Too Old to Be A Photographer?
February 9, 2022 / /
I often feel out of place in the portrait photography field.
Am I too old? Should I show my face more like the younger photographers do? Should I wear a cool floppy hat? Hold a coffee mug? Should my kids be in my stories? Do I have to do TikTok? Should my photos be more glowy? Is that a word? What if I don’t have a studio? Am I doing this right?
And then I talk some sense into myself and realize comparison will never get me anywhere.
I ask myself – what do I KNOW?
I know I have a camera in my hands for a reason. My 48 years have given me perspective, wisdom, and skill. I know how to get a teenage boy to smile. I can capture a hug between young brothers and sisters holding hands. I know the moment to get down on my belly and click some fantastic crisscross applesauce shots. I can help women my age feel comfortable getting headshots. I know the moment to be silent and let emotion speak for the moment. With my background in teaching English and managing a magazine, I know I can tell a story.
And I know enough to know that I am still growing. Still working at becoming who I am meant to be. Not perfect. Not young anymore. But beautifully made for this life I live now.
If you’d like me to tell your story, I’d love to chat. Send me an email or a message – or even give me a call!
Posted in Portraits
As a fellow older person I will quote what the kids are saying now. “Just do you.” I have seen some photographers around our age try Tick Tock and it did not go well. You said it when talked about not comparing yourself to other photographers. Nothing good comes of that. You make amazing images so just keep doing what you are doing.
Thank you, Dave! That means a lot. But wait, you don’t see me as the next TikTok star? LOL