Are your photos bad? Don't give up!

Many photographers doubt their work and their talent and question if they have any right to be a photographer at all. DON'T GIVE UP! I'm passing along tips on how to change your mindset to become a better, happier, photographer and it's backed by research done by Dr.Carol Dweck.
I read her book, Mindset, and distill her research into tips that can help every photographer become a long-time learner and a lifelong photographer.

Inspired by the book Mindset by Dr.Dweck
Video clips of kids from Storyblocks

[mooferoo]

I'm weird. I've been into wildlife photography for 16 or 17 years, have thousands and thousands of photos, but never shown a single one to anyone ever. Yet i'm happy when i'm doing it. I'm highly critical of myself to the point of being a perfectionist, and carry on learning. I just don't seem to need anything to do with the sharing side.

[tammylong]

This is a wonderful talk! I sometimes feel intimidated when trying to find photography tutorials on YouTube, mainly because so many tutorials are aimed at people intending to become a paid, professional photographer. I, on the other hand, picked up a camera when I had to retire from my profession due to health concerns. I want to learn as much as possible and make the best images I can simply because I love photography and enjoy learning and getting better, not because I hope to be paid for doing so. As a self-learner with my camera, half the fun is learning and trying to improve!

[robertvaughan]

Thankyou Chelsea I really appreciated this video. I have only ever done photography for my own mental health really. I just love wandering through the bush with my camera. I get a lot of energy from it. I have only recently started sharing my photos with friends and others. My father said along time ago you have to do this craft for yourself first and if others like it great if not it doesn't matter. If you're happy with it that's great if not try again.

[bryanandryszak]

Hi Chelsea. Your video is CLEAR, PASSIONATE, and INSPIRING! I’m retired (just before the pandemic kicked in), and as a nature-lover, I decided to get back into photography after putting it aside as a teenager due to cost (I had no money to get serious) and subsequent graduate school and career pursuits. Now, with the time and means to take advantage of such great strides in camera technology, and actually having some extra money to spend on it, I have resurrected my interest. I have NO interest in making money from my photo hobby, but wanted to tell you that this video, in particular, reinforces my desire to keep the ‘spark’ alive and work to improve my technique as well as joy in sharing my photos with family and friends. Thank you!

[adrianvanleeuwen]

Thanks for the growth mindset idea! I captured headshots and wedding photos. I wanted to do dance photos. I volunteered myself to a company to photograph a dance studio recital for free. Now I am being paid to do individual portrait series of 80 dancers at a dance studio a short time later. Growth mindset is learn by practicing so you feel comfortable and learn from mistakes, learn posing, composition, lighting and photoshop, then the opportunities come your way! Find your goal, figure out how to get there, then get it! Growth mindset. Never stop learning.

[DoubtMeTech]

This such an incredibly powerful video beyond just photography. I'm going to show this to my little brother, who isn't even interested in photography, because this is a very motivational piece of art that is so well said and can be applied to all aspects of life. Thank you for all that you guys do 🙏🙏

[iamthewonderer]

Thank you for the encouragement Chelsea!

[susancampbell]

Chelsea...EXACTLY what I needed to hear right now!!! Thank you SO SO much!!!

[smithcon]

I've definitely felt myself in a bit of a rut this year and questioning my accomplishments over the past 17 years as a photographer. Are you trying to make us feel better about being photographers? Because this is how you make us feel better about being photographers.

[wallybornmann]

I love this video. Yes, it's aimed at photographers but really it's aimed at everyone. Good for you! Thank you.

[NickYack]

This was a life lesson as much as a photography lesson. When I was going through school, I had the growth mindset. For whatever reason, I’ve lost it these last couple of years and have really been beating myself up over things. Mistakes are opportunities!

[joelh]

Thank You you and Tony for " How to Create Stunning Digital Photography" ! I know it been out for a while, but I just got around to getting a copy IT ! Thank You to you and family !

[giselesmith]

Thank you for this Chelsea! I had put down the camera for awhile thinking I needed more time to work on my photography. But now...I think I just need to try and enjoy the process rather than wait for the "right" moment. And yes, everyone needs to be kind as we are all learning and evolving (I hope) and need encouragement.

[joelr.dennstedt]

I love this solo video by you. You radiate such positive energy, always encouraging and prompting us to greater efforts.
My brother is the photographer, not I. I write. But listening to your generous words, I get inspired all over again.
Thank you!
Wonderful video.

[billbromer]

Thanks, great presentation. YES - we are all mixed. I love it when I get lucky and create a nice photo but I also take the not so great photos and figure out what went wrong. As a teacher, I tried to help students use a growth mindset but a growth mindset by itself only helps. We still need the work ethic to put in the practice time and the passion to help us through the tough times.

[TheCliffHanger]

Just did my first paid shoot… and I was experiencing this very thing. The timing on this was perfect. Thank you.

[danrickard]

You would be shocked at how many of your tips I have used, and I am still a lousy photographer. Even so, I still enjoy working hard to get better. I love photography. Every once in a while I get a great pic, and it excites me. I always want to take the next good pic, because it always surprises me how much fun I am having trying. Thanks for the encouragement! And please forgive the grammar and spelling. 65yo and still trying to be the best I can.

[curtwells]

Thanks Chelsea...wonderful talk. I very much appreciate your vulnerability and candidness. Keep doing what you do. Curt

[davidfoster]

Thank you Chelsea for this video. I’ve been shooting photography for about eleven years now. I still think I’m still learning. I don’t think I will never stop learning.

[amandaward-collins]

Thank you Chelsea! Wonderful video. I really appreciate this video right now. In fact, for every part of being a creative. This is really powerful.

I've always had a challenge calling myself anything as the playing field is so wide. I can work with the thought that I am creating something I love every day. 🥰
I love your work. Especially how raw and real you are!