise that you don’t need to do these things like everyone else. You don’t need to go to a networking event and talk to every person, you only need to make a connection with one. You don’t need to be in with a group, you can a few singular friends. Make the industry adapt to you, not the other way round.

Matsuda Tadao’s portraits of Japanese construction workers

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, if you are wanting to submit your own qualm or issue anonymously for our Agony Agent segment you can do so here.

View our previous Agony Agent submissions below: