January 18, 2006 | Down in a Hole
I'm feeling kind of down, internet.
This is the thing. My job, the one that pays the bills, is kind of not fulfilling at the moment. So it occurred to me, that maybe I should try and promote something else I like doing, like the photography, and see where that goes.
But I have this issue about tooting one's own horn = bad, because it's like bragging. And I seem to remember from childhood that you're not supposed to brag about stuff. Despite those feelings, I decided to try selling prints, and then I opened up another Cafe Press shop, because what the heck.
Since then, I've done more thinking and decided that maybe promoting yourself really isn't such a bad thing, because how else are people going to figure it out unless you tell them? Duh.
But it's hard for me to do, because I'm just not very good at putting myself out there. Also, I've possibly started out doing it the wrong way. Because the selling of the prints and the opening of the other shop? It hasn't gone so well. Maybe I tried the self promotion thing too soon? Or maybe I was expecting results too soon? Or maybe I shouldn't be trying it AT ALL because my stuff simply isn't that good. At a time when so many people own a camera, how are my photos any different than anything else out there?
Hello? Downward spiral? My name's Whitney. Nice to meet you.
I hate to get all 'woe is me' on you, but that's how I'm doing lately. How're you?
Don't give up...promote yourself & brag! You have great stuff.
I was just layed off from my company. Not good. But I am using my art to get me through, while I search for another job to pay the bills...for now.
Follow your dreams! to quote Disney!
looks like you've got some fans out here Whitney. success doesn't unfold over night, and your photos are special, because YOU took them. those are images that YOU saw and took action to get out your camera and take. I've got a camera or two,and I hardly ever use them. what you call bragging, I don't call bragging. your simply SHARING with others. and you enjoy it. doesn't everyone want a job they enjoy? wouldn't we be a happier Earth if we all took our talents and shared them, and enjoyed what we do? even if you decide not to chase after this "dream" (for lack of better word) it seems your "fans" here on the internet enjoy your talents and thank you for sharing with us. I know I do.
chin up, your good, you know it, don't hind yourself away in a job that feels safe, yet unfulfilling. "Live, Fight, Win!" -the incrediables
I LOVE you pictures - I just really suck on execution (aka, actually mailing you a check for the red shoes print) and can't get into my email to get your address now. So please, I hope that wasn't discouraging. That was just Wendy the Flake.
And, I think promoting yourself = marketing rather than bragging. Marketing is "here is what I have and the benefits of it" vs. "here is what I have and it's better than yours". Anyway.
Again, I LOVE your site. It's one of my all-time favorites.
Hi,
I just wanted to say that I also really enjoy your work and think that you speak for a lot of us out there. We all have fears of not suceeding and by that I mean not selling one print. But you have taken the extra step by putting yourself and your work out there. I believe that you have captured the art of macro Photography and that soon your luck will change and you will become very successful! Good Luck in your Journey and once again I highly admire your work. Remember: "There is always a rainbow at the end of the storm."
I've got myself a camera, but my photos don't look anything like yours! Keep it up.
Everyone, thanks so much for your comments and encouragement. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.
Gwen, I just added the 'ugly green chair' photo to the shutterfly gallery I set up. :)
http://www.shutterfly.com/pro/whitneybee/UGC
Whitney~
I enjoy your photography and words very much. I often visit your blog in hopes there is a new photo to view as well as words to read. I am a photographer myself. It has taken me awhile and A LOT of convincing from family, friends and others for me to even call myself that. I practically was pushed into doing my first photography show at a local cafe. I was so nervous about it but it was nice to see my photographs hanging on a wall for all to see. Talk about self-promotion. I think you should do something you love. You love photography so continue to do it. There are many people who will help to promote you, so you won't have to do it all yourself. Word of mouth has been the best way of getting buyers and clients for me. Please do stick with the idea of doing something with your photography. You will enjoy it. As far as bragging, I know it's hard, I am the same way, but I am sure that you know several people daily who would do it for you...get them to write it down...post it here, post it everywhere. I plan on buying some of your prints myself and I look forward to seeing more of your work. Don't have the "Ugly Green Chair" photo up for sale do you? :) I didn't mean to rattle on, but I don't know you and I believe in you. Keep your hopes up and your dreams in sight!
i love your work! and you're very talented :o) just spread the word around some more and everything will be all right.
i LOVE your work. there are many who will if you give yourself a chance and some time to let the news spread :)
Thanks, peeps.
I'm feeling a bit better today. I'm blaming some of this on PMS, but this isn't the first time I've felt like this regarding my photos. I think it's helped to write it down though, and now I can work through it.
You're stuff is lovely. Maybe have a gallery show and get your name out there? Good luck.
toot away, whitney! you are so talented :) and there is nothing wrong with some self-promotion. there's a lotta people out there so if you want to stand out i guess you'd need to figure out what you want to do, then make a plan to do it.
(love those t-shirts btw. i will be back on payday *g*)
I hear you on the whole "tooting of the horn" thing - but each of us has a toot that sounds like no other toot (tee-hee!). while you may think that everyone with a digital camera can photograph the world in a compelling way, the way you see things could be the way that others wish to see. and so by tooting your horn, selling your prints, striving for fulfillment outside of the office, you may reach people that you don't even know are out there. persistence and positive thinking pay off.
how am I? I'm currently in a state of deep thought. and so your post hit me at a time of wordiness and I thought I'd put my 2 cents in. :)
keep striving - you have an audience. it may just taking a little bit louder tooting for them to respond :) hehehe
You may be expecting results too soon - you probably need a more consistent, persistent effort.
But, if I may make a practical suggestion re: selling prints. As far as I can tell, the only way to find them is to go back through your archives day-by-day. Which is okay if you post a cool pic today that I must have. Except, what if one were to be moving to a new groovy pad and wanted to check out something to put on her walls in future? Not easy to navigate that way. So maybe a thumbnail page (maybe also categorized by content type - landscape, people, nature, etc.) would be useful. With a big fucking BUY ME button next to them :)
Keep trying! You do have something special in the way you photograph the world. Do not ever give up but you may want to ask other photographers that you admire to give you some advice. :) Cindy
Dreams are hard to come by, it is a sin to waste them by thinking self defeating thoughts. While they may not always come true you MUST believe they will for them to even hava a chance to live.