Beginner: “A person just starting to learn a skill or take part in an activity.” Novice: “A person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation.” Neophyte: “a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief.” According to these definitions found in the Oxford Dictionaries, I could use any of these words to describe myself at this moment.
“The expert at anything was once a beginner.” ― Helen Hayes
Everyone has to start somewhere, right? A master in her field doesn’t become a master without hours and years of practice. She had to log that first hour to start on her path. If all experts were once beginners, why does that word sometimes make many of us feel inadequate?
I think we waste our energy comparing ourselves to others and pass up potentially amazing opportunities out of fear of not being good enough. Add to that concern one’s age (whether young or old), lack of experience and family situations, and it’s surprising that anyone ever tries anything new. In a letter of encouragement, Abraham Lincoln once wrote: “Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed.”
When I decided to be a photographer, I struggled with the decision. Have you ever wanted to follow a dream but thought it was impossible because it was just a dream? I was plagued with self-doubt. Of course I compared myself to other photographers who have been in this field for 10+ years. It has been hard to remember that one day they were at the exact place I am now.
The worry about competition is a challenge to overcome. However, there is always room for someone new in any industry. Many of us have a unique quality that is reflected in our work, and often there are plenty of opportunities for everyone with skill.
It’s exciting to learn something new! I am having the most fun I have had in a job. This is also the hardest work I have done in a long time. My head is constantly spinning as I learn new information daily. With photography, to apply that knowledge, practice is vital. I know that with practice comes experience and with experience comes proficiency.
Through different trials I am finding the types of photography that I enjoy. For now, that’s outdoor photography and real estate photography. Both intrigue and excite me.
I love the outdoors. I am not a huge fan of cold weather (26 years in Florida will spoil a person), but other than that, I am in my happy place when I am outside with my camera. Look for future blogs about my passion for capturing everything from bugs to trees to barns.
And yes, I did write that I am intrigued and excited by real estate photography. Believe it or not, shooting the inside of a home does that for me. There is something motivational about finding an artistic perspective in an otherwise basic room. When looking for a home, people notice its functionality. I want to reveal something special about that house so that what prospective buyers notice entices them to want to see the property in person. It is also meaningful to be a part of a momentous time in the lives of two families. For one I am recording their home, triggering memories they will take with them as they move on to their next adventure. For the other, I am capturing the endless possibilities that await them.
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.” – Leonardo daVinci
Here I am, a beginner, at an age when most people are thriving and mastering their chosen professions. But I was there already. I climbed the corporate ladder and excelled at my job. It’s now time to follow a dream and see where it takes me. One of my favorite anonymous quotes reminds us to listen to our heart.
So go ahead, give it a try and become a beginner again. You might just find you are good at something new.
And while you’re at it, let me know how you are doing and follow me along my new journey.
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