Fujifilm X-E2, 18-55mm, ISO 500, ƒ/14, 1/500 |
Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S, Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/160 |
Nikon D4, 14-24mm, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/500 |
Nikon D4, 28-300mm, ISO 800, ƒ/9, 1.3 sec |
Take a moment and look around you and be realistic. What are some places where you see the potential for growth that the community needs–not just what you want to do? Then, bounce these ideas off a few people for their perspective and listen.
What is missing in the portfolio?
Once you have an idea of some things you want to pursue, take a moment and review your portfolio. Does your portfolio show you have done what you want to propose to clients and potential customers?
Find the personal project.
Take the time to create a portfolio of work and specifically show what you can do if given a chance. Very few clients, if any, will provide you with the opportunity to shoot something for them that you haven’t done before. So go and create a work package showing what you can produce. A couple of things happen once you have made a package that will be in your portfolio that offers all you can do. First, you may get people’s attention to want you to do this for them. Since you have done this before, they may give you more creative control since they haven’t managed a project like this before.
Create a plan and timeline
Once you have an idea, then execute the idea. You need to get that unique project on the calendar now, not in a couple of months, or you are losing time to show clients. Find a way that you can execute your creative concept efficiently. Try and minimize all the variables that you will not have control over. For example, you may want to shoot something in your hometown or backyard instead of traveling worldwide.
Make 2015 a Remarkable Year!
This time next year, you want to be able to say that you did something new and different this year to stretch and grow.