Real World: Lotusland

[wlotus]

On Saturday I bought Rohn Engh's book Sell & Re-Sell Your Photos. He gives detailed instructions on what works for him as an editorial stock photographer, based on his experience and understanding of the industry.

I have a lot to learn. The sheer amount of information is overwhelming. None of it, not even his idea of composition for a marketable stock photo comes naturally to me. It is all new to me and must be learned from scratch.

Here is where the rubber meets the road: do I give up because there is a steep learning curve--the business details alone dumbfounded me on my first reading--or do I dive into it, even while acknowledging my frustration and fear?

I dive into it, of course! Not all rightnowthissecond; that is neither necessary nor possible. I go one step at a time for as long as I need to learn and implement what applies to me. The end result will be a new body of knowledge, which means more opportunities for me in the future. It is possible to make a living at it, but it will require significant work, not just mere instinct.

That may not be sexy, but it is reality, and facing reality (for better or worse) is what I have always been about.

Comments

[acoustics1220.livejournal.com]

It's reality, but ooo, the knowledge you'll gain! How exciting! (though headache inducing now, I'd guess) I'd say good luck, but I think you'll get this, luck or no luck. You've got perseverance. *claps*

[sixfiftytwo.livejournal.com]

I feel this way about learning new things.

I think, "Man, had I just focused on this two years ago, with some concentration and fervor, think how awesome I'd be at it now..."

Considering where you are starting, I think you're going to catch on fast. Time to choose a new obsession and decide to be obsessed with it. You have nothing to fear, except overwhelming success!

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

I don't think so much about where I could be (though that thought crosses my mind) had I started earlier. I think more about how much there is to learn on top of all that I have already learned *sigh angst* and wonder when it will get easier. :-)

[rockbirthedme.livejournal.com]

Huh. I think watching people learn totally new and strange things *is* sexy, but then, my tastes are known to be a little weird.

[wlotus.livejournal.com]

We appreciate your strangeness, here. :-D