Creative Hustle
I’ve been a full-time special education high school math teacher for 17 years. This is my “day job” and although I enjoy it (even won Teacher of the Year for 2019/2020)— much of my brain is consumed with my passion for photography and constantly working towards the goal of being able to do it full time. I’m sure this is not an uncommon theme among artists: always trying to figure out how to live the dream full time.
In the classroom, I often tell my students that it doesn’t matter if you’re the smartest in the room, but how hard you’re willing to work at something to succeed. Students’ grades are more likely to be a result of their effort and determination than their pure “genius” ability. And I’m truly hoping that this idea will trickle over into my photography career and the level of success I can achieve. Considering the competitiveness of the field, the newest cell phone camera technology, and the fact that everyone now thinks they’re a photographer because of Instagram, I have to admit that I may never be the BEST photographer out there.
Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m a good photographer, maybe even approaching great, but I believe it’ll be my creativity and hustle that will help me stand out from the rest. My “Creative Hustle” mantra will help me get to a place of recognition, and this has proven true so far.
A little over 3 years ago, after I created my first website and printed some cute brochures, I was looking for a way to spread the word. So, I convinced a local grocery store manager to let me bag groceries on a busy Saturday morning (and as a mom and frequent shopper, I’m the best bagger around). I would introduce myself to the customers as I bagged their food and let them know I was throwing one of my brochures into their bags to check out later.
Around that same time, I noticed a lovely local hair salon that had very bare walls. After researching the owner, I emailed her to explain how I noticed how empty her walls seemed and that I’d love to talk to her about filling them with my photography. I was shocked to get an immediate response and we set up a meeting shortly after. Three years later and Michele Lawson and Hair & Co in Red Bank, NJ continue to be a place of support and collaboration for me.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on what strengths or habits can elevate someone as a professional photographer. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment below.
