SLOW? - Part 1

The word "SLOW" comes up often in many conversations lately.  "Are others slow?", "I am slow!", "I wish I was slow!", etc...

So among many things - I want to tackle this WORD head on. So I have 2 thoughts for those of you who can relate to the first 2 comments mentioned (which I have decided to break up into 2 blog postings).  The first element is taking advantage of this SLOW time to do something creative.  The second part will be about using the other part of your SLOW time to your advantage and getting out there. 

So let's back it up...you are slow.  So I sit in front of my inbox and respond to 125 emails - 3 hours later - what did I really get done?  Again, I sit in front of my inbox again and respond to 75 emails - 3 hours later - what did I really get done?  I would say 10% of what I really send is heavy WORK related, the other 90% is social and plain old free advice.  So I understand the nature of the beast - but I think it's time to TURN OFF THE COMPUTER and pick back up that camera and SHOOT DAMN IT!  (Can you hear my tone - I am laughing at myself as I typed that).  But seriously...you got into this business to make imagery and why are you waiting for that job to come in to make new pictures? 

I once sat on a panel with Corey Rich and I heard him say in so many words "Just shoot it and they will come".  Well I disagreed with him at that moment and the marketing consultant in me still says "shoot it and then market the hell out of it" - we ain't no field of dreams, ya hear me? (that's my auntie em voice)   But I really want to go back and say there is TRUTH to what he said and it has actually inspired me years later...so THANKS COREY! 

I have had many clients lately who I have FORCED to create new art work.  I have also done this with my co-consultant and friend Suzanne Sease with our co-clients.  It's amazing what you get when you kick some photographer tush.  And the work I have to say is usually 9 times out of 10 - AMAZING!  So why aren't we creating more work?  Are you scared of the cost of things?  Are you scared to leave your monitor alone for more than 5 minutes?  Be creative - like you did in the old days.  Shoot something for free or just for fun.  I know that concept might be so foriegn these days - but try and remember what it was like to shoot for the hell of it. (and remember your iPhone does travel)

OKAY - so I have covered part 1.  SHOOT.  Why?  I may have missed the "WHY" part along the way.  SHOOT because you have time, because you need to be inspired, because you need new work to show, because you saw a funny moment, because I am telling you to, because you are reading this blog and it tells me you aren't shooting right now and YOU SHOULD BE! 

Here's my challenge for you - SHOOT!  Do it for yourself. And if you need some deadline or real butt kicking (like we all do) - here's the REAL CHALLENGE - you have 1 week to make 1 NEW amazing shot - DUE BY NEXT FRIDAY. Email me at: amanda@sosastone.com.  In return - I will pick my favorite image and I will be happy to give ONE free hour of consulting to that individual.  For the other runner ups (you know what that means) - the REAL reward is YOU MADE a NEW SHOT and in the end that is all that really matters.

NOW GO!

Comments

[priscilla gragg]

cool! i am in : )

[priscilla gragg]

and i am telling everyone : )