Comparison is Hurting Me
Comparison is Hurting Me
002 | Moving Away From Social
Hello friend, I pray this message finds you well.
🎵 comparison is killing me, I must confess I still believe (still believe)🎵
This week has been rather slow for business but rich in personal life. My wife’s sister and niece are visiting all the way from England! I’m so excited to have them here with us. I’ll be cramming in all of this work to make more time for family so please pardon me for the next few weeks.
Moving Away from Social 📝
This week, I’ve found myself comparing, and honestly, I don’t like it. I log on to Instagram and I notice that my photographic peers appear to be doing a lot more than I am. They have photoshoots. They are traveling. They appear to be living “the dream.”
I don’t want this to come off as complaining. I want my friends and peers to win. I tell them that. I praise the success of others because it proves what’s possible. I believe that there is enough work for all of us. So please don’t misunderstand.
Noticing this comparison has urged me to continue to reflect on the effect social media is having on us all. We know that it is (mostly) a highlight reel. Most people don’t show or talk about the hard work it takes to get where they are. We only see the finished product.
As someone who enjoys looking at and creating photography and art in general, I LOVE social media. It has allowed me to view and share great amounts of work. I can see work from artists all over the world with all skill levels.
I have been able to share my work with people I’ve never met. I’ve been able to meet, speak with, and create with people I probably would have never met without social media or the internet. I am beyond grateful.
However, in my slow business season, I find myself comparing. Why am I not booking shoots? What could I be doing differently? Is this it for me? These questions ring in my mind as I see my peers excelling in the craft.
I say all this to say that I want to move away from social as I know it into something more personal. I want to view it as it is, a highlight reel. I want to be able to appreciate the work without comparing my own. And I want to have honest and real conversations.
If you’re reading this, know that I appreciate you. I love you. I’m working on myself to not compare but to appreciate. If you’re feeling similar to the way I’m feeling, just know that it’s ok to feel what you’re feeling.
Don’t get trapped in the social media or comparison game. Acknowledge the feeling and move on. We have better things to do.
63lieve 🔗
Pride is the Devil - This song has been an anthem since it came out. I also thought it was fitting for the title of this week’s letter.
Royce Da 5’ 9 - One of the best rappers out of Detroit. Highly underrated. Straight bars every time he’s on the beat.
Love Letter to Photography - I’m on the email list of a photographer named Adam Ferguson and this week he sent out a love letter to photography. It made me reflect on my love of this art form. I thought you may enjoy it (even if you’re not a photographer.)
Captions | Speech to Text Adobe Premiere - If you create videos (and use captions) this is a great walkthrough on this great feature that is now available to Adobe Premiere editors FOR FREE!
Flower Power - Ashley Taylor Photography on Instagram posted this gem and it captured my soul. I thought you all might enjoy it as well.
Write Here Writing Prompts- If you’re interested in starting a writing habit, the folks at medium have put together a weekly post with 3 writing prompts.
My Wife and I started a YouTube Channel! We’ll be documenting our journey through marriage and would love it if you could check out our video and subscribe!
I started a series called Photo Tip Friday where I answer common photography questions.
I’m working on some video reels for my business. I’ve already sent these out to close friends but I haven’t advertised them on social media. So outside of my close photo friend group you guys are the first to see these. I would love to know your thoughts on them.
Bonus: I’m feeling quite generous and would love to gift someone on this list a photography print. All you have to do is reply to this email for a chance to win a signed photo print from me.
Have a Fantastic Week!
All the Best,
Larry G.