Take a leaf out of these amazing womens’ books

Last week I was excited to be invited to lots of photography events to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Attending exhibitions, artist talks and panels, I was reminded of the huge percentage of successful commercial female photographers who have somehow managed to keep shooting whilst carrying much, much more in their lives.

Facing extreme physical and mental health issues in their children, caring for elderly parents, or simply juggling a multitude of tasks whilst being (or feeling like) a solo mum are just a few of the topics which came up, and on top of this, dealing with their own health issues which (lucky us!) only women have. Pregnancy & birth complications, hysterectomy surgery, endometriosis, menopause…the list goes on. Uugh! Who’d be a woman?!!!

What struck me was that throughout their challenges photography did NOT get in the way.

It actually SAVED them.

Without the ability to capture, create, witness, reveal, share, escape, educate and all the other reasons a person takes photographs, some women felt they simply would not have gotten through some of the darkest times in their lives.

How powerful is that?

In one of the panel discussions photographers were asked ‘How do you deal with those boring commercial jobs which don’t excite you?’

And every single one of them said they there’s always something to enjoy, whether it’s connecting with and getting to know strangers, collaborating with their team, or seeing the opportunities to make something better once the brief has been met.

That is such an important attitude and one that can make or break a photographer’s career.

Do you love what you do? Do you see the possibilities and thank your lucky stars that you have a career in something which allows you to escape from the pressures of life, and express your creativity, especially when the sh*t is hitting the fan?

If not, take a leaf out of these amazing womens’ books. Talent will get you part way there, but attitude and mindset will sort out the rest.