Choosing Yourself: The Path to Authentic Photography

Robert Rodriguez Jr / Issue No. 53 / Aug 19th, 2024

Hello Reader,

I hope you're doing well!

During a recent coaching session, a student shared an observation that made me smile. He mentioned that in many of the gift shops he visited at several national parks, he saw numerous photographs for sale that, while technically well-executed, all looked strikingly similar. He wondered whether his own images of the same places had something more to say, something beyond the postcard look of the photos he had seen.

I smiled because I’ve had the same thought many times, especially early in my career. I also wondered what those images contained that mine didn’t, and how I could create photographs worthy of being shown in a gallery and offered for sale. What would I need to do to have my images rise to the level of being among the “chosen” few?

Of course, the first part of the answer is to make images that resonate with others. Simple enough in principle, but exceedingly difficult to define and accomplish. Yet, perhaps we make it harder than it needs to be. For instance, another comment he made deeply resonated with me: he wasn’t looking for accolades or recognition, but was simply trying to do his best at what he was most passionate about.

Why is this important? Because I believe the key to finding your voice is to create the kinds of images you’d make if they were never going to be judged or criticized. To make photographs driven by intrinsic motivation. And I don’t just mean going out with your camera; I’m talking about the freedom and confidence to follow your curiosity, no matter how “unconventional” your images may be.

Sadly, we are often driven by external factors, such as what others will say and think about our images, or how they compare to the work of others. Learning to compete with yourself, and only yourself, is one of the best things you can do to clarify your vision and accelerate your growth. It’s the only thing I focus on in my own work.

Am I doing the best I can right now, and am I learning anything that will help me improve in the future?

For me, that’s what truly matters, and it’s what keeps me excited, even after 18 years as a full-time photographer. (In fairness, teaching is the other thing that motivates me, but for similar reasons—the satisfaction that comes from helping others.)

The second part of the answer to being “chosen” is this: Don’t wait to be chosen—choose yourself. The only real difference between the photographers whose work is sold in gift shops and those who believe their work could be there is the confidence to take that step. It’s the difference between waiting for the opportunity and seizing it.

If you’re starting out and learning the craft, focus on that. Improving and learning should always be the your priority. And if you’re perfectly happy making images for yourself and just sharing them with family or close friends, that's perfectly fine as well.

But if you feel the desire to do more, such as sharing your work online, or in a gift shop or local gallery, then don’t wait for it to happen somehow—make it happen. If you've put in the time, others will notice and you'll grow from the experience.

So, to summarize, don’t compete with others; it’s the surest way to lose your motivation and sabotage your creative energy. And don't be afraid to share your work, only you can be you, everyone else is taken.

From the Blog

​The iPhone As A Serious Camera​
​In my recent blog post, I share my my journey from using the iPhone for quick snapshots to using it as a serious camera capable of making large format prints. There's also a great discussion happening in the comments, so I'd love to get your feedback as well! Read More...​

Composition Mastery

It's SO easy to include things in your frame simply because it feels like they'll add to the strength of your composition. But, always ask yourself if your center of interest—the real reason you pressed the shutter button—is clearly conveyed in the image. Never stop asking that question until the answer is totally clear and unambiguous.

Lightroom Masterclass

This 5-week course is delivered live on Zoom, providing interactive sessions that allow for interaction between myself and students. This creates an engaging and effective learning experience that is similar to the hands-on approach of my field workshops—now you can enjoy that from your own home.

The masterclass starts Thursday Sep 5th, with updated days and times:

• Thursdays from 7-8:30pm
• Saturdays from 11-12:30pm

The introductory cost is $299 and is limited to 10 students. I hope you can join me and take your Lightroom editing skills to the next level, regardless of your experience.

➡ Read More Details and Reserve Your Spot!​

Questions, comments, feedback? Please reply and share your thoughts, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks for reading!

Robert :)

PS - I’m working on a whole new project that’s going to enable me to help you achieve greater clarity and progress in your photography. It's called the "Creative Path Academy." Stay tuned for more info coming soon!