Photography is more than just a fun hobby: it’s a gateway into an exciting new world of exploration. It’s a way to learn about the details of our world and craft meaningful stories around them.
Photographers need a lot of skills to be successful, from technical expertise to artistic vision and storytelling. But these five qualities are the most essential for aspiring photographers to have.
1. Creativity
Creativity is the ability to develop new ideas or utilize objects and information in novel ways. It can be used in large-scale projects that have the potential to change the world, like inventing tools that improve people’s lives, or smaller acts of creativity, such as figuring out how to take a photo that captures the essence of an event.
It has been argued that some people are inherently more creative than others. However, recent studies have shown that creativity is not an innate talent but rather a skill that can be learned and improved through consistent practice. The most successful artists often follow their own vision and create work that reflects their unique perspective. They may also be willing to take risks and make decisions that are not always popular with the masses, but they know they are creating something that is valuable to a small group of people who intensely enjoy their work.
There are three main types of creativity: Exploratory, Transformational, and Combinational. While exploring creativity involves thinking about new concepts and problem-solving, transformational creativity focuses on changing existing rules and perspectives including one’s own, while combinational creativity is the ability to combine elements from different sources. Creativity can be cultivated through a variety of means, including having more varied experiences, taking breaks while solving problems, trying out new activities, recording thoughts and ideas, questioning existing rules and perspectives, and practicing self-reflection.
The ability to be creative is an important photography skill to have, as it allows photographers to find unique ways to capture their subjects. By effectively demonstrating these skills in your portfolio and during interviews, you can set yourself apart from the competition.
2. Patience
Patience is the ability to endure difficult circumstances with calmness. It involves putting aside short-term emotions and thinking about the long term, which can be challenging in an on-demand society where we want everything right away. Patience is also a skill that requires active participation, so it may take some practice to learn how to be patient with your own self, or with others.
Patience has long been considered a virtue, and research shows that it benefits health. People who are more patient don’t need instant gratification, are less likely to ruminate or experience anxiety, and have better heart health. They are also more satisfied when they achieve their goals, explains study author Schnitker.
There are many situations that can test a person’s patience, from everyday frustrations (flight delays, traffic jams, or being on hold for 45 minutes) to more serious challenges like dealing with systemic racism, or chronic illness. The more we practice patience, the easier it becomes to deal with these daily stresses. However, it’s important to be mindful of the difference between patience and tolerance, as the latter refers to an internal response while patience is the capacity to tolerate provocation without expressing anger or disrespect.
A good way to develop your patience is by trying to slow down and wait calmly for something you’re excited about. It could be as simple as waiting for a pie to cool, or it can be more complicated, such as reading a book with dull parts that will lead to the exciting end. Alternatively, you could try practicing mindfulness, which requires that you be fully present in the moment. Another way to increase your patience is by putting away your phone or other devices for set periods of time each day, which will help you slow down and learn how to enjoy the small things in life.
3. Communication
Aside from artistic and technical skills, photographers also need to be able to communicate effectively. These skills can be used to build relationships with clients, promote a business or brand, and create a strong portfolio. These communication skills are also known as soft skills, and can help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or starting your own photography business. Highlighting your communication skills on your resume, in your cover letter and during the interview can help you get noticed by potential employers.
Be sure to provide examples of how you’ve applied these skills in professional settings. This will prove that you are a well-rounded photographer who can be successful in the field.
4. Adaptability
Adaptability is the ability to change or adjust quickly and easily to a new environment, situation or task. It is an important skill for anyone to have in the workplace, as it allows them to be prepared for anything that comes their way and it helps them stay relevant in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Being able to think outside the box and finding creative solutions to problems is another aspect of being adaptable. Having the ability to try different approaches and experiment with ideas can help you find ways to solve issues that may be causing problems at work. It is also beneficial to have the ability to listen to other people’s perspectives and understand that there are multiple ways to approach a problem.
You can develop your adaptability by stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new challenges that will force you to learn new skills and change your routine. It is also beneficial to keep up with changes in your industry, such as new technology or processes that could improve the way you work. You can do this by signing up for industry newsletters, following thought leaders on social media or attending professional development workshops.
Some people struggle with being adaptable, as they can get stuck in a particular mindset and it is difficult to break out of that cycle. Working on your flexibility and adaptability can help you be a more valuable employee and a happier person. Some of the main obstacles to adaptability include black and white thinking, being stubborn or disgruntled with a situation. You can overcome these obstacles by practicing being more flexible and working on your adaptability with the help of a mentor or coach.
5. Passion
One of the most important aspects of passion is that it helps you to keep learning and staying interested in your work. It also gives you the motivation to take risks and do things that might not be immediately rewarding. In addition, passionate people often have a strong sense of moral values and believe in doing the right thing. It is important to find a balance between following your passion and taking care of other obligations, such as family or work.
Finding a passion requires careful thought and consideration, and it may take some time to identify your interests and what motivates you. You might start by reviewing your past experiences and thinking about what made you happy as a child or young adult. For example, you might have found that you liked putting puzzles together or tinkering with mechanical devices. You might also have noticed that you had a strong interest in social issues and wanted to help others.
Once you have identified your passions, you can begin to explore how to turn them into a career or profession. This may involve studying your passion at university or finding a way to make a career out of it, such as starting a blog or social media account about the subject. It could also mean volunteering for a cause you care about or creating an organization that supports your interests.
Finding and living your passions can be difficult, but it is worth the effort. The rewards will be great, and you will enjoy the satisfaction of doing something you love. Some people even claim that when they live their passions, they no longer need a work-life balance and can enjoy both.
