Pass It On
The thing I have come to recognize and greatly appreciate about blogging is it’s all about sharing – sharing information, sharing encouragement, sharing stories, sharing love…
I recently read an article from the series Women in Business in which Davina Fear interviewed wedding photographer extraordinaire Jasmine Star. In the article Davina posed the question to Jasmine of what was she most proud of as a business woman. Jasmine responded that she was most proud of sharing, that she is not afraid to share freely with other photographers — be it her ideas, belief or knowledge. She went on to explain how when she first started exploring photography she searched desperately for knowledge from those photographers that she revered and found it extremely hard to come by. She was determined that if she ever was blessed with an audience of readers that she would freely and readily give them the help that she had desired. Head over to Jasmine’s FAQ’s to gain more valuable knowledge from her.
To Give Is Better Than To Receive
I can relate with the difficulty that Jasmine encountered. When I was first becoming passionate about photography I came across several photographers — who I admired — that my sole desire was to learn from them. Just by being in their presence I knew that some of the mysteries of the craft would be revealed to me. Unfortunately I also met some that held the potential to crush my desire to learn and grow — who seemed afraid that I might somehow steal what knowledge they had worked so hard to acquire. Almost as if they considered me a threat. A part of me can see where they were coming from, but I still don’t agree with this mentality.
Many have the notion that parting with what they consider to be prized knowledge for free is not profitable. I completely disagree. If someone is willing to give out helpful and useful information to me for free, I am much more likely to trust their ability in teaching me something in a paid for workshop, pdf guide, online workshop, and so on. What it really boils down to is confidence and attitude. Someone with an attitude of helpfulness and sharing is my kind of person!
Thankfully, the internet has divulged many “secrets” to the world at large. There is so much we can learn through the networking and sharing that is occurring online right now. We can support each other and encourage one another instead of letting our personal fears hold us back and potentially stifle others.
Refining My Focus
Sharing… that’s what I love and that’s what I want to concentrate on with my future additions (I’m still trying to teach my daughter the merits of this concept 😉 ). Since Dream A Lil’ Dream’s inception my goal has always been to share content of value with others and blog about what makes me happy, excited and passionate. I have sought to “keep it real” and to never pretend to know more than I do, or to be someone I am not.
My Constant Blogging Goals
My goals for my blog are to continue posting tutorials and host others’ as well as do my own give-aways. I would also like to encourage more audience interaction by way of comments and polls. And most importantly, I want to make sure I continue to enjoy what I do on here.
Through The Lens Goals
Photographically I have several goals for myself. I want to get the camera out more to document our every day life because it is going by way too fast. I desperately need to print some photos and get them on our walls.
I want to push myself creatively by not only realizing a couple of personal photo projects I have envisioned but also participating in challenges, contests and the photo-blogging community at large. I need to keep learning more photography skills on a weekly basis. Possibly find others that want to form a photo club? And something I really need to do is update my portfolio and get some business cards made up.
Your Turn
I know I write about a variety of things on here.
Could you all do me a favor and provide some feedback?… I’m curious as to why others read my blog. What content do you enjoy the most?
If you blog – what do you have to share about your own experience?
Go on… share something and reach people that want to know… like me for instance. 🙂
GTD has helped me to realize that I can’t just:
* document our every day life
* print some photos
* update my portfolio
* make business cards
Each of those are actually projects that need to be broken down into smaller tasks.
In order to photowalk [more often – every day is grueling], I’d need to schedule time and find a place.
If I wanted to print my photos, I’d first need to sort through and pick my best/favorite ones. If I don’t, there’s an invisible mental block.
Along the same lines, I can’t update my portfolio. I can choose my best photos, then narrow that number even further. After that, where would I put my portfolio? What’s the purpose of the portfolio?
Making business cards is harder than it sounds. Before you design, you need to decide what you want to convey to others when they see it.
…
I read your blog because you’re a fellow photographer and friend. I like seeing your photos mature.
As for me, I need to write more. I get lots of questions from friends who look to me for advice, but I only respond via email. I need to dedicate time to share that information with everyone on my blog.
.-= Bryan Villarin´s last blog ..You Don’t Need This (EP) =-.
Very good photography. I continue to share your blog with others. You are doing a wonderful job, great stories, wonderful crafts. Sharing is what it is all about.
I read your blog to keep up with what you four are up to. My favorite parts of your blog are the photos and the tutorials/recipes, (I love things creative and handmade.)
And, regarding the business cards, sometimes it’s best to have someone else create something like this for you. I know I struggled with creating a logo and business cards for myself. Often a neutral 3rd party can be more objective. And, you can take it off YOUR to do list.
@Bryan: You are right, they might be easier to conquer if I consider them projects instead of “goals”. Also, look forward to more sharing of information from your blog.
@Heather: I think I’m gonna seriously look into someone on etsy doing the design work for me. Thanks for the suggestion.
I love the way you think. Sharing can only help enrich others as well as yourself. And Jasmine Star doesn’t just talk the talk she walks it to. I have had the opportunity to meet and hear her speak. Incredible woman who took the time to MEET people and talk as if you were the only one present.
I only hope I am willing to give like that.
Nicole I love your blogs and your willingness to share. If there is anything you need just ask.