If you’re floundering or doubting

If you’ve been following me for a while, or working with me, you’ll know that I am obsessed with personal work as a vital part of a photographers practice.

Not only because it’s a way to flex your creative muscles, push yourself harder and remind yourself why you did this in the first place.

But also because it’s your number 1 marketing tool.

So when this Email dropped into my inbox this morning from New York photographer Keith Barraclough, I called him, and asked if I could share it.

“Christina –

I have an interesting follow up on the power personal projects can have on one’s career.

I know you already know this but it’s always nice to hear of success stories, so thought you could share it – in case there are any doubters.

We have been inundated with emails since this article in The Guardian came out yesterday.

Many are from redheads who love the images and want to take part in the project but also from creatives and news outlets.

ABC News in Australia wants us to join them live on their morning show (via zoom) – we do plan on doing that. YOU Magazine in South Africa wants to write a story and a writer from the Sunday Times in Ireland wants to talk next week. And we’ve been invited to the Redhead Festival in the Netherlands.

Analytics on my website blew up yesterday. 4,551 people visited my site. Visitors came from all corners of the world. Maldives, South Africa, NZ, Australia, Europe, Africa, many Asian countries and of course many in the UK and Canada.

So there have been many, many eyes on my work.

That being said I remember you saying numerous times don’t publish your personal project or reach out to creatives until your website is up to the standards needed for success.

If I had ignored that and all these people saw a website half finished, with bad images and not a proper bio page I doubt anyone would want to hire me. And I would feel awful.

Best part is I have a large ad shoot coming up that is a direct result of the agency seeing the project – we’re taking personality shots of kids.

We’ve been working on this project for 11 years and it’s finally starting to pay off.

Sometimes good things come to those who are patient and are consistent in their approach.

A lot is due to your feedback and encouragement. So Thank You!

Best,

Keith”

This is one of many success stories that proves that making personal work and consistently sharing it can reap rewards, and get you the right commissions and collaborations..

So for you doubters, or flounderers, I hope this inspires you to keep going.

If you’d like to be considered for the mentoring program that Keith did, you can apply for an initial free call with me here We’ll get clear on your direction, identify the areas you need to work on and discuss next steps.