The strength of help

2 February, 2023

It’s been mayhem the last week here in Auckland, New Zealand. From my home in the Titirangi hills, I can see dozens of landslides, some with houses teetering on the brink, outdoor furniture scattered down the hillside, tarmac snapped off as easily as a charcoal-coloured wafer.

At times it’s been terrifying, but thankfully we have been fine, helping provide neighbours with hot showers and cooked food, and keeping an eye on evacuated homes.

It’s disasters like this that bring the community together, and people are (often reluctantly) compelled to accept help.

According to recent research by Dr. Xuan Zhao from Stamford University, there are tons of reasons we find it hard to ask for help, but a major one is FEAR.

Fear of appearing weak, incompetent, of being rejected, or of burdening others.

If you struggle to ask for help or think you can go it alone, consider this:

The most successful photographers ask for help. All the time.

  • They know the value of a good team and input from others.
  • They love learning and they understand they can’t know everything.
  • They invest in people who can show them the way, rather than muddling through and getting lost.
  • And they often get there faster.

Have you ever thought how impossible it would be to produce a decent photoshoot without a great crew?

Hell, even one digi op or lighting assistant can make your life easier.

Asking for help isn’t something that should be limited to emergencies.

Getting help to negotiate a job, produce a shoot, make a personal project, or plan your marketing strategy can often prevent extreme situations in the long run.

So flip your mindset on asking for help, and instead consider the strength of collaboration, community, and the sense of belonging that can accompany this.

Today, I challenge you to ask for help.

Sending love and strength to everyone currently dealing with the floods and slips in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takatini.

(My strength is not as an individual but the work of many / the collective.)