It can be very difficult to contain one’s excitement when something that they love to do is noticed by others. The amateur photographer seeking to expand their knowledge and abilities through opportunities that stretch their comfort zone can easily become enthusiastically overwhelmed. It does not have to be this way however.
How does one handle exciting opportunities and great news associated with their photography? The first thing to consider is how that excitement can be translated in to motivation. Some are provided an opportunity and immediately think to themselves, “What I have I done? I’m not capable of doing this.”
Still others go out immediately and attempt to meet the new opportunity head on. “I have been given this assignment and I’m going to go right out and TAKE the moment!” These extremes can actually lead to disappointment in the end. Under estimating and over estimating one’s ability to complete the tasks associated with a new opportunity can ruin that moment all together for everyone involved.
Instead, why not calm down. Take 24 hours and let the good news about that new opportunity settle. Then sit down with pen and paper in hand and draw out what you know about the new venture.
Think through the requirements that you will need to adhere to and then map an immediate direction to accomplish what needs to be finished. Opportunities abound for those up and coming in the photographic world. The needs of those requiring the services of a well rounded photographer are found in every aspect of life.
Show them that you can not only professionally handle the assignment they asked you to complete, but that you can complete their assignment in a calm and orderly fashion. Communication is key, but in order to properly communicate both sides in an opportunity must be listening. Listening, and the actual hearing associated with it, can easily be lost when one is focused on the excitement that surrounds an opportunity and not focused on the assignment associated with the opportunity.
Decide now how you will approach new things photographically by way of assignment that will stretch your comfort zone. Ask yourself, “How will I handle the good news that leads me to a new major assignment in the photo industry?” Then determine that you will be “calm, cool, and collected” through the whole process. Yes, allow yourself to be motivated by the excitement, but always remember that at the root of motivation is a well ordered path to success.
Here is an exercise for you. If National Geographic called you up out of the “clear blue” and said, “We have selected you to go on a photographic assignment to Italy for us.” How might you respond to the request? Handling hypothetical’s might help you understand your reaction. Take a little time to determine the how’s and what’s if you were posed with this opportunity.
