Let’s tackle the 5 must-know mindset shifts that send you speeding forward and opening doors to editors, without the overwhelm, confidence-crushing second guessing and time-wasting worry about the “right” move to make next.
Limiting beliefs. We all have them. These are the ideas that rear up and tell us why we can’t do something. Sometimes they’re so subtle we don’t even realize they’re there. For creatives, they’re especially pesky. Whether it’s doubts about our technical skills, our ability to create something meaningful, or if we should dare to dream big, these beliefs can hold us back. They can even be little whispers that tell us we simply don’t have the time or resources to pull off what we’re dreaming up.
Today, we’re talking about must-know mindset shifts that will catapult you forward in your conservation photography journey. These shifts will help you open doors to editors without the overwhelm, without confidence-crushing second-guessing, and without time-wasting worry about the right next move. Let’s dive in.
1. “I’m Not a Good Enough Photographer Yet”
One of the most common limiting beliefs is thinking you’re not good enough yet. More often than not, you are good enough, but you might be seeking perfection in your photos. Remember, perfection stands in the way of progress. While it’s important to take well-crafted images that nail composition and draw viewers in, what’s even more crucial is understanding how to tell stories through photographs.
Storytelling is the heart of conservation photography. It’s more important to recognize storytelling moments and to combine images in a way that builds a narrative. Susan Mikkel Haney, editor of Ranger Rick magazine, once said, “There are people out there with huge reputations but do not have the slightest idea of what a story is. They make pretty pictures, but they can’t frame it. It’s just a pile of pictures that can be put in any order.”
To get started, find one image in your collection that sparked a conversation. This could be online or in person. Think about what will change for you when you consistently create photographs that cause someone to pause and think.
2. “You Need to Have an ‘In’ with Editors”
Another limiting belief is thinking you need connections to get your work published. While connections can help, they aren’t necessary to get started. Making connections is part of the adventure. When I transitioned from online editing and writing to freelance photography, I started from scratch. I didn’t have connections, but I had confidence in my story ideas and a step-by-step process to overcome the jitters of making new connections.
One of my students used this process to reach out to an editor she’d never met. The editor, who had been in the business for 25 years, called her pitch one of the best he’d ever seen. Your story idea can do the networking for you.
Make a list of five publications you’d love to be featured in, find the names and emails of the editors, and write them down. This exercise will help you start building connections in your mind and give you confidence when you’re ready to pitch.
3. “Photographing an Entire Story is Daunting”
The idea that you need to travel far to find stories worth publishing is a major limiting belief. Amazing stories are happening everywhere, from rural towns to urban backyards. You don’t need to travel to find them. The most critical part of a powerful story is how it’s told, not where it’s located.
One of my students found a story right outside her front door. She discovered a flock of wild turkeys in her apartment complex and turned it into a story about coexistence. This piece was published on Audubon’s website within four months of her enrollment in my course.
To uncover stories in your area, hold a post-it party. Write down every idea that comes to mind and rearrange them over a few days. You’ll see which stories resonate with you the most and can start from there.
4. “I Have a Full-Time Job, So I Don’t Have Time”
Balancing a full-time job and pursuing photography can feel impossible, but many successful conservation photographers aren’t doing this full-time either. They work on their stories in the in-between hours, on weekends, or during vacations.
Clay Bolt is a perfect example. He has accomplished incredible things, like getting the rusty-patched bumblebee on the endangered species list and rediscovering Wallace’s giant bee. All this while working a full-time job at WWF. He finds time to work on his photography in his spare time.
To tackle this limiting belief, look for hidden time in your schedule. Can you carve out an extra hour or two per week? Maybe wake up extra early on a weekend or use evening time to work on your stories.
5. “You Have to Travel to Find the Stories Editors Want”
Believe it or not, the best stories are often right in your own backyard. Engaging, visually compelling stories are happening everywhere, from city parks to suburban backyards. You don’t need to travel far to find them.
One of my workshop groups found an incredible story in Monterey, California, a place well-photographed but still full of untapped narratives. They focused on the connection between land management practices and sea otter populations. By highlighting how human activities on land affected the coastal ecosystem and its wildlife, they crafted a unique and impactful story.
The students photographed various aspects of this relationship, from the work of local conservationists to the behavior of sea otters in their natural habitat. They documented the challenges and successes of efforts to maintain a healthy environment for these beloved marine animals. The story was published, and the students received rave reviews from the editor for their insightful and beautifully composed images.
Steps to Finding Local Stories
1. Research Local Environmental Issues
Start by researching the environmental issues affecting your community. This can be done through online searches, local news, or even social media. Look for topics like pollution, habitat destruction, invasive species, or conservation initiatives.
2. Engage with the Community
Attend local environmental events, volunteer with conservation groups, and network with people who are involved in environmental work. This will not only provide you with story ideas but also help you build relationships that can be valuable for your storytelling.
3. Observe and Document
Spend time observing and documenting the natural world around you. Pay attention to the details and look for patterns or behaviors that tell a story. This could be the migration of birds, the lifecycle of plants, or the impact of urbanization on local wildlife.
4. Interview Local Experts
Speak with local experts such as biologists, conservationists, and community leaders. Their insights can provide depth to your story and help you understand the broader context of the issues you are documenting.
5. Focus on Solutions
While it’s important to highlight problems, focusing on solutions can make your story more impactful and inspiring. Document the efforts of individuals and groups who are working to make a positive change in your community.
Conclusion
By shifting your mindset and breaking down these limiting beliefs, you can move forward confidently in your conservation photography journey. Here’s a quick recap of the steps:
- Acknowledge a Conversation-Sparking Image: Find an image that has sparked a conversation and think about how you can create more of these.
- Group Images Together: Practice creating stories from your existing images.
- Discover Stories in Your Neighborhood: Use the post-it party exercise to brainstorm local story ideas.
- Curate a List of Publications and Editors: Make a list of potential publications and editor contacts.
- Discover Hidden Time: Look for lost time in your schedule to dedicate to photography.
These steps will help you build a foundation for successfully creating and publishing conservation photo stories. Remember, it’s all about storytelling and using your images to make an impact. Happy shooting!
